Coretta Scott is an American rock band from Spokane, Washington.
History
Coretta Scott was formed in 2003 in Spokane, Washington. The band originally performed under the name "The Widow Jenkins" before changing to Coretta Scott. According to the band, the name change occurred after receiving a legal notice from another group also called The Widow Jenkins. The name "Coretta Scott" was chosen because the members felt it had a certain "ring" to it and was a name that "demands respect and dignity," referencing Coretta Scott King, the civil rights activist and wife of Martin Luther King Jr.
The band was associated with the screamo and post-hardcore movements of the mid-2000s but often rejected the "emo" label. In interviews and in their song "Fashionably Depressed," they encouraged listeners to "remember what it was like to be happy and just love music." The band was known for extensive touring, listing over 300 shows on their official website.
Members
Final lineup:
- Preston Thomason – guitar
- Ben Emery – bass
- Mike McClung – drums
- Joshua Albright – guitar, vocals
Past members:
- Seth Woodward – vocals
- Shayne Swenson – guitar
- Aaron Posey
Discography
Scream & Shout (2005)
After signing to Rise Records, the band released their debut album, Scream & Shout, in August 2005. The album reached the number one spot for most hits on the PureVolume charts, surpassing major label acts such as Fall Out Boy, Taking Back Sunday, and Emery. The album received positive reviews from publications including OutBurn magazine and Alternative Press. Absolutepunk.net described the band as having "a gift for writing catchy tunes that won't leave your head for days."
Red Delicious (2007)
Original vocalist Seth Woodward left the band to focus on his side project Paper Mache, leaving Coretta Scott as a four-piece with Joshua Albright taking over vocal duties and Preston Thomason as the sole guitarist. The EP Red Delicious was released in spring 2007, featuring a more stripped-down, raw sound. It received mostly favorable reviews, though some listeners were confused by the stylistic change.
Inactivity
The band has been inactive since 2007, with only sporadic shows occurring in the following years. After the band's hiatus, Preston Thomason continued with other musical projects including Striking Back and London Get Down. Joshua Albright moved to Los Angeles and joined the band Kaura.
