Beth McKee

Beth McKee is a singer and songwriter who hails from Jackson, Mississippi, but grew up all over the American South. She plays piano, organ, and accordion as well. Her music is deeply influenced by and steeped in the region's rich musical heritage from blues and R&B to Cajun, rock & roll, zydeco, and soul. Her debut album, I'm That Way, was released in 2010. It showcased her abilities as a singer and instrumentalist. Comprised entirely of songs by Louisiana legend Bobby Charles, the self-released album was distributed by the veteran independent Burnside Records. McKee displayed an uncommon affinity for the material, perhaps due to her big, open-hearted, absolutely honest voice, and won audiences over while touring. By turns, her sophomore effort, Next to Nowhere, was a completely self-penned collection. Encouraged by her husband, drummer Juan Perez, McKee enlisted a group of friends and family as backing players (including guitarist Tommy Malone of the Subdudes) and released the set herself in early 2012. It garnered positive reviews nationally, and received considerable radio play on AAA and satellite radio.