Lang, K.D. (1961–)
Lang, K.D. (1961–)
Canadian pop and country-music singer. Born Kathryn Dawn Lang on Nov 2, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; dau. of Adam Frederick Lang (pharmacist) and Audrey Lang (teacher); attended Red Deer College.
Known for outspoken political views and androgynous aesthetic, 1st toured with band The Reclines throughout Canada (1982–84); released largely ignored 1st album A Truly Western Experience (1984) on local label; signed with Sire Records and came to prominence covering Roy Orbison's "Crying" (1987); recorded Shadowlands (1988), paying homage to country's leading women and featuring guest appearances by Loretta Lynn, Kitty Wells and Brenda Lee; won Best Female Country Vocal Performance Grammy for Absolute Torch and Twang (1989); made acting debut with Percy Adlon film Salmonberries (1991); expanded into other musical genres, recording double platinum pop-inspired album Ingenue (1992), which earned a Grammy; came out as a lesbian in interview with The Advocate (1992), one of the 1st openly gay pop icons; continued creating sultry dance-pop music with All You Can Eat (1995), as well as ballads for album Drag and romantic Brazilian surf-pop music in Invincible Summer (2000).
See also Victoria Starr, K.D. Lang: All You Get Is Me (1994).