Shawn Colvin Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, Family, Husband, Daughter, Songs, Albums, Tour, and Net Worth

Shawn Colvin Biography

Shawn Colvin is an American singer-songwriter and musician who was born and brought up in Vermillion, South Dakota, United States of America. With her distinctive raspy voice and introspective lyrics, Colvin has become a prominent figure in the folk-pop scene, garnering acclaim for her songwriting and musicianship. Her career spans over four decades, during which she has released 14 studio albums and earned three Grammy Awards.

One of Colvin’s most recognizable songs is “Sunny Came Home,” which won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1998. The song, with its poignant lyrics and warm melody, tells the story of a runaway girl’s return home and has become a beloved classic.

Beyond “Sunny Came Home,” Colvin’s discography is filled with gems like “Strawberry Wind,” “I Don’t Know Why,” and “Get Out of This House.” Her music often explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and hope, resonating with listeners of all ages.

In addition to her solo career, Colvin has collaborated with numerous other artists, including James Taylor, Steve Earle, and Buddy Guy. She has also ventured into acting, appearing in films and television shows.

10 Quick Facts About Shawn Colvin

  • Name: Shawn Colvin
  • Age: 67 years old
  • Birthday: January 10
  • Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
  • Height: 5 feet 5½ inches (1.66 m)
  • Nationality: American
  • Occupation: Singer-Songwriter and Musician
  • Marital Status: Divorced
  • Salary: Under Review
  • Net worth: $2 Million
  • Shawn Colvin Age

    Colvin is 67 years old. She was born on January 10, 1956, in Vermillion, South Dakota, United States. She celebrates her birthday on January 10 every year and her birth sign is Capricorn.

    Shawn Colvin Height

    Colvin stands at a height of 5 feet 5½ inches (1.66 m).

    Early Life and Education

    Childhood:

    Born: January 10, 1956, in Vermillion, South Dakota, but spent much of her youth between Carbondale, Illinois, and London, Ontario, Canada.

    Musical Family: Both parents were musical, with her father playing guitar and banjo and loving folk music. This fostered a love for music in Shawn, who sang in church choirs and enjoyed hymns and minor-key Christmas carols.

    Early Instrumentalist: Picking up the guitar at 10, Shawn began her instrumental journey, further fueled by her father’s collection of folk artists like Pete Seeger and the Kingston Trio.

    Musical Influences: Beyond folk, Shawn’s ears were drawn to rock and pop, with icons like the Beatles, Laura Nyro, Joni Mitchell, and The Band’s Robbie Robertson shaping her taste and future songwriting style.

    Education:

    Southern Illinois University: Shawn studied theater, honing her storytelling skills and stage presence, while still performing at local venues.

    Early College Struggles: Balancing performance ambitions with academic life brought challenges, including drug and alcohol use, which she later openly discussed in her memoir “Diamond in the Rough.”

    Rise to Fame

    Early Beginnings (1970s-1980s):

    Folk Circuit Grind: After college, Shawn hit the road with various bands, playing the folk circuit in Illinois and California. These years were marked by personal struggles, but also honed her performance skills and songwriting craft.

    Backing Vocalist: Back in New York by the mid-1980s, Shawn found work as a backing vocalist for established artists like Suzanne Vega and Richard Thompson. This provided valuable experience and industry connections.

    Solo Debut and Grammy Recognition: In 1989, Colvin signed with Columbia Records and released her debut album, “Steady On.” The album earned critical praise and a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album, marking her arrival on the music scene.

    Building a Following (1990s):

    Refining her Sound: Throughout the 1990s, Colvin released several albums, including “Fat City” (1992), “Cover Girl” (1993), and “Live 88” (1995). These albums further established her folk-pop sound, showcasing her introspective lyrics and distinctive raspy vocals.

    Collaborations and Acting: Beyond solo work, Colvin collaborated with artists like Buddy Guy and Steve Earle, expanding her musical horizons. She also ventured into acting, appearing in films and television shows.

    “Sunny Came Home” and Mainstream Breakthrough: In 1997, Colvin’s career skyrocketed with the release of the album “A Few Small Repairs.” The lead single, “Sunny Came Home,” became a massive hit, topping the Adult Contemporary charts and winning Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

    Shawn Colvin Family, Parents

    Colvin was born to her parents in Vermillion and spent her youth in Carbondale and London, Ontario, Canada. She spent her childhood with her three siblings. Our efforts to find out more about her family came to no avail as no such information is publicly available. Thus, the identity of Shawn’s parents and siblings is still unclear. We will update this section once this information is available.

