Sheryl Crow facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sheryl Crow
Crow in 2024
Background information
Birth name	Sheryl Suzanne Crow
Born	(1962-02-11) February 11, 1962 (age 63) Kennett, Missouri, U.S.
Genres	Country rock pop folk blues heartland rock
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter actress guitarist
Instruments	Vocals Guitar Bass Guitar Piano Harmonica Accordion
Years active	1983–present
Labels	A&M Warner Bros. Big Machine Universal

Sheryl Suzanne Crow (born February 11, 1962) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She is known for her positive and hopeful songs that blend different music styles like rock, pop, country, folk, and blues.

Sheryl Crow has released many albums and contributed to film soundtracks. Some of her most famous songs include "All I Wanna Do" (1994), "Strong Enough" (1994), "If It Makes You Happy" (1996), "Everyday Is a Winding Road" (1996), "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997), "My Favorite Mistake" (1998), "Picture" (2002, a duet with Kid Rock), and "Soak Up the Sun" (2002).

She has sold over 50 million albums around the world and has won nine Grammy Awards. In 2023, she was honored by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Besides music, she has also appeared in TV shows and movies like 30 Rock, Cop Rock, GCB, Cougar Town, One Tree Hill, and NCIS: New Orleans.

Early Life and Education

Sheryl Crow was born on February 11, 1962, in Kennett, Missouri. Her mother, Bernice, was a piano teacher, and her father, Wendell, was a lawyer and trumpet player. She has two older sisters, Kathy and Karen, and a younger brother, Steven.

While attending Kennett High School, Sheryl was very active. She was a majorette and a talented track athlete, winning medals in hurdles. She was also part of the pep club, the National Honor Society, and the National FFA Organization.

After high school, she went to the University of Missouri in Columbia. In 1984, she earned a degree in music education. During her time at the university, she sang in a local band called Cashmere. She was also a member of several honor societies and sororities.

Music Career Highlights

Early Career and Backing Vocals (1987–1991)

After college, Sheryl Crow worked as a music teacher at an elementary school in Fenton, Missouri. On weekends, she sang in bands. She soon started singing in advertising jingles for companies like McDonald's and Toyota.

From 1987 to 1989, Crow toured with Michael Jackson as a backing vocalist for his Bad World Tour. She often sang with Jackson on the song "I Just Can't Stop Loving You". She also provided background vocals for other famous artists like Stevie Wonder, Belinda Carlisle, and Don Henley.

First Album Attempts and Breakthrough (1992–1997)

In 1992, Sheryl Crow tried to record her first album, but she and her record label decided not to release it because it felt "too produced." However, some of her songs were recorded by other major artists like Celine Dion and Tina Turner.

Her official debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club, was released in 1993. It was created with a group of musicians known as the "Tuesday Music Club." The album slowly gained attention until "All I Wanna Do" became a huge hit in October 1994. Other popular songs from the album included "Strong Enough" and "Can't Cry Anymore." Tuesday Night Music Club sold over 7 million copies in the US and UK. In 1995, the album helped Crow win three Grammys: Record of the Year, Best New Artist, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

In 1996, Crow released her second album, Sheryl Crow, which she produced herself. The first single, "If It Makes You Happy", was a big radio success and earned her two Grammys in 1997. This album also included "Redemption Day," a protest song later covered by Johnny Cash.

In 1997, Crow sang the theme song for the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies. Her song, "Tomorrow Never Dies", was nominated for a Grammy and a Golden Globe Award.

The Globe Sessions and Live Performances (1998–1999)

Crow in Los Angeles in 2002, with guitarist Peter Stroud

In 1998, Sheryl Crow released The Globe Sessions. The first single, "My Favorite Mistake", became very popular. This album won Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards in 1999. A re-release of the album included her cover of the Guns N' Roses song "Sweet Child o' Mine", which won a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 2000.

In 1999, she also made her acting debut in the film The Minus Man. She also released a live album called Sheryl Crow and Friends: Live From Central Park. This album featured her performing her hit songs with guest musicians like Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Nicks, and Keith Richards.

C'mon, C'mon and Greatest Hits (2002–2004)

Crow and Mick Jagger on stage during a Rolling Stones concert in 2002

Crow's fourth studio album, C'mon, C'mon, came out in 2002. It included the hit single "Soak Up the Sun". The second single, "Steve McQueen", won a Grammy for Female Rock Vocal Performance in 2003.

Crow at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2007

In 2003, a greatest hits album called The Very Best of Sheryl Crow was released. It featured many of her popular songs and some new ones. One new track was her cover of "The First Cut Is the Deepest" by Cat Stevens, which became a huge radio hit. This song earned her two awards in 2004.

Wildflower and Health Journey (2005–2007)

Crow at Crossroads 2007

Crow in Memphis, Tennessee, on August 18, 2007

Her fifth studio album, Wildflower, was released in September 2005. The album was nominated for a Grammy, and the single "Good Is Good" also received a nomination. In 2006, the song "Always on Your Side" was re-recorded with Sting and became popular on the radio.

