Shawn Colvin
“Extraordinary songs, mesmerizing guitar work, and a voice that effortlessly shifts from tender to fierce in just a moment. Her lyrics are insightful and clever, filled with nuance and polished expressions. With delightful sarcasm and sharp storytelling, she captivated the audience. Her songs are so deeply personal that they resonate with everyone who listens.” – The Guardian
Shawn Colvin made a powerful impact on the music industry with her compelling 1989 debut, Steady On. The following spring, she won the GRAMMY Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album, solidifying her place as a key figure in the singer-songwriter genre. Over the past 30 years, Colvin has earned three GRAMMY Awards, released thirteen acclaimed albums, authored a celebrated memoir, maintained a rigorous national and international touring schedule, and appeared on numerous television and radio programs. Her songs have been featured in major films, contributing to her remarkable body of work.
Colvin achieved great success at the 1998 GRAMMY Awards, winning both Record and Song of the Year for the Top 10 hit "Sunny Came Home" from her platinum-selling album, A Few Small Repairs.
Her inspiring and candid memoir, Diamond in the Rough, was published by HarperCollins in 2012. The book reflects on Colvin's rich experiences, offering deep insights and honesty. Through its pages, we witness the journey of a woman refining her craft, discovering her voice, and achieving a sense of wholeness.
In recognition of her career achievements, Colvin received the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Trailblazer Award from the Americana Music Association, presented by Bonnie Raitt. Raitt remarked, "She's simply one of the best singers I've ever heard — and a truly gifted and profound songwriter and guitarist. She was groundbreaking when she emerged and continues to inspire me and countless fans and fellow singer-songwriters."
In September 2019, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Steady On, Colvin released a newly recorded version of her landmark debut. This acoustic edition features her voice and guitar, offering a mesmerizing reinvention of the album. "I've played these songs countless times, primarily as a solo acoustic artist," she shares. "Overall, this incarnation feels the most authentic. It represents who I am as an artist and all I ever wanted to be, and I believe it honors its predecessor."
Colvin was recently inducted into the 2019 Austin City Limits Hall of Fame, alongside legendary artists Lyle Lovett and Buddy Guy. In a heartfelt induction speech, Jackson Browne praised her as "ineffable" — something that cannot be easily expressed in words — and lauded, "Not many writers can do what Shawn does. It’s a unique way of conveying what truly matters. It takes an original to capture our attention. Shawn is utterly original in her singing and in the themes she explores in her songs."
Throughout her three-decade career, Shawn Colvin has become a captivating performer and revered storyteller, earning the respect of her peers and the admiration of devoted audiences inspired by her artistry. As she steps into her third decade as a songwriter and performer, she continues to affirm her status as a vital voice in music.
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