Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Lone Justice - Sweet Sweet Baby (I'm Falling)
David Geffen won the bidding war in the mid '80s to nab the country-tinged LA band Lone Justice and their self-titled debut came out to much hype. Everyone was fixated on the blonde singer, Maria McKee, whose voice was often compared to both Dolly Parton and Janis Joplin as the songs went from bluesy to hillbilly with a solid foundation in rock.
Record sales didn't meet expectations despite being overwhelmingly loved by critics, fans, and musicians alike. Lone Justice found themselves being asked to open for Willie Nelson, The Clash, Tom Petty and even U2 during the "Unforgetable Fire" tour.. Petty even covered their first single "Ways to be Wicked" which can be found in his box set Playback.
Later McKee would release several solo albums which were all quite good but only "Show Me Heaven" from the Days of Thunder soundtrack got her the attention of radio and MTV that she and the band deserved. That video is after the jump.