Sheryl Crow facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sheryl Crow
Crow in November 2014
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 multi instrumentalist
Instruments	Vocals guitar bass keyboards harmonica
Years active	1983–present
Labels	A&M Warner Bros. Big Machine Universal

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

Sheryl has released twelve studio albums, five collections of her songs, and three live albums. She has also contributed to many movie soundtracks. Some of her most famous songs include "All I Wanna Do" (1994), "Strong Enough" (1994), "If It Makes You Happy" (1996), and "Soak Up the Sun" (2002).

She has sold over 50 million albums around the world. Sheryl has also won nine Grammy Awards from 32 nominations. Besides music, she has appeared in TV shows like 30 Rock and NCIS: New Orleans. In 2023, Sheryl Crow was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Early Life and School

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.

When she was in high school in Kennett, Sheryl was a majorette and a great athlete in track. She won medals in the 75-meter low hurdles. She was also part of the pep club and the National Honor Society.

After high school, she went to the University of Missouri. In 1984, she earned a degree in music education. While at the university, she sang in a local band called Cashmere.

Music Career Highlights

Starting Her Music Journey

After college, Sheryl Crow worked as a music teacher at an elementary school in Fenton, Missouri. This job allowed her to sing in bands on weekends. She met a local musician and producer named Jay Oliver. He helped her record songs for commercials, called jingles. Her first jingle was for a department store called Famous-Barr. Soon, she was singing jingles for big companies like McDonald's and Toyota. She once said she made $40,000 from the McDonald's ad alone!

From 1987 to 1989, Sheryl toured with Michael Jackson as a backup singer. She often sang with him on the song "I Just Can't Stop Loving You." She also recorded backup vocals for other famous artists like Stevie Wonder and Don Henley.

In 1990, she sang in the TV show Cop Rock. Her song "Heal Somebody" was in the movie Bright Angel. In 1991, her song "Welcome to the Real Life" was on the soundtrack for the film Stone Cold. She also sang a duet with Kenny Loggins called "I Would Do Anything."

First Album Plans

In 1992, Sheryl tried to record her first album with producer Hugh Padgham. However, she and her record label decided not to release it. Sheryl felt it sounded "too produced." Even so, some copies of the album were shared among fans. During this time, other famous singers like Celine Dion and Tina Turner recorded songs that Sheryl had written.

Becoming a Star

Sheryl Crow joined a group of musicians who called themselves the "Tuesday Music Club." This group helped her create her first official album, Tuesday Night Music Club, which came out in 1994. At first, the album didn't get much attention. But then, her song "All I Wanna Do" became a huge hit in October 1994.

Other songs from the album, like "Strong Enough" and "Can't Cry Anymore," also became popular. Tuesday Night Music Club sold over 7 million copies in the US and UK. In 1995, Sheryl won three Grammy Awards for this album, including Record of the Year and Best New Artist.

In 1996, Sheryl released her second album, Sheryl Crow. She produced it herself and played many instruments on it. The first song, "If It Makes You Happy", was a big hit on the radio. This album won her two more Grammy Awards. One of the songs, "Love Is a Good Thing," mentioned that a store sold guns to children. Because of this, the album was not sold at Walmart. The album also included a protest song called "Redemption Day."

In 1997, Sheryl sang the theme song for the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies.

The Globe Sessions and Live Music

Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles in 2002

In 1998, Sheryl released The Globe Sessions. She talked about going through some difficult times while making this album. Her song "My Favorite Mistake" was a lot of fun to record and perform. This album won Best Rock Album at the 1999 Grammy Awards. It was re-released with a bonus song, her cover of the Guns N' Roses song "Sweet Child o' Mine," which was in the movie Big Daddy. This cover also won a Grammy.

In 1999, Sheryl acted in the movie The Minus Man. She also sang backup vocals on Prince's album Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic.

She also released a live album called Sheryl Crow and Friends: Live From Central Park. This album featured Sheryl singing her hits with other musicians like Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Nicks, and Eric Clapton.

New Albums and Activism

Sheryl Crow and Mick Jagger performing together in 2002

Sheryl has been involved with the Scleroderma Research Foundation since the late 1990s. In 2002, she recorded the hymn "Be Still, My Soul" to honor a friend who passed away from scleroderma. The money from this song went to the foundation.

Her fourth studio album, C'mon, C'mon, came out in 2002. It included the hit song "Soak Up the Sun". The second song, "Steve McQueen," won a Grammy.

Sheryl Crow at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2007

Sheryl spoke out against the Iraq War in 2003. She wore a shirt that said "I don't believe in your war, Mr. Bush!" on TV. She also visited injured soldiers at a hospital to show her support.

She sang the song "Kiss That Girl" for the movie Bridget Jones's Diary. She also sang a duet with Kid Rock called "Picture".

In 2003, a collection of her greatest hits, The Very Best of Sheryl Crow, was released. It had many of her popular songs and some new ones. One new song was a cover of "The First Cut Is the Deepest" by Cat Stevens, which became a huge radio hit. This song won her two American Music Awards.

