Born on this day in Jamestown, New York, singer-songwriter Natalie Anne Merchant (1963–) rose to prominence as the lead voice of 10,000 Maniacs, then stepped forward as a solo artist with songs that felt like letters — attentive, humane, and quietly brave.

After the band’s acclaimed MTV Unplugged performance in 1993, she followed a quieter path, seeking change and a way to grow. Her first solo album, Tigerlily, offered music that listened back — Carnival, Wonder, Jealousy. Ophelia followed, weaving stories of spirit and strength with every song.

With tenderness, Merchant’s songwriting blends melody and meaning, creating a steady heartbeat for those who seek truth. She has said that musicians can inspire positive change, and her own influences run deep: the lyric courage of Bob Dylan, the conscience of Bob Marley, and the soul witness of Marvin Gaye.

Offstage, she keeps an artist’s life with drawing and cooking. She loves her garden and takes time every day for a walk in the woods, just to "listen to what the world is trying to say."