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Shelby LynneAmerican country singer, songwriter, actress
Date of Birth: 22.10.1968
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Shelby Lynne - Biography
- Tragedy and Independence
- Rise to Fame and Musical Journey
- Artistic Evolution and Recognition
- Critical Acclaim and Continued Success
- Later Projects and Recognition
Shelby Lynne - Biography
Early Life and CareerShelby Lynne, an American country singer, songwriter, and actress, was born on October 22, 1968, in Quantico, Virginia. She grew up in Frankville, Alabama, where she attended Washington County High School. Her father led a local jazz band, and her mother was a harmonious singing teacher. It was no surprise that Shelby and her younger sister, Alison Moorer, who later became an alternative country music artist, occasionally performed with their parents.
Tragedy and Independence
At the age of 17, tragedy struck Shelby's family. They lived in the small town of St. Stephens in southwest Alabama. Shelby and Alison's father, a chronic alcoholic, shot their mother in front of them and then took his own life. The sisters lived with their aunt for a while, but when Shelby turned 18, she got married. The marriage lasted a year, and Shelby divorced her husband, taking on the responsibility of supporting herself and her younger sister. She performed in local clubs, and one day, both sisters found themselves in Nashville, the country music capital. Shelby made her first appearance on the "Nashville Today" program on the cable music channel TNN in 1987, and soon after, she signed a contract with Epic Records.
Rise to Fame and Musical Journey
Shelby's first recording on Epic Records was a duet with George Jones, a renowned country singer who had recorded over 150 chart-topping hits throughout his career. Their collaboration, "If I Could Bottle This Up," made it to the list of the top 50 songs of 1988. The label assigned Billy Sherrill as the producer for Shelby's debut album, "Sunrise." Her next album, released in 1990, was titled "Tough All Over" and aligned more with mainstream country music. However, her 1991 album, "Soft Talk," had a stronger country-pop influence. Several songs from this period charted in country music, but none made it into the top twenty.
Artistic Evolution and Recognition
Critics hailed Shelby Lynne as a promising artist, and in 1990, she received the American Academy of Country Music award for "Best New Female Vocalist." However, her career did not progress as expected. Tired of control and the imposition of a musical image, Shelby terminated her contract with Epic Records and moved to the smaller label, Morgan Creek, releasing the album "Temptation" in 1993. "Temptation" had a Western swing style, reminiscent of Bob Wills, a famous western swing performer usually backed by big jazz orchestras. Soon after, the label closed, and Shelby joined Magnatone, releasing the album "Restless" in 1995, which embraced a more contemporary country sound.
Critical Acclaim and Continued Success
After her fifth album, Shelby Lynne took a hiatus from recording for several years. In 1998, she relocated to Palm Springs and began working on her new album, "I Am Shelby Lynne," which showcased an eclectic rhythm and blues sound. "I Am Shelby Lynne" received universal acclaim from critics and became highly popular. Lynne won a Grammy Award for "Best New Artist," despite having been recording for over a decade. Her 2001 album, "Love, Shelby," had a smoother pop sound, receiving more modest reviews. Many music publications praised her lyrical and tender 2003 album, "Identity Crisis," considering it one of the best albums of the year, despite average commercial success. In 2005, "Suit Yourself" was released, also receiving positive reviews.
Later Projects and Recognition
Shelby Lynne's last album, "Just a Little Lovin'," dedicated to the memory of British singer Dusty Springfield, received widespread critical acclaim upon its release on January 29, 2008. In 2010, her album "Tears, Lies, and Alibis" is expected to be released. In 2001, Shelby participated in a concert honoring John Lennon and performed his song "Mother." She also played the role of Carrie Cash, the mother of the main character, in the film "Walk the Line," starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. In August 2009, Shelby made a guest appearance in an episode of "Army Wives," portraying a forgotten country music star.
Shelby Lynne's Discography:
- 1989: "Sunrise"
- 1990: "Tough All Over"
- 1991: "Soft Talk"
- 1993: "Temptation"
- 1995: "Restless"
- 1999: "I Am Shelby Lynne" (2000 in the US)
- 2001: "Love, Shelby"
- 2003: "Identity Crisis"
- 2005: "Suit Yourself"
- 2008: "Just a Little Lovin'"
