Norma Tanega, best known for her 1966 hit "Walkin' My Cat Named Dog," had a diverse career spanning from folk-pop to avant-garde experimentation. Born in 1939 in Vallejo, California, Tanega's musical journey began in Greenwich Village, where she navigated the folk music scene, eventually signing with Bob Crewe's New Voice label and achieving international success with her debut single. Despite not replicating her early chart success, Tanega continued to innovate, collaborating with artists like Dusty Springfield and exploring experimental sounds in projects such as Ceramic Ensemble and Hybrid Vigor.

Following her music career, Tanega became a respected teacher and painter, blending her passions for art and education. She continued to create music, transitioning to more experimental sounds and percussion performances in the '80s and '90s with projects like Hybrid Vigor and the Latin Lizards. Tanega's influence endured into the 2010s, with artists covering her songs and her work gaining recognition in various creative spheres. Her legacy was further celebrated with posthumous releases and exhibitions of her paintings, solidifying her status as a free-spirited innovator in the music industry.