Jump to content

Lone Justice

From Alfawiki
Lone Justice
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1982 in Los Angeles, United States
FounderRyan Hedgecock, Maria McKee
Defunct1987
Headquarters
Los Angeles
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, singles

Lone Justice was a country rock ensemble from the United States, formed in 1982 in Los Angeles by guitarist Ryan Hedgecock and vocalist Maria McKee. The group produced two studio albums: Lone Justice (1985) and Shelter (1986), before dissolving in 1987.

Formation and Early Years

Originating within the 1980s L.A. cowpunk movement, Lone Justice was fueled by Hedgecock and McKee's mutual enthusiasm for rockabilly and country music. They began as a cover group but soon transitioned to writing original songs after incorporating bassist David Harrington and drummer Don Willens.[1] In 1983, Marvin Etzioni replaced Harrington on bass.[1] By the following year, Don Heffington had taken over drumming duties from Willens.[2] Their musical style blended elements of country, punk, and rockabilly, eventually maturing into roots rock with notable singer-songwriter qualities by their debut release. Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers often contributed during live performances.[3] Early in their career, Dolly Parton expressed admiration for McKee’s vocal talent.[4]

The band quickly gained recognition within the Los Angeles music circuit. Music journalist Stann Findelle highlighted their impressive set at the Whisky a Go Go, which outshone headliner Arthur Lee.[5] Stylist Genny Schorr introduced the band to Linda Ronstadt, who then recommended them to David Geffen, facilitating their contract with Geffen Records.[6]

Their debut album, self-titled Lone Justice, was released in 1985 and supported by a tour opening for U2.[7] Tony Gilkyson joined as touring guitarist but departed in 1986.[8] Produced by Jimmy Iovine, the album earned critical acclaim including compliments from Rolling Stone reviewer Jimmy Guterman.[9] It placed No. 24 on The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop Critics Poll in 1985,[10] yet it did not achieve significant commercial success among either country or rock audiences.[11] The extensive pre-release hype raised expectations that the record ultimately did not fulfill.[12] Singles such as "Sweet, Sweet Baby (I'm Falling)" and "Ways To Be Wicked" failed to chart strongly.

Subsequent Period

After their debut, Etzioni and Heffington exited the lineup. McKee and Hedgecock reassembled Lone Justice with new members: guitarist Shane Fontayne, bassist Gregg Sutton, drummer Rudy Richman, and keyboardist Bruce Brody (formerly of Patti Smith Group).[13] Their sophomore album Shelter, co-produced by Steve Van Zandt along with Iovine and the band itself, showcased a transition toward a slicker 1980s pop/rock sound featuring synthesizers and drum machines. Although it peaked lower than its predecessor at No. 65 on US charts,[14] its title track reached No. 26 on the Rock Singles chart and No. 47 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Conclusion and Aftermath

Within a year of releasing Shelter, McKee dissolved Lone Justice in 1987 to embark on a solo career.[15] Don Heffington pursued work as a session drummer; Marvin Etzioni recorded under the moniker "the Mandolin Man." Rudy Richman joined British rock group The Quireboys from 1992 to 1993, contributing to their album Bitter Sweet & Twisted. Shane Fontayne toured with Bruce Springsteen, supporting his Lucky Town and Human Touch projects.[16] Ryan Hedgecock resurfaced in 1996 as part of the duo Parlor James.[17]

A retrospective collection titled This World Is Not My Home, featuring early demo recordings, was released in January 1999.[18] Universal Music issued an affordable compilation as part of its 20th Century Masters series in 2003. Their live rendition of "Sweet, Sweet Baby (I'm Falling)" from 1985 was included on BBC Video's The Old Grey Whistle Test Vol. 3 DVD released in 2004.[19] From 2014 through 2019, Omnivore Recordings published three archival albums containing demo and live recordings dating back to 1983.[20]

Drummer Don Heffington passed away from leukemia in March 2021 at age seventy.[21] Bassist Gregg Sutton died on October 22, 2023, at seventy-four years old.[22]

Singles

Year Track Chart Rankings Album
USR US AUS UK
1985 "Sweet, Sweet Baby (I'm Falling)" — 73 — — Lone Justice
"Ways to Be Wicked" 29 71 — 77
1986 "Shelter" 26 47 38 108 Shelter
1987 "I Found Love" — — — 45
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named WTLN
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named spin
  3. ↑ https://www.classicrockhistory.com/complete-list-of-lone-justice-albums-and-songs/
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named vaught
  5. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  6. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  7. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named nightflight
  9. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named pazz_85
  11. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Robbins4
  13. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Pareles
  14. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  15. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  16. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  17. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  18. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  19. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  20. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  21. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  22. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Lone_Justice&oldid=80700"