Kate Pierson

Kate Pierson
Pierson performing with the B-52s in 2009
Background information
Birth nameCatherine Elizabeth Pierson
Born (1948-04-27) April 27, 1948
Weehawken, New Jersey, U.S.
GenresRock, new wave
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • keyboards
  • guitar
  • bass
  • percussion
Years active1976–present
Labels
Member ofThe B-52's
Formerly ofNiNa

Catherine Elizabeth Pierson (born April 27, 1948) 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.

In February 2015, Pierson released her first solo album, Guitars and Microphones, featuring material co-written by Sia. 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.