Shawn Colvin

Folk and pop form the perfect alliance in Shawn Colvin, an artist of rare lyrical insight who has produced much of her finest work in partnership with melodist John Leventhal. "Sunny Came Home," from 1996's A Few Small Repairs, is worth its weight in GRAMMYS® (Record of the Year and Song of the Year) and sets the tone for the entire mix.

With her arresting and uplifting 1989 solo debut, Steady On, Shawn Colvin delivered the exceptional promise that would be fulfilled beyond expectation with its follow-up, Fat City; the production finesse on rockin' tracks like "Tennessee" combines perfectly with the dense lyrical imagery and poetry of, for example, "Kill the Messenger."

There's something bright and life-affirming in Shawn Colvin's voice that sails effortlessly through her toughest lyrical concerns (you'll feel like tapping out a steady beat on your thigh to "Suicide Alley"), and her versatility is astounding. Check out her duet with Lyle Lovett on "Faded Love," backed by Asleep At the Wheel.

Before she found her feet as a solo star, Shawn Colvin kicked out hard rock in Illinois and Western swing in Texas, then added her voice to the New York singer-songwriter circuit in the mid-'80s, where she mixed off-Broadway work with stints on backing vocals for Suzanne Vega. Still a prized collaborator (Béla Fleck and James Taylor are among those who have benefited from her services), Colvin retains her bold individuality. A true poet, with an angelic voice to boot.