Kate Pierson | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Catherine Elizabeth Pierson |
Born | Weehawken, New Jersey, U.S. | April 27, 1948
Genres | Rock, new wave |
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Instruments |
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Years active | 1979–present |
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Member of | The B-52's |
Formerly of | NiNa |
Catherine Elizabeth Pierson (born April 27, 1948)[1] is an American singer, lyricist, and founding member of the B-52s. She plays guitar, bass and various keyboard instruments. In the early years, as well as being a vocalist, Pierson was the main keyboard player and performed on a keyboard bass during live shows and on many of the band's recordings, taking on a role usually filled by a bass guitar player, which differentiated the band from their contemporaries. This, along with Pierson's distinctive wide-ranging singing voice, remains a trademark of the B-52s' unique sound. Pierson has also collaborated with many other artists including the Ramones, Iggy Pop and R.E.M. Pierson possesses a mezzo-soprano vocal range.
In February 2015, Pierson released her first solo album, Guitars and Microphones, featuring material co-written by Sia.[2] She later released the non-album single "Better Not Sting the Bee", and then she released an April 16, 2016 cover of "Venus" as a single. Side B included "Radio In Bed" written by Kate and her wife Monica Coleman. Both tracks were produced by Jack White.