American singer-songwriter born April 5, 1968, in Rockport, Massachusetts. Distinguished by her jazz-trained alto and confessional songwriting.
Released nine studio albums between Harbinger (1994) and American Quilt (2021). Commercial peak: This Fire (1996, featuring "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?" and "I Don't Want to Wait" — the latter familiar from the Dawson's Creek opening credits). Won the 1998 Grammy for Best New Artist over runners-up Hanson, Erykah Badu, Fiona Apple, and Sugar Ray. Toured with Lilith Fair throughout 1997-1999.