Shawn Colvin, a prominent figure in the "new folk movement" of the late '80s, distinguished herself by infusing the genre with a fresh, personal, and pop-influenced style that stood out from the clichés and formulaic arrangements commonly found in folk music. Her Grammy-winning debut album in 1991 set the stage for her mainstream breakthrough with the hit single "Sunny Came Home" in 1997. Born in Vermillion, South Dakota, in 1956, Colvin's musical journey began at a young age when she taught herself to play the guitar, eventually leading her to collaborations with artists like Suzanne Vega and John Leventhal.

After honing her craft in various folk circuits and off-Broadway productions throughout the '80s, Colvin's career took off when she found a songwriting partner in John Leventhal, who helped bring her lyrics to life with his melodies. Despite facing setbacks like temporary retirement due to vocal nodes, Colvin's perseverance and talent shone through, propelling her to critical acclaim and commercial success. Her ability to transcend the traditional confines of folk music and connect with audiences on a deeper, more relatable level solidified her status as a trailblazer in the music industry.