The Rounder Girls

Formation and Early Years (1993–1999)

The Rounder Girls are an Austrian soul group that formed in 1993 in Vienna. The trio’s members came from three different countries. Each of them brought a rich musical background. Christine “Tini” Kainrath is a singer from Vienna, Austria, who spent years in a rock theater ensemble before co-founding the group. Kim Cooper, originally from New York in the United States, had a background as a dancer. She even became known as a 1990s dance music diva before joining the trio. Lynne Kieran was born in London in 1960. Kieran was a British vocalist with classical training who played keyboards. She added a gospel flair to the group. The three women came together through their shared love of soul, gospel, and blues. They combined their powerful voices to form an unmistakable harmony.

Throughout the 1990s they honed their craft performing in Vienna’s clubs and festivals. Soon they were touring across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, occasionally even visiting the United States. By 1999, their growing reputation led to a feature documentary film, The Rounder Girls.

Eurovision 2000 and Breakthrough

In 2000, The Rounder Girls represented Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2000 in Stockholm. They performed the soulful, 1960s-inspired song “All To You” as Austria’s entry, appearing last on the contest’s final night. Their performance earned them a 14th place finish out of 24 contestants. This Eurovision 2000 appearance boosted the group’s profile beyond Austria, introducing European audiences to their blend of gospel, soul, and pop. However, Eurovision was just one chapter in their journey. After the contest, The Rounder Girls continued to record music and appear onstage. They were solidifying their status as a beloved Austrian vocal trio rather than a one-hit contest act.

Albums and Major Performances in the 2000s

Following Eurovision, The Rounder Girls released several albums. They maintained a busy performance schedule. Their discography spans the late 1990s and 2000s, ranging from their 1996 debut The Rounder Girls Live to later studio albums like Love the Skin You’re In (2005) and a pair of themed releases titled Men (2010) and Women (2012). The group’s music showcased their versatility in soul, blues, and gospel, and often carried empowering messages.

Over the years, they graced notable stages across Europe. A highlight was their performance at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in 2004. That’s where their powerful vocal harmonies impressed an international jazz audience. In 2009, The Rounder Girls also teamed up with fellow Austrian act Global Kryner (another Eurovision alum from 2005) for a special crossover project and live shows. At home, they frequently appeared at festivals, charity events, and special concerts.

Later Years and Lynne Kieran’s Legacy

By the early 2010s, after two decades of performing together, The Rounder Girls had cemented their status as an iconic Austrian soul trio. In late 2012, they released what would be their final album, Women. Tragically, on December 8, 2013, Lynne Kieran passed away suddenly at the age of 53. Her unexpected death shocked fans and the music community, as it came shortly after a concert the trio had performed together.

Following Lynne’s passing, the remaining members did not continue the group, effectively bringing The Rounder Girls’ active career to a close. In the aftermath, tributes poured in for Lynne’s soulful voice and warm personality. Tini Kainrath and Kim Cooper remained active in music through solo projects and collaborations.