Leeann Atherton, originally of South Carolina, came to Austin on vacation from Nashville ten years ago. She has been living and performing in the Austin area ever since. tier voice is beyond boundaries, warm with a mellow southern charm and perfectly matched with the songs of Michael Stevenson. Mike was raised in San Antonio, immersed in the rich musical heritage of Texas. From dance halls to ~milyjams, he developed a fondness for the traditions of the Texas sound ~lly embracing it in his writing. Leeann fi~ met Mike in an Austin roadhouse where she was performing. After the show he offered her his tape. Leeann said she couldn't resist his smiling eyes or the beautiiully written songs that she had been unknowingly waiting to wrap her voice around.

The porch pickin' began and the calls to a handftil of ~vorite musicians including guitaristi producer Rich Brotherton were made. The ultimate band with Rich Brotherton at the helm, "Lady Liberty" unfolds like a Sunday drive down the highways of the heart~ Timeless and steeped in Texicana, the original songs familiar as they are fresh, shine as a bright spot on the ever-changing landscape of American roots music. This immensely talented group of guest arti~ adds depth, variety, and texture. "Lady Liberty" reflects the spirit of the community from which it emerges from sunny celebrations of home and ~mily to complex, ethereal ballads. Relaxed, smooth melodies swing with cleverly layered lyrical insights. Each song is a potent expression, capturing the creative spirit unique to Austin.
Leeann sang her way through college in South

How it all started...

Leeann sang her way through college in South Carolina where she was nominated Beach Music Vocalist of the Year along with Candi Staton and Delbert McClinton.

Leaving South Carolina for Nashville, her roommates Ray Kennedy (Twang Town) and Bruce Bouton (Skaggs) show her the ropes, and she later auditions with the likes of EmmyLou Harris and Gail Davies.

Moving on to national tours with Lee Greenwood, she signs with Wrensong Publishing.

Touring Europe with her own band follows, and Leeann records her first, yet unreleased CD at Brian Aheam's with Albert Lee, Fred Tackett, david Lindley.

Making her way to Austin to pursue her own songwriting, Leeann receives first place award in Austin Songwriter Group and voted several times "Newfolker" at Kerrville Folk Fest. She opens for Willis Alan Ramsey.

Established in Austin's music scene, Leeann continues her day job at Austin Chronicle and raising her two sons, Austin and Mason.

Recording her first CD "Only Glory" at Willie's the release receives national recognition and she leaves her day job after a friend/blues goddess, Karen Tyler, introduces her to Mike Stevenson.

They are signed with Steppin' Stone Records and selected Rich Brotherton (Robert Earl Keen) as "Lady Liberty" producer, with special recording appearances including Dave Heath, "Frosty", "Scrappy" Judd Newcomb, Champ Mood, Darcie Deaville, Bryan Shaw and a special duet with her personal friend and inspiration, Toni Price.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PERPORMANCE UPDATES:
Laatherton@aol.com or Ieeannatherton@hotmail.com

Steppin' Stone Records
P.O. Box 650138
Austin, TX 78765
512.445.8898
WWW.STEPPINSTONERECORDS.COM

Local Flavor
305-B East 5th Street
Austin, TX 78701
512.472.7773
WWW.AUSTINMETRO.COM