Edie Brickell

Edie Brickell is an American singer-songwriter best known for her distinctive voice, lyrical storytelling, and genre-crossing artistry. Born on March 10, 1966, in Oak Cliff, Texas, she rose to fame in the late 1980s as the frontwoman of Edie Brickell & New Bohemians. Their debut album, Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars (1988), featured the hit single “What I Am,” which became an anthem of its era and established Brickell as a unique figure in folk-rock and alternative pop.

Following her success with the New Bohemians, Brickell pursued a solo career and collaborated with a wide range of musicians. Her music often blends folk, rock, and country influences, showcasing her gift for introspective lyrics and melodic simplicity. Over the years, she released several solo albums, including Picture Perfect Morning (1994), and also reunited periodically with the New Bohemians for new recordings and tours.

Brickell’s artistry has also been shaped by her collaborations outside of the rock and folk worlds. In 2013, she teamed up with renowned musician Steve Martin to release Love Has Come for You, an album that fused her lyrical songwriting with Martin’s banjo-driven bluegrass style. The record was well-received, winning a Grammy Award for Best American Roots Song and paving the way for further joint projects.

One of the most notable outcomes of her partnership with Steve Martin was the creation of the Broadway musical Bright Star. Premiering in 2016, Bright Star featured music by Martin and Brickell, with a book written by Martin. Set in the American South during the 1920s and 1940s, the show told a poignant story of love, loss, and redemption. Brickell’s lyrical sensibility infused the score with heartfelt emotion, while her folk and bluegrass influences helped shape the show’s distinctive sound, making it stand out on Broadway.

Beyond Broadway, Brickell continues to be recognized for her contributions to American music and her ability to transcend genres. Whether fronting a band, working solo, or collaborating on theatrical projects, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to connect with audiences through authenticity and emotional depth. Her work on Bright Star solidified her reputation not just as a recording artist but also as a storyteller whose talents extend naturally into the world of musical theatre.