Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

November 2, 1961 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

 

Kathryn Dawn Lang, better known as k.d. lang, is a Canadian singer-songwriter and composer who has made a significant impact on the world of music. Born on November 2, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, lang grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. Her parents were both country music enthusiasts, and lang was exposed to the genre from an early age. She was also influenced by the music of Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, and Elvis Presley. Lang's musical career began in the early 1980s when she formed a band called the Reclines. The band played a mix of country, rockabilly, and jazz, and lang's distinctive voice quickly gained attention. In 1984, the Reclines released their debut album, A Truly Western Experience, which received critical acclaim and helped establish lang as a rising star in the Canadian music scene. Lang's breakthrough came in 1987 with the release of her second album, Angel with a Lariat. The album featured a mix of country and rockabilly songs, and lang's powerful vocals and unique style garnered widespread attention. The album's lead single, "Turn Me Round," became a hit in Canada and the United States, and lang was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. In 1988, lang released her third album, Shadowland, which marked a departure from her earlier work. The album was produced by legendary musician and producer Owen Bradley, who had worked with Patsy Cline and other country music icons. Shadowland featured a mix of classic country and pop songs, and lang's performance was praised for its emotional depth and range. The album was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning lang her first Grammy Award nomination. Lang continued to explore new musical territory with her next album, Ingénue, which was released in 1992. The album featured a more subdued, introspective sound, with lang's vocals taking center stage. The album's lead single, "Constant Craving," became a massive hit, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning lang her first Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Ingénue was a critical and commercial success, cementing lang's status as one of the most talented and innovative musicians of her generation. Over the years, lang has continued to push the boundaries of music, experimenting with different genres and styles. She has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Tony Bennett, Roy Orbison, and Elton John, and has released numerous albums that showcase her versatility and creativity. Some of her most notable works include All You Can Eat (1995), Drag (1997), and Hymns of the 49th Parallel (2004), which features covers of songs by Canadian artists such as Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. In addition to her music career, lang has also been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights and environmental causes. She came out as a lesbian in the early 1990s and has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights ever since. She has also been involved in various environmental initiatives, including the David Suzuki Foundation and the Alberta Wilderness Association. In recognition of her contributions to music and society, lang has received numerous awards and honors over the years. She has won four Grammy Awards, eight Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards), and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

More....