Biography
Shawn Colvin, born January 10, 1956, in Vermillion, South Dakota, is a celebrated American singer-songwriter renowned for her introspective lyrics and folk-pop sound. Raised partly in Illinois, she began playing guitar at age ten and made her first public performance at fifteen. Colvin attended Southern Illinois University but left to pursue music, performing in folk and rock clubs across Illinois, Texas, California, and New York throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. After stints in bands like the Dixie Diesels and the Buddy Miller Band, she became involved with New York's Fast Folk cooperative, which helped launch her solo career.
Colvin's breakthrough came with her debut album 'Steady On' (1989), which won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Recording. She continued to build her reputation with albums like 'Fat City' (1992) and 'Cover Girl' (1994), but it was 'A Few Small Repairs' (1996) that brought her mainstream success, earning her two Grammy Awards for the hit single 'Sunny Came Home.' Her music blends folk, pop, and country influences, marked by confessional songwriting and melodic craftsmanship. Over her four-decade career, Colvin has released more than a dozen albums, earning critical acclaim and influencing a generation of singer-songwriters.
Fun Facts
- Shawn Colvin's song 'Sunny Came Home' won both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 1998 Grammy Awards.
- She was featured in the Fast Folk magazine and cooperative, a launching pad for many influential singer-songwriters.
- Colvin struggled with vocal cord issues in her early twenties, leading to a temporary sabbatical from performing.
- She has also performed in off-Broadway musicals, including 'Pump Boys and Dinettes.'
Associated Acts
- Colvin & Earle
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- John Leventhal - Producer, guitarist, and co-writer who encouraged Colvin to develop her songwriting voice (Steady On, A Few Small Repairs, other albums) [1980s–present]
- Joni Mitchell - Major stylistic influence; Colvin cites Mitchell as a songwriting inspiration (Influence evident in Colvin's confessional lyricism) [1970s–present]
Key Collaborators
- Suzanne Vega - Colvin sang backup vocals on Vega's 'Luka' and toured with her in Europe (Luka (backup vocals), European tour) [1987]
- Buddy Miller - Colvin was a member of the Buddy Miller Band after moving to New York (Buddy Miller Band) [circa 1980]
- John Leventhal - Longtime producer, guitarist, and co-writer (Steady On, A Few Small Repairs, multiple albums) [1980s–present]
Artists Influenced
- Sara Bareilles - Cited Colvin as a songwriting influence, particularly for her confessional style (Little Voice, other works) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| A Few Small Repairs | 1996-09-30 | Album |
| A FEW SMALL REPAIRS | 1996-07-08 | Album |
| Uncovered | 2015-01-01 | Album |
| Cover Girl | 1994-08-22 | Album |
| Steady On | 1989-10-12 | Album |
| Fat City | 1992-10-27 | Album |
| Runaway Bride - Music From The Motion Picture | 1982 | Album |
| Live | 2009-06-19 | Album |
| Holiday Songs And Lullabies | 1998-10-08 | Album |
| A Few Small Repairs: 20th Anniversary Edition | 2017-09-15 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Sunny Came Home (A Few Small Repairs)
- Boulder To Birmingham - Live
- Sunny Came Home (A FEW SMALL REPAIRS)
- All Would Envy (feat. Shawn Colvin) (Night Sessions)
- Baker Street (Uncovered)
- When You Know (Serendipity - Music From The Miramax Motion Picture)
- Tougher Than The Rest (Uncovered)
- Shotgun Down The Avalanche (Steady On)
- Wild Horses (Cayamo Sessions At Sea)
- When You Know
External Links
Tags: #contemporary-folk, #folk, #rock
References
Heard on WWOZ
shawn colvin has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 10, 2025 | 19:17 | gimme a little sign | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Nov 3, 2025 | 20:59 | twilight * | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. |