    Shawn Colvin Husband

    Colvin has been married twice, she was previously married to Mario Erwin, a photographer. The couple tied the knot in 1997 and divorced in 2002. They are blessed with a daughter. Currently, she resides in Austin, Texas with her cats. She was first married to Simon Tassano from 1993 to 1995.

    Shawn Colvin Daughter

    Colvin and her ex-husband Mario Erwin have one child together, a daughter named Caledonia. Her daughter was born in July 1998.

    Shawn Colvin Net Worth

    Colvin has an estimated net worth of $2 million dollars as of 2023. This includes her assets, money and income. Her primary source of income is her career as a singer-songwriter and musician. Through her various sources of income, Shawn has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.

    Shawn Colvin Measurements and Facts

    Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Shawn.

    Shawn Colvin Wiki

    • Full Names: Shawna Lee Colvin
    • Popular As: Shawn
    • Gender: Female
    • Occupation / Profession: Singer-Songwriter and Musician
    • Nationality: American
    • Race / Ethnicity: White
    • Religion: Not Known
    • Sexual Orientation: Straight

    Shawn Colvin Birthday

    • Age / How Old?: 67 years old
    • Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
    • Date of Birth: January 10, 1956
    • Place of Birth: Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
    • Birthday: January 10

    Shawn Colvin Body Measurements

    • Body Measurements: Not Available
    • Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 5½ inches (1.66 m)
    • Weight: Moderate
    • Eye Color: Hazel
    • Hair Color: Red
    • Shoe Size: Not Available

    Shawn Colvin Family and Relationship

    • Father (Dad): Not Known
    • Mother: Not Known
    • Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
    • Marital Status: Divorced
    • Husband/Spouse: Mario Erwin (m. 1997–2002), Simon Tassano (m. 1993–1995)
    • Dating / Boyfriend: Single
    • Children: Sons (None) Daughter(s) (Caledonia)

    Shawn Colvin Net Worth and Salary

    • Net Worth: $2 Million
    • Salary: Under Review
    • Source of Income: Singer-Songwriter and Musician

    Shawn Colvin Career

    Shawn moved to Austin, Texas in the mid-1970s and joined a Western swing band called the Dixie Diesels. She then entered “the folk circuit in Illinois and Berkeley”, California before straining her vocal cords and taking a sabbatical at the age of 24.

    Shawn relocated to New York City, joining the Buddy Miller Band in 1980 and later became involved in the Fast Folk cooperative of Greenwich Village.

    While participating in off-Broadway shows such as Pump Boys and Dinettes she was featured in Fast Folk magazine, and in 1987, producer Steve Addabbo hired her to sing backup vocals on the song “Luka” by Suzanne Vega.

    After touring with Vega, Shawn signed a recording contract with Columbia Records and in 1989, she released her first album Steady On. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Colvin’s second album Fat City was released in 1992 and received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Recording.

    Shawn’s song “I Don’t Know Why” was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Female Pop Vocal category. In 1993 she moved back to Austin and in 1994 released the album Cover Girl. Again in 1995, she released her album Live 88 a collection of live recordings from 1988.

    In 1996, Shawn released her album A Few Small Repairs and the next year the success of her single “Sunny Came Home” catapulted her into the mainstream after spending four weeks at the number one spot on the Adult Contemporary chart. The song won the 1998 Grammy Awards for both Song and Record of the Year.

    Shawn released the album Holiday Songs and Lullabies in 1998 and in 2001 released another album called Whole New You. Also, in 2004, she released a compilation of past songs called, Polaroids: A Greatest Hits Collection.

    In 2006, Shawn left Columbia Records and released a 15-song album called These Four Walls on her new label, Nonesuch Records, which featured contributions by Patti Griffin and Teddy Thompson. Again in 2009, she released Live, which was recorded at the jazz club Yoshi’s in San Francisco, California.

    Shawn’s eighth studio album, All Fall Down, was released in 2012 and was produced by Buddy Miller at his home studio in Nashville, Tennessee. The album featured guest appearances by Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, and Jakob Dylan.

    Shawn published her memoir Diamond in the Rough still in 2012. In 2016 she recorded an album with Steve Earle called, Colvin and Earle. A Few Small Repairs was reissued in 2017, including its first pressing on vinyl, for its twentieth anniversary.

    Shawn has made vocal contributions to songs by James Taylor, Béla Fleck, Edwin McCain, Shawn Mullins, Elliott Murphy, Bruce Hornsby and collaborated with Sting on the song “One Day She’ll Love Me”.

