Lori Black (born April 9, 1954), also known as Lorax, is an American musician born in Santa Monica, California. She played bass for Clown Alley and for the sludge metal band Melvins. Her father was the businessman Charles Alden Black and her mother was Shirley Temple, the popular 1930s child actress who became a diplomat in adulthood.

Early life

Lori Black was born on April 9, 1954, at Santa Monica Hospital in Santa Monica, California. She is the second child of businessman Charles Black and Shirley Temple. She has a half sister, Susan, and a brother, Charles Alden Black Jr.

Melvins

With grunge pioneers Melvins on hiatus since late 1987, bassist Matt Lukin left the band to form Mudhoney. The Melvins replaced him with Lori Black. At the time, Melvins frontman Buzz Osborne was dating Black, and the idea developed to have her play bass for the band. The first recording to feature Black's work was 1989's Ozma. Black is also credited with playing on the band's major label debut Houdini in 1993, though Osborne has said Black did not play on it.

Discography

with Melvins

with Clown Alley