ABSTRACT
Beth McKee’s music career focused on Southern or Swamp Roots music, inclusive of Zydeco, Blues, Soul, Country, Rock, and Americana musical genres. Performing in Austin, Texas, during the 1980s, she began to shape a musical vision for herself, recalling that she was surrounded by “women musicians everywhere” (Ryan, 2012). She performed for several years in New Orleans, with a nationally renowned musical group called Evangeline, and as an opening act for Jimmy Buffet. When the group disbanded, she moved to Orlando, Florida, taking creative control of both her music and her career. Her album Louisiana Roots was recorded in 1999 after her relocation to Florida, showcasing Zydeco accordion, solo vocals, and Latin-influenced rhythms. Percussionist Juan Perez contributed the Latin rhythmic influence unifying McKee’s life and musical partnerships as her husband and frequent musical co-creative leader. In 2009, McKee released I’m That Way, an album of songs by Bobby Charles finding herself fortified both by the CD’s commercial success, and Charles’ endorsement of the album. In 2012, she recorded Next to Nowhere, an album of original songs chronicling her career renewal.
