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A well-accomplished musician, Sheryl Crow has
achieved a multitude of success with only two albums. She is what
some would call a "one of a kind rock star." She added some
new flavor to modern pop and rock music with her incredibly marketable
success. Portraying the image of the dreamer who only wants to play
the guitar and roam the world, Sheryl "the rebel" brought
with her an originality unseen by the music industry. Her smoky voice
and sultry wzy of playing guitar has us hooked.
Wendell and Bernice Crow, Sheryl's parents, were also linked to the
music industry. Her dad used to play the trumpet in swing bands when
he was in his prime, although he did move on to become a lawyer. As
an artist, however, Sheryl requested that he play a piece from her
debut album on the A&M label, which he did with much success.
Her mom is a piano teacher, so it's no wonder that Sheryl, and her
two sisters, were all musically literate. But there was something
special about Sheryl from the start. Her parents saw it, and now the
whole world can see it.
In high school, Miss Crow was a very busy girl; she was a cheerleader,
played piano, and studied for classes (receiving great marks by the
way). She attended the University of Missouri in Columbia and majored
in music, to no one's surprise.
During her stay at college, she began gaining some real musical experience
by performing with a rock and roll cover band named Cashmere. After
that, Sheryl became qualified to write, compose, and teach music.
Once she graduated from college, however, Sheryl decided to teach
music to elementary school children.
Because she wanted to have a soaring career in the world of music,
Sheryl packed herself up and moved to Los Angeles in 1986. At first,
as is the case with most struggling artists, she took on odd jobs
like waitressing and singing in television commercials.
Soon after that, Sheryl got her big break after she snuck into an
audition where Michael Jackson was auditioning backup singers. She
got the part and went on the two-year Bad tour. Like with all celebrities,
it was rumored that "the gloved one" and Sheryl had some
sort of romantic involvement, but she quickly squashed all the gossip
once she became a staple in the music industry.
After the Bad tour came to an end, she later toured in the End of
the Innocence tour with Don Henley. Whilst being a backup singer,
Sheryl began gaining necessary studio experience and also wrote songs
that established artists like Celine Dion and Wynonna Judd picked
up.
When a producer by the name of Hugh Padgham heard Sheryl sing in
the studios, her career took a turn in the right direction. Soon after
that, Padgham submitted her demo tape to A&M and her star had
finally begun to shine.
After being invited to join a weekly jam happening with musicians
David Gilbert, Bill Bottrell, and David Baerwald, The Tuesday Night
Music Club had come into effect. Their casual jam sessions ultimately
created the song "Leaving Las Vegas" which appeared on her
first album (which was released in '93).
Her first album burned up the charts and her fame began to escalate
quickly. Unfortunately, Sheryl and Bill Bottrell began squabbling
over the production of her second album, and Sheryl finally ended
up producing the album herself in 1996.
One of her singles on the album entitled, "Maybe Angels"
includes the lyric, "With a gun they bought at a Wal-Mart Discount
Store." This song caused much controversy and Wal-Mart stores
refused to sell her album unless she would alter the lyrics. But tough-as-nails
Sheryl refused and despite her drop in album sales, her record label
back her 100%.
We certainly haven't heard the last of Sheryl as her second album
continues to burn up the charts (and Wal-Mart owners).Sheryl
Crow Personal videos and photos - Click here!
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