Lone Justice
| Lone Justice | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Genres | Country rock, roots rock, cowpunk, rockabilly |
| Years active | 1982–1986 |
| Labels | Geffen |
| Associated acts | Maria McKee |
| Past members |
Maria McKee Ryan Hedgecock Marvin Etzioni Don Heffington Tony Gilkyson |
Lone Justice was an American country rock band formed in 1982 by guitarist Ryan Hedgecock and singer Maria McKee.
They began their career as part of the L.A. cowpunk scene of the 1980s. Lone Justice was inspired by Hedgecock and McKee's shared affection for rockabilly and country music. The group started out as a strict cover band, but the additions of veteran bassist Marvin Etzioni and Don Heffington, a former drummer in Emmylou Harris's Hot Band, prompted them to compose their own material., Their early recordings can be described as a fusion of country and punk rock, with rockabilly elements. But by the time of their first album, the band had begun to incorporate elements of roots rock and singer-songwriter styles. Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was a frequent guest musician at their live shows.
Lone Justice became a popular attraction and a local LA favorite. Rock journalist Stann Findelle noticed and wrote about Maria McKee in Performance Magazine where Findelle reported that the band "stole the show" at the Whisky A Go Go from purported headliner Arthur Lee, who was attempting a comeback that night, but left after two songs. With the help of Linda Ronstadt, they were signed to Geffen Records and were soon called the "next big thing".
Their self-titled debut appeared in 1985, followed by a tour in support of U2. Still, despite good press and media hype—Jimmy Guterman, then a critic at Rolling Stone, included it in his list of the best albums ever made—Lone Justice failed to sell; produced by the band's manager, Jimmy Iovine, it failed to connect with country or rock audiences. Even with radio-friendly singles like "Sweet, Sweet Baby" and "Ways To Be Wicked" (written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell), the album didn't meet commercial expectations. Regardless, the Pazz & Jop Critics Poll for 1985 ranked it No. 24.
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