California native Kendall Payne grew up loving show tunes and open mic nights at local clubs. Inspired by the women she saw performing, Payne started writing and playing her own songs at 15; after one show, she met with producer Ron Ainello, who introduced her to record label executives. She also played the 1998 Lilith Festival and released her debut album, Jordan's Sister, in 1999 on Capitol Records. ~ Heather Phares