Mary Chapin Carpenter

Mary Chapin Carpenter was born Feb. 21, 1958, in Princeton, N.J. Her father was an executive for Life magazine, and she spent part of her early life living in Japan. She grew up with a love of contemporary pop hits, although her mother's Woody Guthrie and Judy Collins records gave her some interest in country/folk music.She spent her time at home with her guitar, and her father encouraged her to perform at talent nights.

Enrolling in Brown University, Carpenter earned a degree in American civilization. By 1986, she was a local star, winning five Washington Area Music Awards. She released her 1987 debut Hometown Girl, produced by guitarist/producer John Jennings, on Columbia Records in Nashville, though it offered no hits. She also recorded John Stewart 's "Runaway Train" for her first album, but the label offered it to Rosanne Cash, who took it to No. 1 in 1988.

Finally, with the 1994 album Stones in the Road, Carpenter earned her only No. 1, "Shut Up and Kiss Me." She also earned a Grammy for best country album.

10 albums later and 5 Grammys to her credit Mary Chapin Carpenter remains a consistent favourite on the road.