Concrete Blonde Facts
Concrete Blonde: The Resilient Alternative Rock Band With 21st Century Appeal
Concrete Blonde is an alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California that has been around since the early 80s. They are known for their eclectic mix of punk rock, folk, blues, and rockabilly. The band is headed by the talented Johnette Napolitano, who handles both vocals and bass guitar. With her distinctive voice, impressive songwriting skills and a strong personality, Johnette is the face of the band. This article explores Concrete Blonde’s history, Johnette’s personal life, her journey as a performer, and the band’s top songs, and net worth.
Table of Contents
Johnette Napolitano: The Enigmatic Front-woman of Concrete Blonde
Born in Hollywood, California in 1957, Johnette Napolitano grew up in a musical family. Her father was a classical bass player who encouraged her to explore her musical inclinations. Johnette started playing bass guitar at a young age, inspired by her father, and went on to study art at the University of California, Irvine. Music remained her true passion, and she eventually quit art school to pursue music full-time.
Relationships and Personal Life
Johnette was married to James Mankey, the guitarist of Concrete Blonde, from 1987 to 1992. The couple separated but continued working together in the band until it disbanded in 1995. Johnette has been open about her struggles with addiction and depression. Her music has been one of the ways she has been able to channel her emotions healthily.
Career
Johnette Napolitano formed Concrete Blonde in the early 80s with James Mankey and Harry Rushakoff and released their self-titled debut album in 1986. The album featured their breakthrough hit, “Still in Hollywood,” that took the alternative music scene by storm. They followed up with the critically acclaimed album, “Free,” in 1989, featuring hit singles “God is a Bullet” and “Joey.” The latter has since become the band’s signature tune and is an all-time fan favorite.
Concrete Blonde continued to produce music consistently through the 90s, with albums such as “Bloodletting,” “Mexican Moon,” and “Group Therapy.” In 1995, the band went on an indefinite hiatus but reunited in 2001 with a brand new line-up.
They released their last studio album, “Mojave” in 2004 and embarked on a farewell tour that spanned the United States and Europe. Johnette has also released solo albums and has worked on various collaborative projects with other musicians. Her solo album “Sketchbook Series,” released in 2017, features stripped-back acoustic renditions of some of her best-loved Concrete Blonde songs.
Top Songs
Concrete Blonde has produced a plethora of excellent songs throughout their storied career. In addition to the mega-hit “Joey,” some of their other notable tracks include “God is a Bullet,” “Still in Hollywood,” “Bloodletting (The Vampire Song),” “Caroline,” and “Mexican Moon.” These songs have received extensive radio airplay and continue to be beloved by fans worldwide to date.
Net Worth
The band members’ individual net worth can only be estimated as Concrete Blonde has been on hiatus, and no new music has been released. However, Johnette Napolitano’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, indicating a successful career in music.
Conclusion
Concrete Blonde remains an iconic alternative rock band, even decades after their heyday. Johnette Napolitano’s distinctive voice and creative spirit continue to inspire fans worldwide. Though the band may be on an indefinite break, their music lives on, and their place in the annals of rock history is secure.
