Lone Justice

A roots rock band that took Los Angeles by storm in the 1980s, Lone Justice made their name with an energetic fusion of country twang and rock & roll stomp. The group was fronted by Maria McKee, a vocalist whose ability to blend country purity with rock & roll passion earned her endorsements from the likes of Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton. Their debut album, 1985's Lone Justice, showed off the band's talent and McKee's voice, and "Ways to Be Wicked" and "Sweet, Sweet Baby (I'm Falling)" were minor hits. By the time the group issued their second LP, 1986's Shelter, McKee was the only original member left, and the album explored elements of heartland rock and '80s alternative rock. Years after Lone Justice's breakup, 2024's Viva Lone Justice was compiled from demos the band recorded with McKee in the early '90s, offering a truer portrait of their original style.