Born: 1981 (Ravensdale, Washington)
Biography:
Brandi Marie Carlile (/ˈmæri ˈkɑːrlaɪl/ MARR-ee KAR-lyle; born June 1, 1981) is an American singer-songwriter, author, and activist. Born in Ravensdale, Washington, a rural town southeast of Seattle, Carlile grew up in a musically inclined family. She dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music, teaching herself piano and guitar.
Carlile’s journey in the music industry began with her debut major label album, Brandi Carlile, in 2005. Although the album received critical acclaim, it achieved limited commercial success. However, this did not deter Carlile, and she continued to refine her sound, drawing inspiration from diverse genres such as folk rock, alternative country, Americana, and classic rock.
In 2007, Carlile gained wider recognition with her single The Story, which was also the title track of her second album. The song resonated with listeners and became one of her signature tracks. It showcased Carlile’s powerful vocals and her ability to write emotionally charged lyrics. The Story went on to achieve Gold status by the RIAA for selling 500,000 copies in 2017.
Building on her success, Carlile released the album By the Way, I Forgive You in 2018, which received critical and commercial acclaim. It debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, marking her highest charted position to date. The album also reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums. With this album, Carlile received widespread recognition and secured her place as an influential artist in the music industry.
Throughout her career, Carlile’s talent as a songwriter and producer has been evident. She has collaborated with various artists, including Tanya Tucker, on the album While I’m Livin’ in 2019, for which she received three Grammy nominations. Carlile has a total of 25 Grammy nominations and has won nine Grammy Awards.
In addition to her solo work, Carlile formed an all-female quartet called the Highwomen in 2019. The group, consisting of Carlile, Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, and Natalie Hemby, released their debut self-titled album, The Highwomen, to critical acclaim and commercial success. They won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song for the track Crowded Table in 2021.
Carlile’s music has resonated with audiences worldwide due to its emotional depth and authenticity. Her lyrics often touch upon themes of love, resilience, and social justice. As an openly queer artist, she has also become an important figure in LGBTQ+ representation in the music industry.
In addition to her musical endeavors, Carlile is also a dedicated activist. She has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and social equality. Carlile’s activism aligns with her heartfelt songwriting, making her an influential figure both musically and socially.
Awards:
– Grammy Awards: 9 wins, 25 nominations, including wins for Best Americana Album, Best Country Song, Best Rock Performance, and Best Rock Song
– Gold status for The Story by the RIAA, 2017