Kate Pierson

About Kate Pierson

Catherine Elizabeth Pierson is an American singer and lyricist. She is a founding member of the B-52s, along with late guitarist Ricky Wilson (1953–1985), vocalist and songwriter Cindy Wilson, drummer and percussionist Keith Strickland, and lead vocalist Fred Schneider. 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. Pierson possesses a mezzo-soprano vocal range.