New Members
Suzanne Vega
12-2-2016
Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation, Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s when she sang what has been labeled contemporary folk or neo-folk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village clubs. Her neo-folk style has ushered in a new female, acoustic, folk-pop singer-songwriter movement that would include the likes of Tracy Chapman, Shawn Colvin, and Indigo Girls.
When her self-titled debut album sold 1,000,000 records, it was clear that Suzanne’s voice was resonating around the world. "Marlene on the Wall" was a surprise hit in the U.K and Rolling Stone eventually included the record in their “100 Greatest Recordings of the 1980’s.” Her 2nd album, "Solitude Standing," elevated her to star status with the mega-hit, "Luka," and was nominated for three Grammys including "Record of the Year" and went platinum. The opening song on the album, "Tom's Diner," about a non-descript restaurant near Columbia University uptown, was remixed by U.K. electronic dance duo “DNA” and bootlegged as “Oh Susanne.” Suddenly her voice on this obscure tune was showing up in the most unlikely setting of all: the club. Suzanne permitted an official release of the remix of “Tom’s Diner” under its original title which reached #5 on the Billboard pop chart and went gold.
Bearing the stamp of a masterful storyteller who “observed the world with a clinically poetic eye,” Suzanne’s songs have always tended to focus on city life, ordinary people and real world subjects. Notably succinct and understated, often cerebral but also streetwise, her lyrics invite multiple interpretations. In short, her Vega’s work is immediately recognizable, as utterly distinct and thoughtful, and as creative and musical now, as it was when her voice was first heard on the radio over 20 years ago.
VIDEO
Date and Time
Friday Dec 2, 2016
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