| Full Name: | Sheryl Suzanne Crow |
| Age: | 61 years old |
| Born: | February 11, 1962 in Kennett, Missouri, United States |
| Net Worth: | $70 million |
| Social Media: | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
As a longtime fan who has followed Sheryl Crow‘s music since her smash hit debut in 1993, I‘m excited to provide an in-depth look at this talented and inspiring artist. Crow‘s powerful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and blend of rock, country and pop has made her one of the most recognizable singer-songwriters of the past 30 years. Let‘s dive into the life and career of this musical icon.
Evolving from Small Town Girl to Superstar
Born in the small town of Kennett, Missouri, Sheryl displayed musical talent and performance ability from a young age. She studied piano, violin, and sang in school choirs before joining bands in high school. After college, Crow worked as an elementary school music teacher in St. Louis while performing locally on weekends.
In 1986 at age 24, Crow took a chance and moved to LA to pursue music professionally. She sang backing vocals and commercial jingles for years until her persistence paid off. After catching the ear of producer Hugh Padgham, Crow landed a record deal and released her debut Tuesday Night Music Club in 1993 at age 31. The album was a revelation, featuring her breakout hits "Leaving Las Vegas", "Strong Enough", and "All I Wanna Do." Crow proved it was never too late to achieve your dreams.
Winning Over the World and Battling Cancer
On the heels of her 5x platinum debut, Crow cemented her status as a star with her Grammy-winning self-titled album in 1996. She displayed her depth as a songwriter on introspective hits like "If It Makes You Happy" and "Everyday is a Winding Road." I still remember hearing these songs on the radio as a teenager and feeling an emotional connection to Crow‘s vulnerable lyrics.
Despite her meteoric rise, Crow faced a major health challenge in 1998 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After undergoing treatment, she came back triumphantly in 2002 with the album C‘mon C‘mon. The record dealt with her struggles through emotional songs like "I‘m Alive" and "Soak Up the Sun." I always found Crow‘s perseverance and positivity in the face of hardship to be so inspiring.
Maturing Artistry and Chart Success
Over her long career, Crow continued to evolve as an artist while putting out new music her fans loved. She explored country influences on hits like "Easy" and "Picture" off her Grammy-winning The Globe Sessions album in 1998. The moving title track "The Globe Sessions" spoke about appreciating loved ones.
Crow got personal on 2008‘s Detours, singing about her split from Lance Armstrong and adopting her sons Wyatt and Levi. On her 2019 album Threads, she collaborated with idols like Keith Richards, Stevie Nicks, and lifetime mentor Eric Clapton. As a fan, getting glimpses into Crow‘s life through her lyrics created an intimate connection.
Though music styles changed, Crow‘s songs remained on the charts. She amassed an impressive 32 Top 40 hits like "My Favorite Mistake", "Steve McQueen", and "Members Only." Crow also crafted timeless classics that still receive radio play today like "All I Wanna Do", "If It Makes You Happy" and "Soak Up the Sun." Not many artists can maintain that kind of longevity decades into their career.
Giving Back and Breaking Barriers
In addition to making chart-topping music, Sheryl Crow has dedicated herself to numerous social and environmental causes over the years. She‘s raised millions for cancer research, domestic abuse programs, and veterans organizations through benefits and charity singles. Crow also uses her platform to speak out on issues like global warming and protecting the planet for future generations.
As a female artist, Crow broke barriers in the male-dominated music industry. She made history as the first woman to produce her own album with The Globe Sessions back in 1998. Crow also captained the ship as the first woman to be musical director for the Academy Awards in 1996. She pioneered the way for women and motivated me early in my music journalism career.
Why I‘ll Always Love Sheryl Crow
- She‘s an incredible lyricist. Crow writes relatable songs that beautifully capture complex emotions. Her vulnerable words feel like reading pages from a diary.
- Her music has range. Crow seamlessly blends rock, pop, folk, and now country, showing off her versatility yet always remaining recognizably herself.
- She‘s tough. After overcoming cancer and very public relationships/breakups, Crow has proven her resilience time and again. She turns struggles into inspirational art.
- She‘s generous. Crow has raised millions for charity and gives back to her hometown community. Her big heart comes through in her lyrics.
- She‘s a trailblazer. Crow broke barriers for female artists and continues inspiring women (including me) to achieve their dreams in music.
I‘ll always be grateful for the decades of outstanding songs and inspiration Crow has given us. Though I‘ve never met her, I feel a connection through the moving soundtrack she‘s provided for my life. Here‘s to many more years of great music from this talented legend.
5 Fun Facts Only True Fans Know
- Crow‘s famous cover of the Cat Stevens song "The First Cut is the Deepest" features guitar by producing legend Jeff Trott. His influence helped shape Crow‘s signature 90s sound.
- She can play guitar, piano, bass, and percussion in addition to being a vocal powerhouse. Crow‘s multi-instrumental skills allow her to write and record album demos on her own.
- Before making it big, Crow sang on over 100 commercial jingles for brands like McDonald‘s and Toyota in the 1980s. Talk about humble beginnings!
- Crow is close friends with Kid Rock and has performed duets with him over the years like "Picture" and "Collide". The rockers have described their bond as brother and sister.
- Early in her career, Crow appeared as an extra in the iconic bar party scene in Top Gun! Keep an eye out for a young Sheryl singing in the background.
Answering Common Fan Questions
When is Sheryl‘s birthday?
Sheryl Crow was born on February 11, 1962 and just celebrated turning 61 this year.
What is Sheryl Crow‘s net worth?
According to financial reports, Sheryl Crow has an estimated net worth around $70 million. Her wealth comes from album sales, touring, and business ventures.
Is Sheryl Crow married?
No, Sheryl Crow has never been married. She adopted her two sons Wyatt and Levi as a single parent. Crow split with ex-fiancé Lance Armstrong in 2006.
How many Grammy awards has she won?
Sheryl Crow is the female artist with the most Grammy wins at 9 trophies, including Best New Artist and 3 Best Pop Vocal Albums.
What was her biggest hit song?
Based on sales and chart rankings, Sheryl Crow‘s biggest hit is "All I Wanna Do" from her debut album Tuesday Night Music Club. The song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Conclusion
Sheryl Crow‘s decades-spanning career proves she is truly the quintessential American songstress. Through her relatable songwriting, genre-blending discs, and triumph over adversity, Crow has become a beloved musical mainstay. As a fan since the beginning, I‘ll always admire Crow for baring her soul through lyrics, breaking barriers in the industry, and inspiring people with her talent. At 61, Crow‘s musical future looks bright and I can‘t wait to see what she crafts next. Here‘s to you, Sheryl!