With insightful lyrics, a rich vocal tone, and a passionate singing style in common, Shona Laing had hits as a folk artist in the '70s ("1905") and with new wave in the '80s ("Glad I'm Not a Kennedy") before reaching the Top Five of the album chart in her native New Zealand with the more adult-oriented rock of 1992's New on Earth. She eventually settled into an alternative folk sound by her ninth studio album, 2007's Pass the Whisper. Forty years after winning Best New Artist at the New Zealand Music Awards, she received their Legacy Award in 2013. ~ Marcy Donelson