
Kay Hanley
Born:September 11, 1968
Place of Birth:Dorchester, Massachusetts, USA
Known For:Acting
Biography
Kay Hanley, a multifaceted artist with a captivating voice, made her mark in the music industry as the lead singer of the Boston-based alternative rock band Letters to Cleo. The band garnered praise for their distinctive sound and released three acclaimed albums during the 1990s, showcasing Hanley's powerful vocals on hits like "Awake" and "Here and Now." Following a 16-year hiatus, Letters To Cleo reunited in 2016, delighting fans with new music and embarking on successful tours across the United States.
In addition to her music career, Kay Hanley ventured into the realm of television and film, showcasing her songwriting prowess and vocal talents. She contributed to the soundtracks of various projects, including writing songs for WB's animated series "Generation O" and providing the singing voice for Rachael Leigh Cook's character in Universal Pictures' "Josie and the Pussycats." Hanley's cover versions of iconic songs like Nick Lowe's "Cruel to be Kind" and Cheap Trick's "I Want You To Want Me" in Touchstone Pictures' "10 Things I Hate About You" further highlighted her versatility as an artist.
Hanley's creative endeavors extended beyond music and into the world of animated television, where she earned a Peabody Award for her exceptional songwriting on popular shows like Disney Junior's "Vampirina" and Dreamworks' "Harvey Street Kids." Her contributions to the music industry also include advocacy work as the co-executive director of Songwriters Of North America (SONA), a non-profit organization dedicated to championing the rights of songwriters in an evolving music landscape.
Recognized for her commitment to supporting fellow songwriters, Kay Hanley was appointed to represent songwriters on the Mechanical Licensing Collective, where she served as the vice-chair of the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee. Her dedication to protecting the value of songs and advocating for the creative community solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the music industry.
In 2016, Kay Hanley made a memorable guest appearance on NBC's "Parks and Recreation," where she performed at the fictional Pawnee/Eagleton Unity Concert, showcasing her musical talents to a wider audience. With her distinctive voice and songwriting skills, Hanley continues to captivate listeners and make a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, both on and off the stage.
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