Kane majored in women's studies at Palomar Community College. She continued to write songs and discovered the brash blues stylings of Big Maybelle, Ruth Brown, Big Mama Thornton, Etta James and Bessie Smith. In 1991, she self-released "Burlesque Swing," her first recording since "A Town South of Bakersfield." In 1992, she was signed by Clifford Antone to a record deal with Antones Records. Her first CD, "Home Cookin'," was produced by Yearsley, Cesar Rosas (of Los Lobos), and Dave Gonzales. It was released in 1992 followed by "Knock Out." She then signed with Discovery Records, releasing "Diva La Grande," produced by Dave Alvin and Derek O'Brien. Next, she was signed by record mogul Seymour Stein to Sire Records during the height of the swing revival.