Shania Twain
Biography
Shania Twain, born Eilleen Regina Edwards on August 28, 1965, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, is a singer and songwriter who became a global superstar. Known as the "Queen of Country Pop," she has sold over 100 million records, making her the best-selling female artist in country music history. After her parents divorced when she was two, her mother married Jerry Twain, who adopted her and her sisters. She grew up in Timmins, Ontario, where the family often struggled financially. From a young age, she used her vocal talents to help support her family, performing in clubs by the age of eight. A pivotal moment in her youth was performing on the CBC's Tommy Hunter Show at age 13. In 1987, a family tragedy occurred when her parents died in a car accident, leaving her to care for her younger siblings.
Career Beginnings
In the early 1990s, after her siblings were old enough to be on their own, she started focusing on her music career. She was signed to Mercury Nashville Records and adopted the name Shania, which she said was an Ojibwa word meaning "I'm on my way." Her self-titled debut album was released in 1993. While it wasn't a huge commercial success initially, it gained more attention after her subsequent albums became hits. A turning point in her career was meeting producer Robert "Mutt" Lange, who would become her husband and collaborator.
Rise to Global Stardom
The Woman in Me
Her second album, "The Woman in Me," released in 1995, was a massive success. It sold over 20 million copies worldwide and included hit singles like "Any Man of Mine" and "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?". This album earned her her first Grammy Award for Best Country Album in 1996.
Come On Over
In 1997, Twain released "Come On Over," which catapulted her to international fame. The album is recognized as the best-selling studio album by a solo female artist, with over 40 million copies sold worldwide. It featured iconic songs such as "You're Still the One," "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!," and "That Don't Impress Me Much." The album's success led to more Grammy wins, including Best Country Song for "You're Still the One" and "Come On Over."
Up! and Greatest Hits
Her fourth studio album, "Up!", was released in 2002 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. This made her the only female artist in history to have three consecutive albums certified Diamond by the RIAA. In 2004, she released a "Greatest Hits" album which also performed well and included new tracks.
Hiatus and Return to Music
Following her massive success, Twain took a hiatus from the spotlight to focus on her personal life. She faced health issues, including a battle with Lyme disease that affected her vocal cords. In 2011, she released her autobiography, "From This Moment On," and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She made a significant return to the stage in 2012 with a Las Vegas residency called "Shania: Still the One."
Later Career
In 2017, Twain released "Now," her first studio album in 15 years, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. She embarked on another Las Vegas residency, "Let's Go!", in 2019. A Netflix documentary about her life and career, "Not Just a Girl," was released in 2022. In 2023, she released her sixth studio album, "Queen of Me," and went on tour. Her enduring influence and success have solidified her status as a music icon.