Lavender Country

Formed in Seattle, Washington in 1972, Lavender Country was the first openly gay band on the country music scene. Founded by Patrick Haggerty (vocals, guitar), Robert Hammerstrom (guitar), Michael Carr (keyboards), and Eve Morris (violin), the group’s self-titled debut album was released by the Gay Community Social Services of Seattle in 1973. Funded by activist Faygele Ben-Miriam, the self-titled release’s original pressing of one thousand copies became an instant cult release and collector’s item. However, after several years of performing live at various events across the US, Lavender Country split up in 1976 without releasing any further recordings. After the group’s break-up, Patrick Haggerty spent time in politics and gay activism while also performing as a member of Doug Stevens & the Outband (2001-2003) Pearl River (2003), and duo The Landlord Tenant Act. After a critically acclaimed 1999 reissue of their 1973 debut album, Patrick Haggerty reformed Lavender Country in 2000. In 2012, the song "Cryin' These Cocksucking Tears" was included on the compilation Strong Love: Songs of Gay Liberation 1972-1981 and introduced the band to a new audience. Lavender Country released their second album, Blackberry Rose and Other Songs and Sorrows from Lavender Country, in 2019, which was 46 years after the release of their debut. On October 31, 2022, Patrick Haggerty died of a stroke at the age of 78.