Artist Profile: Leann Rimes
Rimes' Evolution from Child Star to SuperStar
Originally from deep in the Mississippi delta, Leann Rimes was born Margaret Leann Rimes on August 28th, 1982. Her family moved to Garland, TX a few years later, where Leann began showing an interest and talent for music at an extremely young age. She won her first talent show at age 5, and began performing at sports games and other events around the area. At age 7, she recorded and began selling a homemade album at her performances.
At age 8, she performed on the popular television talent show, Star Search, where she made it to the finals. She also began performing nearly 100 shows per year in the Texas area. At a Dallas Cowboys football game, songwriter Bill Mack heard her version of the Star Spangled Banner and gave her a version of the song “Blue,” which he had written for legendary country singer Patsy Cline shortly before her death.
Rimes recorded her version of the song, adding a yodel to the tune, which would become the song’s signature sound. Her parents shopped the demo to several labels, before signing a deal with Curb Records.
Blue
In 1996, at age 13, Rimes released the song “Blue” was released to radio (earlier versions of the song had been recorded by Kenny Roberts and Aussie country singer Catherine Britt). The song hit the Number 10 spot . Her album of the same name topped the Country charts. The label kept with the teen’s wholesome image by releasing “The Light in your Eyes,” and a duet with Eddie Arnold, “Cattle Call.” The album won her the CMA’s Horizon Award, as well as Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
She later released the album of uplifting songs, You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Journey, as well as Unchained Melody: The Early Years, an album of mostly cover songs of Whitney Houston, Bill Monroe and Dolly Parton.
How Do I Live and Pop Crossover
The album You Light Up My Life featured the single, “How Do I Live.” The song was intended to be the theme song for the hit movie ConAir. Country singer Trisha Yearwood was also asked to record a version of the song. Ultimately, Yearwood’s version was chosen to be included in the movie. Both singers released her version of the song to radio. While Yearwood’s version captivated the country market, Rimes’ version catapulted onto the pop charts, and “How Do I Live” became a success, becoming one of the longest-lasting songs on the Billboard Pop Charts.
Rimes followed up on her pop success by recording both country and pop sounding albums. Leann Rimes, released in 1999, was a collection of Patsy Cline and traditional country tunes. In 1999, she performed the signature song from Elton John’s musical Aida, called “Written In the Stars.” She sang the duet with John himself. She also had a hit with the song “I Need You,” from the TV movie, Jesus.
Furthering branching out into the world of pop, she sang on the soundtrack to the movie Coyote Ugly. “Can’t Fight the Moonlight,” with it’s suggestive lyrics and soulful rhythm, set the stage for an artist that was not only growing up musically, but as a person as well.
She released the pop album Twisted Angel, the album that was intended to shed her wholesome teenage image for one that would let her record more mature material. Her single, “Life Goes On” was a modest success. The album received mostly negative reviews, and left some fans wondering where their beloved country singer had gone.
This Woman and Family
In 2005, Rimes released This Woman, her return to Contemporary Country Music. The album showcased a more mature vocal and outlook for the then- married Rimes. Her song selections were thoughtful and relevant to her now-grown up audience. Three singles charted in the Top 5 on the Country Charts—“Nothing Bout Love Makes Sense,” “Probably Wouldn’t Be This Way,” and “Something’s Gotta Give.”
After releasing another album exclusively outside the US, Rimes took a year-long break before returning with the album 2007 album Family. It was a mature mix of all of Rimes’ influences—rock, pop, soul, and country. It also featured several songs co-written by Rimes herself. She released “Nothin’ Better To Do,” “Good Friend and a Glass of Wine,” and “What I Cannot Change.” She was nominated for a Grammy for the song, “What I Cannot Change.”
Holiday In Your Heart and Coyote Ugly
Along the way, Rimes also became involved in acting, appearing in movies such as Coyote Ugly, American Dreams, and Northern Lights.
Summary
Leann Rimes’ extraordinary vocals have made her one of the most endearing singers in both the pop and country worlds. She has grown from a kid with a big voice into a fully developed artist with a unique viewpoint and a soulful music style.
Leann Rimes
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