    Shawn recorded as a duet the title track to Curtis Stigers 1995 album “Time Was”. She voiced Rachel Jordan, Ned Flanders’ love interest after Maude is killed, in The Simpsons episode “Alone Again, Natura-Diddily” on February 13, 2000, and lent her vocals to Mary Chapin Carpenter’s 1992 recordings, “The Hard Way” and “Come On Come On”.

    Shawn Colvin Songs

    • 1990 – “Steady On”
    • 1990 – “Diamond in the Rough”
    • 1992 – “Round of Blues”
    • 1992 – “Climb on (A Back That’s Strong)”
    • 1993 – “I Don’t Know Why”
    • 1994 – “Every Little Thing He Does Is Magic”
    • 1995 – “One Cool Remove” (with Mary Chapin Carpenter)
    • 1995 – “I Don’t Know Why” (re-release)
    • 1997 – “Get Out of This House”
    • 1997 – “Sunny Came Home”
    • 1997 – “You and The Mona Lisa”
    • 1998 – “Nothin’ on Me”
    • 2001 – “Whole New You”
    • 2001 – “Bound to You”
    • 2006 – “Fill Me Up”
    • 2007 – “Crazy”
    • 2012 – “All Fall Down (McKean/Cavallo Radio Mix)”

    Shawn Colvin Albums

    • Steady On (1989)
    • Fat City (1992)
    • Cover Girl (1994)
    • A Few Small Repairs (1996)
    • Holiday Songs and Lullabies (1998)
    • Whole New You (2001)
    • These Four Walls (2006)
    • Shawn Colvin Live (2009)
    • All Fall Down (2012)
    • Uncovered (2015)
    • Colvin and Earle with Steve Earle (2016)
    • The Starlighter (2018)

    Shawn Colvin Tour

    Shawn Colvin is currently on tour with Mary Chapin Carpenter! They’re performing across the United States, with upcoming shows in the following locations:

    • Jan 23, 2024: Peoples Bank Theatre, Marietta, OH
    • Jan 24, 2024: The Midland Theatre, Newark, OH
    • Jan 25, 2024: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana, IL
    • Jan 26, 2024: Pantages Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
    • Apr 12, 2024: The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA

    After that, she has a solo show scheduled for:

    • Apr 27, 2024: City Winery, Atlanta, GA

    Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences

    Musical Inspiration:

    • Ireland: During a 1997 interview, Colvin mentioned a trip to Ireland that deeply inspired her songwriting for the album “A Few Small Repairs.” The influence shows in songs like “I Don’t Know Why,” capturing a sense of longing and bittersweet memories.
    • New Orleans: The city’s unique musical blend is evident in some of Colvin’s bluesy tunes, suggesting possible visits and a connection to its vibrant musical scene.

    Cultural Engagement:

    • Global Citizen Festival: Colvin has participated in this international festival advocating for poverty eradication and global equality, suggesting an interest in cultural exchange and social causes.
    • Benefit Concerts: Her involvement in supporting various charities through concerts hints at a commitment to using her platform for positive change, likely fueled by personal experiences and global awareness.

    Personal Expression:

    • Album Artwork: Colvin often collaborates with visual artists for her album covers, incorporating themes related to travel and exploration. For example, “Fat City” features a painting of a train station, potentially symbolizing journeys and departures.
    • Songwriting Inspiration: While not explicitly about travel, many of Colvin’s songs capture a sense of movement and searching, like “Drive” and “Seven,” hinting at experiences beyond familiar spaces.

    Additional Noteworthy Events:

    • Playing for troops: Colvin has participated in USO tours entertaining military personnel stationed overseas, offering glimpses into her commitment to community and human connection.
    • Collaborations: Touring and recording with diverse artists like Mary Chapin Carpenter or Steve Earle exposes her to new cultures and musical perspectives, enriching her artistic journey.

    Future Aspirations and Goals

    Continued Musical Exploration:

    • Genre-Bending: Judging by her past collaborations with diverse artists and her own genre-bending tracks, Colvin might explore new musical territories, potentially delving deeper into blues, Americana, or even jazz influences.
    • Storytelling Focus: Her introspective lyrics and focus on human experiences suggest a continued emphasis on storytelling through music, possibly tackling deeper themes or venturing into narrative songwriting.
    • Collaboration and Community: She thrives on collaborations, so future projects might involve working with new artists, both established and up-and-coming, further enriching her musical tapestry and fostering community within the music scene.

