Dolly Parton: “it makes me so happy that after all of these years they are still Lone Justice with Maria, the greatest girl singer any band could ever have. ”
If I could have controlled the outcome of the 80s…Maria McKee and Lone Justice would have been huge. She is one of my favorite singers of that decade. I had friends listening to more commercial music…while I was stuck on Maria.
Lone Justice had all the potential in the world, but ended up more of a cautionary tale. They had a charismatic lead singer with Maria McKee, a big time producer in Jimmy Iovine, the backing of a major label and contributions from Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Little Steven, and many more. The problem is none of these people knew what to do with their blend of classic country and punk leaving Lone Justice to wither on the vine. One problem is that Geffen just was not patient enough.
Lone Justice was formed in 1982 and played rockabilly and country music as part of the cowpunk scene.
After signing with Geffen, the band recorded their debut album, and hit the road, opening for U2. They hype was in overdrive and the pressure was on.
The critics loved the album but it didn’t sell well. I first noticed them with the song Ways To Be Wicked that was written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell. I personally thought that one would hit the top ten…I was wrong yet again. The album could not meet the expectations of all of the hype and failed to connect with a rock audience.
For their 2nd album, a new lineup was thrown together. Their album Shelter was released in November of 1986 and saw the newly assembled group shift away from its rockabilly sound to a more polished pop sound, with synthesizers and drum machines. I will admit I didn’t like this as much as the debut album. The band broke up not too long after this album.
Shelter peaked at #47 in the Billboard 100 and #26 in the Mainstream Rock Tracks.
In 2014 This Is Lone Justice: The Vaught Tapes, 1983 was released…this was pre-Geffen recordings with old country, traditional, and a few originals. I will be posting something from that collection.
Dolly Parton on Lone Justice and Maria McKee:
I have loved Lone Justice and Maria McKee since they first started out as a group. I remember going to see them at The Music Machine in Los Angeles in 1984. I was so impressed that I told everybody about them and encouraged different management people to manage them. I remember that different management groups and record labels wanted to break the group up and record the band and Maria as separate acts. And I remember hearing that they did not want to separate. No matter what might have gone on in the years between, it makes me so happy that after all of these years they are still Lone Justice with Maria, the greatest girl singer any band could ever have. Maria has such charisma and stage presence. I love her voice and her vocal style as well as the way the plays that big ol’ guitar and how she looks while she is playing it. I especially love this new CD. It has some of my favorite old songs on it and some new favorites that I’ve never heard. Hope you enjoy Lone Justice everybody…I know I will.
Respectfully and musically yours.
Dolly Parton
Shelter
Well all right you gave it all up for a dream
Fate proved unkind
To lock the door and leave no key
You’re unsure
Well baby I’m scared too
When the world crushes you
[Chorus]
Let me be you’re shelter shelter
From the storm outside
Let me be your shelter shelter
From the endless tide
Disillusion has an edge so sharp
It tears at your soul
And leaves a stain upon your heart
I need you to wash mine clean
You’ve felt it too
And you need me
[Chorus]
Your struggle with darkness has left you blind
I’ll light the fire in your eyes
[Chorus]
Your struggle with darkness has left you blind
I’ll light the fire in your eyes
[Chorus]
Let me be your shelter shelter shelter shelter shelter
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