Natalie Merchant facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Natalie Merchant
Merchant performing in 2017
Born	Natalie Anne Merchant (1963-10-26) October 26, 1963 (age 61) Jamestown, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Singer songwriter
Years active	1981–present
Spouse(s)	Daniel de la Calle ​ ​ (m. 2003; div. 2012)​
Musical career
Genres	Rock Folk
Instruments	Vocals piano
Labels	Elektra Myth America Nonesuch
Signature

Natalie Anne Merchant (born October 26, 1963) is an American singer and songwriter. She became famous as the lead singer and main songwriter for the band 10,000 Maniacs. She joined the group in 1981 and stayed with them for seven albums. In 1993, she started her solo career. Since then, she has released nine studio albums on her own.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Natalie Merchant was born on October 26, 1963, in Jamestown, New York. She was the third of four children. Her grandfather, who played the accordion, mandolin, and guitar, came to the United States from Sicily.

Natalie's parents divorced when she was seven. Her mother loved classical music and encouraged her children to learn music. However, her mother did not allow television after Natalie turned 12.

Natalie remembers going to concerts as a child. She once saw the band Styx when she was 12. She found it "awe-inspiring and inspirational." She also listened to music from musicals like West Side Story. She said she didn't know about artists like Bob Dylan until she was 18.

Natalie started working at a health food store when she was 16. She thought about working in special education. But in 1981, she began singing for a band called Still Life. This band later became 10,000 Maniacs.

Music Career Highlights

Joining 10,000 Maniacs

Merchant in 1984. Merchant became known for her swirling style of dancing and her simple dress while performing with 10,000 Maniacs.

Natalie Merchant was the lead singer and main lyric writer for 10,000 Maniacs. She joined the band in 1981 while studying at Jamestown Community College. The group recorded their first album, Human Conflict Number Five, in 1982.

Natalie sang lead vocals and later played piano on seven studio albums with the band. In 1993, she decided to leave the group. She wanted more creative control over her music. Her last recording with the band was a cover of "Because the Night". This song became the band's highest-charting song in the U.S.

Solo Success with Tigerlily (1995)

Merchant in 1995 at Earth Day in Columbia, Maryland

After leaving 10,000 Maniacs, Natalie was excited to write her own songs. Her first solo album, Tigerlily, came out in 1995. It was released by Elektra.

Tigerlily was very successful. It included her first top-ten hit, "Carnival." Other popular songs were "Wonder" and "Jealousy." The album sold over five million copies. It is still Natalie's most successful album. She toured a lot and appeared on TV shows like Saturday Night Live.

Ophelia and Collaborations (1998–1999)

Natalie released her second solo album, Ophelia, three years later. Ophelia had richer music arrangements than Tigerlily. Natalie worked with many musicians she had met over the years. The album's name is a reference to Shakespeare's character, Ophelia.

The first song from the album was "Kind and Generous." This song was played a lot on VH1. It helped Natalie become a well-known solo artist. That summer, Sarah McLachlan invited Natalie to perform at the Lilith Fair music festival. This helped Ophelia sell over a million copies.

In 1998, Natalie also sang on the album Mermaid Avenue. This album featured previously unreleased lyrics by Woody Guthrie. She worked with Billy Bragg and Wilco on this project. She also sang on the second volume, Mermaid Avenue Vol. II, in 2000.

Motherland and Independent Music (2001–2003)

Natalie's next album, Motherland, was released in 2001. This album showed Natalie trying new musical styles. Motherland sold well and received good reviews. Songs released from this album included "Just Can't Last" and "Build a Levee."

Natalie toured the world for a year and a half to promote Motherland. She performed across the United States and Europe.

After her contract with Elektra ended in 2002, Natalie decided to release music on her own. Her next album, The House Carpenter's Daughter, came out in 2003 on her own label, Myth America Records.

Recent Albums (2010–Present)

Merchant at the piano in 2005

In 2009, Natalie signed with Nonesuch Records. Her album Leave Your Sleep was released on April 13, 2010. This album was inspired by conversations with her daughter. It was very popular, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Folk Albums chart.

In February 2014, Natalie announced her self-titled album, Natalie Merchant. This was her first album of new original songs since Motherland in 2001. It was released on May 6, 2014.

In 2015, Natalie re-recorded songs from her Tigerlily album. The new album was called Paradise Is There: The New Tigerlily Recordings. She added strings to some songs and made others simpler.

Merchant performing with guitarist Erik Della Penna at Emmanuel United Reformed Church in Cambridge, England, in July 2018

In 2017, Natalie released Butterfly. This album featured new songs and orchestral versions of her older songs.

On April 14, 2023, Natalie released her eighth studio album, Keep Your Courage. This was her first album with new original material since 2014.

Personal Life and Interests

Natalie Merchant met Michael Stipe from the band R.E.M. in 1983. They became close friends and inspired each other's songwriting.

Natalie married Daniel de la Calle in 2003 and they had a daughter named Lucia. They later divorced. Natalie currently lives in Rhinecliff, New York.

Natalie enjoys gardening and painting. Some of her paintings can be seen on her website. She has been a vegetarian since 1980. She prefers living in the countryside. She also teaches arts and crafts to children in New York state.

In 2019, Natalie had surgery for a condition that affected her singing. She was unable to sing for several months while she recovered.

Activism and Community Work

Natalie Merchant is also known for her activism. In 2012, she helped organize a concert with actor Mark Ruffalo. The concert protested against oil and gas drilling in New York state. A documentary about the event, called Dear Governor Cuomo, was made.

In 2013, she directed a short documentary called Shelter: A Concert Film to Benefit Victims of Domestic Violence. This film highlighted women helping victims of domestic violence in New York.

Natalie is a strong supporter of various causes. In 2017, she took part in a protest in New York City. She performed her song "Motherland" and led a group sing-along of Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land." Natalie is also a member of Artists Against Racism, a Canadian charity.

Awards and Recognition

Natalie Merchant has received several awards for her music.

Discography

Merchant appearing at the Chicago Theatre in September 2014

With 10,000 Maniacs

• Human Conflict Number Five (EP) (1982)
• Secrets of the I Ching (1983)
• The Wishing Chair (1985)
• In My Tribe (1987)
• Blind Man's Zoo (1989)
• Hope Chest: The Fredonia Recordings 1982–1983 (1990)
• Our Time in Eden (1992)
• MTV Unplugged (1993)
• Campfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure and Unknown Recordings (2004)

Solo Albums

• 1995: Tigerlily
• 1998: Ophelia
• 2001: Motherland
• 2003: The House Carpenter's Daughter
• 2010: Leave Your Sleep
• 2014: Natalie Merchant
• 2015: Paradise Is There: The New Tigerlily Recordings
• 2017: Butterfly
• 2023: Keep Your Courage

Film and Television Appearances

Natalie Merchant has appeared in various films and television shows, often performing her music.

Films

Television

See also

In Spanish: Natalie Merchant para niños