    Advocacy and Social Impact:

    • Activism: Given her involvement in causes like poverty eradication and environmental protection, Colvin might further use her platform to raise awareness and support social movements she believes in.
    • Songwriting for Change: Her powerful lyrics could tackle pressing social issues or inspire hope and resilience, potentially becoming anthems for movements or communities facing challenges.
    • Philanthropy and Mentorship: She might dedicate more time to charitable causes or mentor young artists, sharing her experience and wisdom to nurture the next generation of musicians.

    Personal Growth and Artistic Evolution:

    • **Memoir ** Building on the success of her memoir “Diamond in the Rough,” Colvin might explore further writing ventures, delving deeper into personal experiences or tackling new literary challenges.
    • Acting and Performance: Her past acting experiences might lead to future roles in films or television shows, showcasing her artistic versatility and storytelling abilities beyond music.
    • Travel and Inspiration: New journeys and cultural experiences could spark fresh creative inspiration, influencing her songwriting and artistic expression in unexpected ways.

    Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement

    Philanthropic Pursuits:

    • Global Citizen Festival: Colvin has lent her musical voice to this international festival advocating for poverty eradication and global equality, showcasing her commitment to social justice.
    • Charity Concerts: From supporting environmental causes like Rainforest Action Network to lending a hand to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Colvin uses her platform to raise awareness and funds for various charitable causes.
    • MusiCares: She actively participates in MusiCares benefit concerts, supporting fellow musicians in times of need, demonstrating her dedication to her artistic community.

    Charitable Contributions:

    • Playing for Troops: Colvin has participated in USO tours, bringing music and comfort to American military personnel stationed overseas, highlighting her commitment to community service and honoring those who serve.
    • Auction Participation: Donating signed guitars and other personal items for charity auctions allows Colvin to support various causes she believes in, using her fame for positive impact.
    • Fundraising Initiatives: Her involvement in initiatives like Stand Up to Cancer, raising funds for cancer research, exemplifies her dedication to fighting against critical health issues.

    Community Involvement:

    • Mentorship and Education: Colvin participates in songwriting workshops and masterclasses, sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring artists, fostering the next generation of musical talent.
    • Advocacy: She lends her voice to important social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and environmental protection, using her platform to raise awareness and promote positive change.
    • Local Engagement: Colvin actively participates in events and initiatives within her community, demonstrating her commitment to her local surroundings and fostering a sense of connection.

    Shawn Colvin Awards Accomplishments and Achievements

    Awards:

    • Five Grammy Awards:
      • Best Contemporary Folk Album (1990) for “Steady On”
      • Song of the Year (1998) for “Sunny Came Home”
      • Record of the Year (1998) for “Sunny Came Home”
      • Best Americana Album (2019) for “Unbound”
      • Best Folk Album (2023) for “Quietly Steady”
    • Two CMA Awards:
      • Female Vocalist of the Year (1998)
      • Song of the Year (1998) for “Sunny Came Home”
    • Two Academy of Country Music Awards:
      • Top Female Vocalist (1998)
      • Single Record of the Year (1998) for “Sunny Came Home”
    • Other recognitions:
      • Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2019)
      • Received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting from the Americana Music Association (2020)
      • Honorary Doctorate of Music from her alma mater, Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2022)

    Accomplishments:

    • Twelve studio albums released, many with critical acclaim.
    • Numerous hit singles, including the Grammy-winning “Sunny Came Home.”
    • Successful nationwide and international touring career, often collaborating with other artists.
    • Featured in film and television soundtracks.
    • Published a critically acclaimed memoir, “Diamond in the Rough,” in 2012.
    • Known for her introspective lyrics, unique vocals, and skilled musicianship.
    • Advocated for social and environmental causes.

    Impact:

    • Shawn Colvin is a respected figure in the music industry, influencing countless artists and inspiring audiences with her storytelling and songwriting.
    • Her music has resonated with listeners across generations, connecting through themes of love, loss, resilience, and hope.
    • Her Grammy wins and other awards solidified her place as a significant artist in the folk-pop genre.
    • Her commitment to activism and personal growth has resonated with fans and earned her respect beyond the music scene.

    Legacy

    Musical Mastery:

    • Genre-Bending Pioneer: Colvin’s music seamlessly blends folk, pop, and Americana influences, crafting a unique sound that transcends categorization. This genre-bending spirit paves the way for future artists to explore sonic boundaries.
    • Storytelling Through Song: Her lyrics delve into the depths of human experience, touching on themes of love, loss, resilience, and hope. She paints vivid pictures with words, drawing listeners into her emotional landscapes.
    • Vocal Majesty: Colvin’s raspy, emotive vocals are instantly recognizable. They convey vulnerability, strength, and wisdom, adding an extra layer of authenticity and depth to her music.

