Introduction
Sheryl Crow, a renowned singer-songwriter, has enchanted audiences worldwide with her soulful voice and poignant lyrics. Beginning her career as a backup singer, Crow’s journey to stardom is marked by perseverance, talent, and numerous accolades, including nine Grammy Awards and over 50 million albums sold.
Who Is Sheryl Crow?
Sheryl Crow’s path to fame started humbly, recording jingles for advertising clients before singing backup for music legends like Michael Jackson and Rod Stewart. Her breakthrough came with her 1993 debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club. Crow’s subsequent albums solidified her status as a music icon, leading to a storied career that continues to inspire.
Early Life and Music Career
Sheryl Suzanne Crow was born on February 11, 1962, in Kennett, Missouri, to Wendell and Bernice Crow. Growing up with two older sisters, Kathy and Karen, and a younger brother, Steve, Sheryl’s musical journey began at age six with piano lessons. She graduated from Kennett High School in 1980 and later earned a degree in music education from the University of Missouri at Columbia in 1984.
After college, Crow worked as a music teacher in St. Louis but soon moved to Los Angeles in 1986 to pursue her musical dreams. She recorded jingles for clients like McDonald’s and gained experience as a backup singer, most notably on Michael Jackson’s Bad World Tour from 1987-1988.
Debut Album: ‘Tuesday Night Music Club’
In 1991, Sheryl Crow recorded an album for A&M Records, but she felt it sounded too “slick” and decided not to release it. Instead, she joined The Tuesday Music Club, a band including Bill Bottrell, David Baerwald, David Ricketts, and her then-boyfriend Kevin Gilbert. Together, they produced her debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club (1993), which became a multi-platinum success, featuring the hit “All I Wanna Do.”
However, her rise to fame wasn’t without controversy. After claiming the song “Leaving Las Vegas” was autobiographical on The Late Show with David Letterman, she angered her bandmates, leading to a split. Despite this, Crow won three Grammy Awards in 1995, including Best New Artist.
Continued Success: ‘Sheryl Crow’ and ‘The Globe Sessions’
Crow’s self-titled second album, Sheryl Crow (1996), won two Grammy Awards and further established her as a rock powerhouse. She spent much of 1997 and 1998 touring, including select dates on the Rolling Stones’ Bridges to Babylon Tour. Her third album, The Globe Sessions (1998), also received critical acclaim and won a Grammy for Best Rock Album.
Commercial Success: ‘C’mon, C’mon’ and ‘Wildflower’
Sheryl Crow’s commercial appeal continued with C’mon, C’mon (2002), which achieved platinum status, thanks in part to the hit “Soak Up the Sun.” Her 2005 album Wildflower received mixed reviews but still garnered Emmy nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Exploring New Sounds: ‘Detours’
In 2008, Crow released her sixth studio album, Detours, reflecting personal and global issues. Reuniting with producer Bill Bottrell, she described it as her best work in nearly a decade, touching on themes like the end of a relationship and adopting a child.
Diverse Projects: ‘Home for Christmas,’ ‘100 Miles From Memphis,’ ‘Feels Like Home’
Crow’s versatility shone through with her holiday album Home for Christmas (2008). She then explored a soul-R&B sound in 100 Miles From Memphis (2010), featuring Keith Richards and Justin Timberlake. In 2013, she released Feels Like Home, her first country music project, which debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200.
Return to Roots: ‘Be Myself’ and ‘Threads’
In 2017, Crow reunited with producer Jeff Trott for Be Myself, returning to her rock roots. Her 2019 album Threads featured collaborations with industry legends and emerging stars, marking her final album, though she continues to record and tour.
Activism
Sheryl Crow is also known for her environmental activism. She embarked on the Stop Global Warming College Tour in 2007 and performed at the Live Earth concerts. In 2008, she supported Rock the Vote’s youth registration drive by offering free digital copies of her album Detours.
Personal Life
Crow’s personal life has been as eventful as her career. She dated musician Eric Clapton and actor Owen Wilson before becoming engaged to cyclist Lance Armstrong in 2005, though they split in 2006. Shortly after, Crow was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, her cancer was detected early, and she underwent successful treatment.
After her recovery, Crow fulfilled her dream of owning a horse farm in Nashville. She also became a mother, adopting her son Wyatt in 2007 and another son, Levi, in 2010.
Quick Facts
- Name: Sheryl Crow
- Birth date: February 11, 1962
- Birth State: Missouri
- Birth City: Kennett
- Birth Country: United States
- Best Known For: Singer-songwriter with nine Grammys and over 50 million albums sold
- Industries: Music
- Astrological Sign: Aquarius
- Schools: University of Missouri at Columbia, Kennett High School
Conclusion
Sheryl Crow’s journey from a small-town girl to a global music icon is a testament to her talent, resilience, and versatility. Her contributions to music, activism, and personal courage continue to inspire fans around the world.
FAQs
- What are Sheryl Crow’s biggest hits?
- Some of Sheryl Crow’s biggest hits include “All I Wanna Do,” “Soak Up the Sun,” and “If It Makes You Happy.”
- How many Grammys has Sheryl Crow won?
- Sheryl Crow has won nine Grammy Awards throughout her career.
- What was Sheryl Crow’s first major tour?
- Sheryl Crow’s first major tour was as a backup singer on Michael Jackson’s Bad World Tour from 1987-1988.
- How did Sheryl Crow’s early career begin?
- Sheryl Crow began her career
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