Sheryl Crow was born and raised in Kennett, Missouri in a musically gifted family. Both her mother and father pursued music in a somewhat professional manner and that interest in music was most definitely passed down to Sheryl. In college she studied music composition, performance, and education at the University of Missouri, where she was also a part of an International Music Fraternity for women and a local band. Following college, Crow began to teach music to elementary students but after meeting local record producer, Jay Oliver, she earned a spot as a background vocalist for Michael Jackson during his tour in 1987 entitled “Bad.” She continued backing up other vocalists and attempted to release her first album which didn’t work out. But, after joining forces with the “Tuesday Music Club,” the multi-platinum album Tuesday Night Music Club was released and was a hit. In 1995, Crow won three Grammys for Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Success followed the next year when she released a self-named album and won two more Grammys. Crow released holiday albums and covers but after releasing her first country music project, “Feels like Home” landed a spot in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. Alongside music, Crow is passionate about her dedication to ending global warming and other environment-related issues. After a scary run-in with breast cancer, Crow adopted a baby boy in 2007 and again in 2010.

Sheryl Crow is more than worthy of the title of August 2020 Flashback Artist because of the impact she had on not only my parents’ generation but also mine. I grew up listening to her music and she was one of the first artists I had the privilege of owning a CD that would play on a repeat of. Despite being known for her musical success and the countless Grammys, she is an inspiration for not only her activism but perseverance battling cancer. Even after she was diagnosed and later defeated cancer, she still was able to accomplish and fulfill her dreams of owning a farm and having children. To me, Sheryl Crow has always been someone I have looked up to because of her authenticity as an artist but more so as a person. She is a star that will not and has not been forgotten even as her music days have passed.