Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

October 26, 1963 in Jamestown, NY

 

Natalie Merchant is a renowned American singer-songwriter and musician who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on October 26, 1963, in Jamestown, New York, Merchant grew up in a musical family and started singing at a young age. Her parents were both musicians, and her mother was a piano teacher. Merchant's love for music was evident from an early age, and she started writing songs when she was just 14 years old. Merchant's musical career began in the 1980s when she joined the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs as the lead vocalist. The band gained popularity with their hit songs such as "Like the Weather," "What's the Matter Here?" and "These Are Days." Merchant's unique voice and songwriting skills helped the band achieve commercial success and critical acclaim. In 1993, Merchant left 10,000 Maniacs to pursue a solo career. Her debut album, "Tigerlily," was released in 1995 and was a massive success. The album featured hit songs such as "Carnival," "Wonder," and "Jealousy." Merchant's solo career was off to a great start, and she continued to release successful albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Merchant's music is known for its poetic lyrics, haunting melodies, and unique voice. Her songs often deal with social and political issues, and she has been praised for her ability to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and grace. Merchant's music has been described as a blend of folk, rock, and classical music, and she has been influenced by artists such as Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Leonard Cohen. Merchant's contribution to classical music is significant. In 2010, she released an album titled "Leave Your Sleep," which featured 26 songs based on poems by various writers, including Robert Louis Stevenson, Ogden Nash, and e.e. cummings. The album was a departure from Merchant's previous work and showcased her love for poetry and literature. The album was critically acclaimed and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album. Merchant's love for classical music is evident in her work, and she has collaborated with several classical musicians throughout her career. In 2013, she performed with the New York Philharmonic at the Lincoln Center in New York City. The performance was a tribute to the late composer and conductor Marvin Hamlisch and featured Merchant singing some of his most famous songs, including "The Way We Were" and "Nobody Does It Better." Merchant has also been involved in several charitable causes throughout her career. She has worked with organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the United Nations Development Programme. In 1997, she performed at a benefit concert for the Tibet House in New York City, which raised money for Tibetan refugees. Merchant's contribution to the world of music has been recognized with several awards and honors. In 1996, she won the ASCAP Pop Music Award for Songwriter of the Year. In 2005, she was awarded the Woman of Courage Award by the National Organization for Women. In 2010, she was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. Merchant's music has also been featured in several films and television shows, including "Natural Born Killers," "The West Wing," and "ER." In conclusion, Natalie Merchant is a talented musician and songwriter who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music.

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