Lisa LaRue grew up in Topeka, Kansas, but now resides in her native Oklahoma. She is a tribal member of the federally-recognized United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. A composer and keyboardist, LaRue became the first female artist signed to the Sound of American Records label (SOAR - Natural Visions sublabel. Her debut release was titled "Beloved Tribal Women," produced by Will Alexander (keyboard tech to Keith Emerson, Herbie Hancock, and many other great keyboard players). The CD also received accolades for being a first in combining art with music. The CD booklet featured 14 paintings by the most awarded female Native American artist in the world, Joan Hill. The idea was, "A picture paints a thousand words," so naturally, the music was instrumental, letting the art inspire the listener. The next release was "Children's Songs in the Cherokee Language," for which she received 2 NAMMY nominations (Native American Music Awards). The third release was a collaboration with Muscogee (Creek) flutist/guitarist John 'Yafke' Timothy titled "That Ol' Sofkee Spoon." Most recently, Lisa LaRue was awarded the 2008 Oklahoma Music Awards' "Native American Artist of the Year."