Wildflower and Health

Sheryl Crow at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2007

Her fifth studio album, Wildflower, was released in 2005. It was nominated for a Grammy. In 2006, the song "Always on Your Side" was re-recorded with Sting and also received a Grammy nomination.

In 2006, Sheryl sang "Real Gone" for the soundtrack of the Disney and Pixar movie Cars.

In February 2006, Sheryl was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. She had surgery and radiation treatment. Her doctors said she would make a full recovery. She talked about her experience on TV to help others.

Detours and Giving Back

Sheryl Crow performing at the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Sheryl released her sixth studio album, Detours, in 2008. It debuted at No. 2 on the US charts. Her son, Wyatt, is featured on the song "Lullaby for Wyatt."

She supported Barack Obama in the 2008 US presidential election and performed at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Sheryl also donated $1 from each ticket sold for her 2008 tour to the United Nations World Food Programme.

In 2009, a special version of her first album, Tuesday Night Music Club, was re-released with extra songs and music videos. In 2008, Sheryl also launched her own jeans brand.

Sheryl Crow at New York Fashion Week in 2005

In 2009, Sheryl performed at a concert in New York to support the David Lynch Foundation. This foundation helps students learn to meditate. She sang "My Sweet Lord" with Ben Harper.

100 Miles from Memphis and New Projects

Sheryl Crow with Stevie Wonder at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial dedication concert in 2011

In 2010, Sheryl released her seventh studio album, 100 Miles from Memphis. This album has a classic Memphis soul sound. She also joined Loretta Lynn and Miranda Lambert to update Lynn's song "Coal Miner's Daughter".

In 2011, Sheryl was asked to write the music and lyrics for a new musical called Diner. She also sang on William Shatner's album Seeking Major Tom.

In 2012, Sheryl sang "Beautiful Dreamer" for an album about Mark Twain. She also wrote the theme song for Katie Couric's talk show, which was nominated for an Emmy Award. In November 2012, she released a song called "Woman in the White House," which supported the idea of a woman president. Part of the money from this song went to the American Red Cross to help after Hurricane Sandy.

In 2012, VH1 ranked Sheryl Crow as one of the 100 Greatest Women in Music.

Country Music and Collaborations

In 2013, Sheryl signed with a new record label and started her first country music project. She released "Easy," which became a top twenty country radio hit. Her album Feels Like Home was released in September 2013.

She opened for George Strait's tour in 2014. She also performed with other artists at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony to honor Linda Ronstadt. Sheryl joined Rascal Flatts on their Rewind Tour.

In 2014, Sheryl hosted and performed at the 40th anniversary concert for the Austin City Limits TV show. She sang on a Christmas song with Darius Rucker. In 2015, she performed at tribute concerts for John Lennon and Emmylou Harris.

Recent Albums and Documentaries

In 2017, Sheryl released her tenth studio album, Be Myself. She said this album was a return to the sound of her earlier music from the 1990s. She mentioned that she preferred this style over the political side of country radio.

Her 2019 album Threads featured many famous artists like Don Henley, Sting, Stevie Nicks, and Willie Nelson. Sheryl has said that Threads might be her last full album, but she will continue to write and tour.

In 2022, a documentary film about her career called Sheryl premiered.

New Music and Hall of Fame

Sheryl Crow announced her twelfth studio album, Evolution, in November 2023. This news came just before she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the same day. The album was released on March 29, 2024. She also contributed guitar to a song by Mark Knopfler to help the Teenage Cancer Trust. In October 2024, she released the single "Light A Candle," with proceeds going to the American Red Cross to help communities affected by hurricanes.

Instruments and Guitars

Sheryl Crow often used a 1962 Gibson Country Western guitar. Because she used it so much, she asked Gibson to make a copy for her to use on stage. Gibson then created a "Sheryl Crow" model guitar as part of their special artist series. In 2013, Gibson also made a limited edition "Sheryl Crow Southern Jumbo" guitar.

Personal Life

Relationships and Family

Sheryl Crow has had relationships with other famous people. In the late 1990s, she dated actor Owen Wilson. She also dated cyclist Lance Armstrong and they were engaged, but they later broke up in 2006. Sheryl has been engaged two other times but has never married.

In May 2007, Sheryl announced that she had adopted a baby boy. In June 2010, she adopted another boy. She lives with her sons in West Nashville, Tennessee. She also has a home in Destin, Florida.

Sheryl and her son Levi are big fans of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team.

Health and Views

In 2006, Sheryl was diagnosed with a type of breast cancer. She had surgery and treatment and made a full recovery.

In 2011, she was diagnosed with a meningioma, which is a common type of brain tumour that is usually not harmful. She continues to have regular check-ups for it.

Sheryl Crow is known for her liberal political views. She spoke out against the Iraq War and supports gun control measures. She also supports 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 American Academy of Achievement.

On November 3, 2023, Sheryl Crow was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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 TV Appearances

Images for kids

• 

  Crow in November 2014

See Also

In Spanish: Sheryl Crow para niños

• If I Were a Carpenter
• List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart
• List of awards and nominations received by Sheryl Crow