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Sugarcane Jane, led by Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee from Loxley, Alabama — has been America's sweethearts from Alabama's Gulf Coast for over a decade. Between them, they have amassed a rich musical heritage working with such notables as Neil Young, Steve Winwood, and Dwight Yoakam. Comparable to Shovels & Rope or The Wood Brothers, their music is melodic and direct, rooted in country and rock, and anchored by their sweet and soulful harmonies.
Knowing the couple's roots is essential in understanding the foundation of their incredible story. Anthony's musical career has led him all over the world, beginning at Opryland at the age of eighteen to performing at the Grand Ole Opry with Roy Acuff, to being on tour with Sonny James, Neil Young (The Shocking Pinks, The International Harvesters, The Electric Band), Steve Winwood (Roll With It Tour), Vince Gill, and Dwight Yoakam. He's had appearances on Hee Haw, Austin City Limits, Live Aid, Farm Aid, Showtime, the Late Show with David Letterman, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Today Show, Grammy Awards Show, made music videos (Wonderin'-Neil Young, Gone-Dwight Yoakam), been in movies (Heart of Gold-Neil Young, Neil Young Trunk Show, Blackhawk DVD). He performed on stage with Paul McCartney and Neil Young at Hyde Park. He took the cover photo for Neil Young's Chrome Dreams II album. His
songs have been recorded by Steve Winwood, Dwight Yoakam, Kenny Rogers, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lorrie Morgan, Billy Burnett, Sawyer Brown, and others. He has earned an impressive double platinum, platinum, and six gold albums (Vince Gill, Neil Young, Steve Winwood, Dwight Yoakam, Rosanne Cash,
Lorrie Morgan) for his contributions to rock and country luminaries.
"One of the liveliest, most engaging Americana CDs you'll likely hear this or any year."
~ Vintage Guitar Magazine
The last decade has been an intricate part of Anthony's ultimate direction. After marrying musical partner Savana Lee and settling in the rural southern Alabama town of Loxley, a new perspective has emerged in their songwriting and touring life. They have grown a loyal following and an all-American brand of music completely original and homegrown, rooted in a southern spirit of the deep South.
“An album that deserves to be at the top of critics' lists" - The Washington Times
Sugarcane Jane's latest album, On a Mission, released March 1, 2024, by Admiral Bean Records, is highly anticipated and rightly so. This eleven-song joy ride traverses several root genres (rock, country, gospel) while consistently delivering the melodic rhythms and harmonies we have all grown to love. Their love for each other is evident
throughout, with hints of struggle yet perseverance. Uplifting and inspiring, these two
are undoubtedly "On a Mission.” We are all the fortunate recipients of their incredible
gifts.
"Bottom line: One of the best duos since Johnny and June" ~ Nancy Dunham, The
Washington Times
Lolly Lee is not just a singer; she's a multi-instrumentalist musical icon from Birmingham, Alabama. Her journey, filled with ups and downs, resonates with many, making her a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists. At 63 years young, after countless shows, bands, kids, marriage, loss, rebirth, Lolly proves to be a survivor, not just of herself but of her dreams. Her soul. Her destiny. With every note she sings, Lolly Lee continues to etch her legacy in the annals of Birmingham's rich musical history and beyond.
Lolly's musical prowess led her to join the rock band, The Mortals consisting of Rick Kurtz, Lolly Lee, Don Tinsley, Bruce Crain, Mike Matos and Marcelle Nichols. They played regularly in the early 1980s at the Old Town Music Hall where they grew their die hard following. As lead vocalist, Lolly's voice, a blend of power and emotion, commanded attention with the wispiness of Stevie Nicks mixed ever so gently with the heart of Joni Mitchell and the reckless abandon of Lucinda Williams became the band's signature sound. She later transitioned to the role of a rhythm guitarist and co-vocalist with the band Split the Dark.
Split the Dark, a rock band active in Birmingham and around the southeast during the 1980's started out as the Calton Phillips Group, named for founders Tommy Calton (guitar) and Marc Phillips (keyboard and vocals), long-time friends who had been members of Hotel and other well known groups dating back to the late 1960s. Another Hotel alumnus, Eddie Usher played bass guitar and Steve Sample, Jr played drums. This transition showcased her versatility as an artist, proving that she was not just a singer but a complete musician. However, as life would have it, Lolly took a hiatus from the band to embrace the joys of motherhood.
The years she was not in the public eye, Lolly was proving to be a gifted songwriter, documenting her experiences of love, life, and living in rural Alabama. After losing her longtime husband Jeff Stern in 2023, Lolly turned her grief into songs, finishing out what would ultimately be her long-awaited, highly anticipated debut album. Lolly recruited long time friend and Neil Young guitarist/producer Anthony Crawford as her co-pilot to record, mix, and master the albumand vocalist Savana Lee, Crawford’s wife and bandmate in Sugarcane Jane, to add another female perspective to the songs. The result was magical.
This debut album undeniably puts Lolly Lee into the driver's seat of unknown legends and Anthony Crawford riding shotgun as producer to watch. Recorded at renowned Admiral Bean Studio, released on February 23, 2024 with colored vinyl coming out in April. She has attracted the admiration of many with her producer's old bandmate, Ralph Molina of Neil Young's Crazy Horse band calling her “An underestimated-underdog-real-deal-rock-and-roll artist coming out of nowhere from the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama”.
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Flora-Bama Lounge & Package, 17401 Perdido Key Drive,Pensacola,FL,United States, Orange Beach
