Jolene

by Jason AnkenyAlt-country combo Jolene was formed in early 1995 by singer/guitarist John Crooke and lead guitarist Dave Burris, first cousins born and raised in tiny Wingate, NC. Bassist Mike Mitschele and drummer Mike Kenerley completed the original lineup, which within months of forming recorded its debut LP Hell's Half Acre for Memphis' legendary Ardent Records; upon signing to Sire, Jolene resurfaced in 1998 with In the Gloaming, expanding to a five-piece with the addition of multi-instrumentalist Rodney Lanier. Antic Ocean followed two years later.