Exene (1956–)
Exene (1956–)
American musician, singer, songwriter and poet. Name variations: Christine Cervenkova, Exene Cervenka, X, Auntie Christ, The Knitters, Original Sinners. Born Christine Cervenkova, Feb 2, 1956, in Chicago, IL; m. John Doe (musician and actor), 1977 (div. 1987); m. Viggo Mortensen (actor), 1987 (div. 1997); children: (2nd m.) 1 son, Henry Mortensen (b. 1988).
Joined John Doe in punk band, X (1977), writing lyrics and singing harmonies; with group, released acclaimed albums, Los Angeles (1980) and Wild Gift (1981), which showed rockabilly and country influences; gave spoken-word performances and (with Lydia Lunch) released book of poetry, Adulterers Anonymous (1982); released spoken-word albums, Twin Sisters (with Wanda Coleman, 1985), and Surface to Air Serpents (1995); formed country music group, Knitters, performing live and releasing album, Poor Little Critter On the Road (1985); appeared in films Salvation! (1987) and Floundering (1994); released solo albums Old Wives' Tales (1989) and Running Sacred (1990); founded punk group, Auntie Christ (1996), performing as singer and guitarist, and released album, Life Could Be a Dream (1997); with a reunited X, released album Freedom Is … (2000); founded rock group, Original Sinners, and released eponymous album (2002). Other X albums include Ain't Love Grand (1985), See How We Are (1987) and Hey Zeus! (1993).