Jolene

Jolene was an alternative rock band based in North Carolina, often described as alt-country. Members Dave Burris - guitar, backing vocals, keyboards John Crooke - lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, percussion Mike Kennerly - drums, percussion Rodney Lanier - keyboards, pedal steel guitar Mike Mitschele - bass guitar, bass synth, programming History After discovering a cassette copy of R.E.M.'s Fables of the Reconstruction, John Crooke was inspired to form a band with his cousin Dave Burris, and two long-time friends, Mike Kennerly and Mike Mitschele. After touring for six months, Jolene was spotted at a show in Nashville and signed to Memphis-based independent label Ardent Records, where they recorded their debut LP, Hell's Half Acre, released in 1996. Jolene signed with the major label Sire Records eighteen months later. With Sire, they released their second LP In The Gloaming in 1998. The band expanded to a five-piece during this time, with the addition of multi-instrumentalist Rodney Lanier.