    Cultural Impact:

    • Grammy-Winning Influence: Her five Grammy awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for “Sunny Came Home,” solidified her place as a major force in contemporary music. This recognition inspires countless aspiring artists.
    • Collaboration and Connection: Colvin’s collaborations with diverse artists like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Steve Earle, and Buddy Guy showcase her musical openness and enrich the music scene with cross-genre pollination.
    • Enduring Popularity: Her music continues to resonate with audiences young and old, proving its timeless appeal. Her songs find their way into weddings, movie soundtracks, and introspective moments, becoming part of the collective musical consciousness.

    Personal Inspiration:

    • Overcoming Adversity: Colvin’s openness about struggles with addiction and personal challenges in her memoir “Diamond in the Rough” offers hope and inspiration to those facing similar battles.
    • Artistry with Integrity: Throughout her career, Colvin has remained true to her artistic vision, prioritizing authenticity and emotional honesty over fleeting trends. This integrity serves as a guiding light for aspiring artists.
    • Advocacy and Activism: Her involvement in social and environmental causes demonstrates the power of using one’s platform to advocate for positive change, inspiring others to do the same.

    Hobbies and Interests

    Creative Pursuits:

    • Photography: She enjoys capturing moments and stories through photography, showcasing a keen eye for beauty and observation. This visual interest might also influence her songwriting and imagery.
    • Gardening: Working with nature brings her joy and peace, offering a balance to her busy artistic life. This connection to the earth might subtly find its way into her lyrics and artistic themes.
    • Reading: Devouring books on various topics fuels her curiosity and imagination, potentially providing inspiration and fresh perspectives for her songwriting.

    Active Lifestyle:

    • Hiking and Walking: Exploring nature through walks and hikes invigorates her and provides inspiration. This connection to the outdoors might add a sense of wanderlust and reflection to her music.
    • Yoga and Meditation: These practices provide her with inner peace and clarity, possibly contributing to the introspective nature of her music and lyrics.

    Other Passions:

    • Cooking and Baking: She enjoys creating delicious meals and treats, potentially offering a sense of comfort and community connection outside of music.
    • Animal Advocacy: Supporting animal welfare causes reflects her compassion and commitment to making a difference in the world.
    • Travel: While details are private, she might enjoy exploring new places and cultures, potentially enriching her perspective and adding diverse influences to her artistic expression.

    Personal Beliefs

    Spiritual Openness:

    • Lyrics often explore themes of spirituality and faith, questioning, searching, and ultimately finding solace in a sense of something larger than oneself. Songs like “One and Only” and “When You Know” hint at a personal connection to spiritual themes.
    • Respect for diverse perspectives: She has expressed open-mindedness and respect for various religious and spiritual beliefs, suggesting a personal approach that isn’t limited to specific dogmas.

    Social and Environmental Concern:

    • Actively involved in causes like poverty eradication, environmental protection, and LGBTQ+ rights, demonstrating a strong sense of social conscience and commitment to creating a better world.
    • Music often touches on themes of social justice and environmental responsibility, reflecting a deep concern for the well-being of people and the planet.

    Importance of Personal Growth:

    • Memoir “Diamond in the Rough” delves into personal struggles and journey of overcoming addiction, showcasing a belief in personal transformation and healing.
    • Lyrics and interviews often emphasize the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and finding meaning in life’s challenges, suggesting a commitment to personal growth and inner exploration.

    Quotes

    “With my songs, the question is always, ‘Can you pull it off live, alone on just an acoustic guitar?’ That’s the litmus test. If I can, then it’s a song I ought to record. If I can’t, it’s probably not good enough.”

    “Physically, I’m healthy as a horse, always held up. But in the mental illness department, I got my share. It’s just what I got.”

    “The less you know, the more I comprehend. You don’t have to drag me down, I descend.”

    “Cynicism is tough. A cynic’s point of view is really pitiful. I derive pleasure out of a lot of things in life. As long as I’m fairly healthy, it’s hard to stay dismal for very long.”

    “I wasn’t creative when I was depressed. When my depression got treated, I was creative again.”

    “This world’s a blessing and a beast everyday.”

    “John Floridis was very inspiring. He plays so well.”

    “One of the dumber things my manager said was, Stick to the melody. But I can’t.”

    “Without music, I could not get through.”

    Final Thoughts

    Shawn Colvin is an artistic tapestry woven with soulful vocals, introspective lyrics, and a spirit infused with resilience and empathy.

    Shawn Colvin Contacts

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