In 2006, Crow was diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer. She underwent treatment and made a full recovery. Her first concert after her diagnosis was in May 2006. She later spoke about her experience as a breast cancer survivor on Larry King Live.

Crow also contributed the song "Real Gone" to the soundtrack of the 2006 animated film Cars.

Detours and Activism (2008–2009)

Crow's sixth studio album, Detours, was released on February 5, 2008. It debuted at No. 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album was recorded at her farm in Nashville, Tennessee. Her son, Wyatt, is featured on the song "Lullaby for Wyatt."

Crow performing during the final day of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado

Crow has been involved in various causes. She performed at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. She also recorded "So Glad We Made It" for the AT&T Team USA Soundtrack for the 2008 Summer Olympics.

In 2009, Crow participated in a benefit concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City to support teaching meditation to at-risk students. She performed with artists like Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.

100 Miles from Memphis and New Projects (2010–2012)

Crow with Stevie Wonder at the dedication concert for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on October 16, 2011.

In 2010, Crow released her seventh studio album, 100 Miles from Memphis. This album had a Memphis soul sound and featured the lead single "Summer Day". She also collaborated with country singers Loretta Lynn and Miranda Lambert on a new version of Lynn's song "Coal Miner's Daughter".

In 2011, it was announced that Crow would write the music and lyrics for Diner, a new musical based on the 1982 film. The show opened in 2014.

In 2012, Crow was featured in a campaign called 30 Songs/30 Days to support Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, a project focused on empowering women. She also wrote the theme song, "This Day", for Katie Couric's talk show, Katie.

Country Music and Collaborations (2013–2015)

In 2013, Sheryl Crow signed with Warner Music Nashville and began her first country music project. She released "Easy", which became her first top twenty country radio hit. Her album Feels Like Home was released on September 10, 2013, and became her ninth top ten album.

Crow performed as an opening act for George Strait's 2014 tour. She also appeared at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony to honor Linda Ronstadt. She joined Rascal Flatts on their Rewind Tour in 2014.

Recent Albums and Documentaries (2017–Present)

Crow's tenth studio album, Be Myself, was released on April 21, 2017. She described it as a return to the sound of her earlier work from the 1990s.

Her 2019 album Threads featured many guest artists, including Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Sting, Stevie Nicks, and Willie Nelson. Crow mentioned that Threads might be her final full album, but she would continue to write and tour.

In 2022, a documentary film called Sheryl was released on Showtime. It tells the story of her career.

On March 29, 2024, Crow released her twelfth studio album, Evolution. This news came just before her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2023. In October 2024, she released the single "Light A Candle," with proceeds going to the American Red Cross to help communities affected by hurricanes. In May 2025, she released "I Know" to support Mental Health Awareness Month.

Instruments and Signature Guitars

Early in her career, Sheryl Crow often played a 1962 Gibson Country Western guitar. Because she worried about it getting damaged on tour, she asked Gibson to make a replica for her. Gibson then created a "Sheryl Crow" model in their Signature Artist Series, which is a copy of her 1962 guitar. In 2013, Gibson also released a limited edition "Sheryl Crow Southern Jumbo" guitar.

Personal Life

Crow at the Revlon Run Walk 2007

Family Life

Sheryl Crow has had several notable relationships. She was engaged to cyclist Lance Armstrong in 2005, but they announced their split in 2006. She has been engaged two other times but has never married.

In May 2007, Crow adopted a baby boy. In June 2010, she adopted another boy. She and her sons live in West Nashville, Tennessee. She also has a home in Destin, Florida.

Crow and her son Levi are big fans of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team. They attended several games when the Bucks won the 2021 NBA Finals.

Health and Wellness

Sheryl Crow has openly shared her experiences with health challenges. In 2006, she was diagnosed with a non-invasive form of breast cancer and underwent successful treatment. She later partnered with her surgeon to open the Sheryl Crow Imaging Center to help others. In 2011, she was diagnosed with a meningioma, a type of brain tumor that is usually not harmful. She continues to have regular check-ups.

Beliefs

Crow was raised Presbyterian and now describes herself as Christian. She is known for her support of environmental causes and efforts to reduce climate change.

Awards and Honors

Sheryl Crow has received honorary doctorates from the University of Missouri and Southeast Missouri State University.

In 2006, she received the Golden Plate Award from the Academy of Achievement, presented by Steven Spielberg. On November 3, 2023, Crow was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a major honor in music.

Discography

• Tuesday Night Music Club (1993)
• Sheryl Crow (1996)
• The Globe Sessions (1998)
• C'mon, C'mon (2002)
• Wildflower (2005)
• Detours (2008)
• Home for Christmas (2008)
• 100 Miles from Memphis (2010)
• Feels Like Home (2013)
• Be Myself (2017)
• Threads (2019)
• Evolution (2024)

Film and Television Appearances

See also

In Spanish: Sheryl Crow para niños

• If I Were a Carpenter
• List of awards and nominations received by Sheryl Crow