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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCARPENTER, Mary Chapin(b 21 Feb. '58 Princeton, NJ) Country singer-songwriter who came from folk-country coffee-house circuit. Middle-class upbringing (father publishing executive, based in Japan when Carpenter was young), graduated from Brown U with American Civilization degree, moved to Washington DC '74 and thrived on local music scene. Teamed with local guitarist John Jennings '82, who has played a major role in her career, to play mainly acoustic music; she won several Washington DC Wammie Awards '86; a gig tape which became basis of debut Columbia album Hometown Girl '87. Her literate, personal and melodic music was dismissed by country as 'too folksy', gradually she opened her music to more commercial possibilities, stretching country music's parameters. Second album State Of The Heart '89 made both pop and country charts and top 20 country hits incl. 'Quittin' Time', co-written by Robb Royer (ex-Bread). She had now formed a band and given her music a harder edge resulting in a fuller sound for Shooting Straight In the Dark '90, a breakthrough album incl. Grammy-winning Cajun-flavoured 'Down At The Twist And Shout', featuring members of Beausoleil. Gained radio and video plays with hits like 'I Feel Lucky' '92, 'Passionate Kisses' '93 and 'He Thinks He'll Keep Her' '94. Won CMA Female Vocalist Award '92--3, made impact in Europe with regular visits since '93. Come On, Come On '92 consolidated a mainstream country sound, though her best songs are always literate and biographical. Stones In the Road '94 was thought- provoking, a personal perspective from romantic upheaval, acceptance of success and high regard from her peers; A Place In The World '96 was up to standard, co-prod. with guitarist John Jennings. |