Judy and Mary

Biography

Judy and Mary (often stylized as JUDY AND MARY) was a Japanese rock band formed in 1991 in Japan by bassist Yoshihito Onda and vocalist Yuki, with drummer Kohta Igarashi and guitarist Taiji Fujimoto completing the lineup in 1992. Guitarist Takuya replaced Taiji the following year. The band is known for their innovative punk, rock, and pop meldings of noisy but melodic music in the 1990s.

History

In 1992, Judy and Mary released an album and accompanying video, Be Ambitious×BE AMBITIOUSApril 1992 · EPSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 6 tracks1GLAMOUR PUNKS3:192JUDY IS A PUNK ROCKER3:033POWER OF LOVE4:184MAKE UP ONE'S MIND2:095GET PISSED DESTROY3:026BLUE TEARS3:12, on the independent Chainsaw Records label. The band was soon signed by Epic/Sony Records and released their first major label single, "Power of Love×POWER OF LOVE22 September 1993 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracks1POWER OF LOVE4:462MAKE UP ONE'S MIND2:52", in 1993. The band's major label debut album, J.A.M, was released in 1994. Judy and Mary quickly became one of the most popular bands in Japan. Their song "Sobakasu" was used as the first opening theme for the anime television series Rurouni Kenshin, and sold over a million copies.
Judy and Mary released seven original albums, three compilation albums (through 2006) and twenty-two singles. The band dissolved in March 2001.
Yuki is now enjoying a successful solo career as YUKI. Takuya is also currently a solo artist. Onda joined the band Hot Rod Crue, but since 2008 has been a member, along with Igarashi, of the band Zamza.
A tribute album was released in 2009, with artists such as Tamio Okuda and Halcali covering Judy and Mary's major hits.

Members

Past members
Yuki (ユキ) = Yuki Isoya (磯谷 有希, Isoya Yuki; born February 17, 1972 in Hokkaido) - vocalist, lyricist
Yoshihito Onda (恩田 快人, Onda Yoshihito; born December 13, 1963 in Hyogo) - bassist, composer
Takuya (タクヤ) = Takuya Asanuma (浅沼 拓也, Asanuma Takuya; born September 9, 1971 in Kyoto) - guitarist, lyricist, composer
Kohta Igarashi (五十嵐 公太, Igarashi Kōta; born January 17, 1963 in Kanagawa) - drums, composer
Taiji Fujimoto (藤本 泰司, Fujimoto Taiji) - guitarist

Books/Publications

Jam Book (March 15, 1996)
Yuki Girly Rock -yuki biography- (1997)
Yuki Girly Swing -yuki autobiography & diary- (1997)
Yuki Girly Folk -yuki bio- (2000)
Yuki Girly Boogie -yuki autobio- (2000)
Yuki Girly Wave -yuki bio- (2004)
Yuki Girly Tree -yuki autobio) (2004)
What's In Jam-Pack (memorial compilation of 'What's In' magazine articles)