Poison Ivy (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Poison Ivy
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Poison Ivy performing in 2005
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Kristy Marlana Wallace |
| Also known as | Poison Ivy, Poison Ivy Rorschach |
| Born | February 20, 1953 San Bernardino, California, U.S. |
| Genres |
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| Instruments | Guitar, bass, theremin, vocals |
| Years active | 1976–2009 |
| Associated acts | The Cramps |
Kristy Marlana Wallace, born on February 20, 1953, is famous as Poison Ivy. She is also known as Poison Ivy Rorschach. She is an American guitarist, songwriter, and music producer. Poison Ivy helped start the rock band The Cramps. She also sang on some of their songs.
Early Life
Kristy Wallace was born in San Bernardino, California. She grew up near Sacramento. In 1972, while studying at Sacramento State College, she met Lux Interior. He would later become the singer for The Cramps.
Music Career
In 1974, Kristy and Lux moved to Akron, Ohio. Then they moved to New York City. In 1976, they started their band, The Cramps. This was during the rise of punk rock music.
The Cramps became known for their unique sound. Their music was inspired by rockabilly. They also had very energetic live shows. Poison Ivy, Lux, and other band members released many records. They performed live until 2006. The band gained many fans around the world. They were especially popular in Europe.
Throughout The Cramps' time together, Poison Ivy wrote all their original songs with Lux Interior. She also arranged the music for songs they covered. She produced or co-produced many of their albums and singles. Poison Ivy sang on two songs: "Kizmiaz" and "Get Off the Road." She also played an instrument called the theremin on later records.
Other artists have performed songs written by Poison Ivy and Lux Interior. These songs include "Human Fly." This song has been covered by bands like Sinful Lilly and Nouvelle Vague. Another popular song is "New Kind of Kick." This song was covered by The Jesus and Mary Chain and Muse. "Thee Most Exalted Potentate of Love" was also covered by Queens of the Stone Age.
Guitars and Gear
Early in her career, Poison Ivy used a clear Dan Armstrong guitar. She also used a special Bill Lewis guitar from Canada. You can hear this guitar on the first Cramps recordings. After 1985, she mostly played a 1958 Gretsch 6120 hollow-body guitar. For live shows, she used Fender Pro Reverb amplifiers. In the studio, she used smaller Valco and Allen amps.
Personal Life
Poison Ivy and Lux Interior were married for 37 years. Lux Interior passed away on February 4, 2009. Poison Ivy lives in Glendale, California.
See also
In Spanish: Poison Ivy (guitarrista) para niños
