The Coyote Sisters: The Story of Boston's Underrated Pop-Rock Trio
Formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1980, The Coyote Sisters emerged as one of the more distinctive female acts of the early decade. The trio consisted of Leah Kunkel, the younger sister of the legendary Cass Elliot of The Mamas and the Papas; the talented Marty Gwinn Townsend; and the versatile Renée Armand. Together, they blended pop-rock sensibilities with alternative, experimental, and indie rock influences, creating a sound that stood apart from the mainstream trends dominating radio at the time.
Their journey began with an initial signing to the prestigious Geffen Records, a relationship that lasted until 1982. They subsequently found a new home with Morocco Records, a subsidiary of the iconic Motown label, which would prove to be the launchpad for their most recognized work. In 1984, they released their self-titled debut album, The Coyote Sisters, a record that showcased their harmonious vocal chemistry and genre-blending ambitions. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by David J. Holman at his celebrated studio in Laurel Canyon, a location synonymous with California's rich musical heritage.
The debut album's lead single, Straight from the Heart (Into Your Life), became their defining commercial moment, climbing to number 66 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reaching an impressive number 16 on the Adult Contemporary chart, where the band's warm harmonies and polished pop sensibility resonated most strongly with listeners. A follow-up single, I've Got a Radio, further demonstrated their Adult Contemporary appeal, peaking at number 39 on that same chart. Though broader mainstream success proved elusive, these achievements highlighted a group capable of crafting genuinely compelling, radio-friendly music.
The production of their debut was a collaborative and richly textured affair. Working alongside co-producer Roger Paglia, Holman assembled an impressive roster of session musicians, including guitarist Tony Berg, synthesizer maestros Michael Boddicker and Holman himself, and the powerhouse horn section of Jack Mack and the Heart Attack Horns. Saxophonist Phil Kenzie delivered a memorable solo on the track Anybody's Angel, adding another layer of sophistication to an already carefully crafted record.
After the mid-1980s, The Coyote Sisters faded from the public eye, yet their story did not end there. In a move that surprised many, the group made an unexpected return to the music industry in 2001, this time as a duo following the departure of Renée Armand. Remarkably, Armand remained connected to the project, co-writing one song on their comeback album, Women and Other Visions, released through Wannadate Records. The album demonstrated that Kunkel and Townsend still possessed the creative spark that had first brought them together two decades earlier.
In 2003, the group took a forward-thinking step by signing a distribution deal with BBN Music in cooperation with Wannadate Records, making their entire catalog available on CD and through emerging online platforms. This move ensured that both The Coyote Sisters and Women and Other Visions could reach new generations of listeners. Though their commercial peak may have been brief, The Coyote Sisters leave behind a legacy that speaks to the power of musical authenticity, the courage of reinvention, and the enduring bonds forged through a shared love of harmony and song.