Overview
Edie Brickell (born March 10, 1966, in Dallas, Texas) is an American singer-songwriter whose blend of folk, pop and rock brought her wide recognition in the late 1980s. She first rose to national attention as the lead singer of Edie Brickell & New Bohemians. Their debut recordings and Brickell's vocal style — relaxed, conversational and melodic — helped define a radio-friendly alternative sound of that era.
Career and musical style
Brickell's breakthrough came with the hit single "What I Am," which became her best-known song and introduced a broader audience to her lyrical, groove-oriented approach. Her music often mixes acoustic instrumentation with pop arrangements and reflects influences from folk, jazz and southern roots. Over the years she has alternated between performing with her original band, recording as a solo artist, and collaborating with other musicians.
Notable recordings and collaborations
- Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars — the debut period that established Brickell on commercial radio.
- Subsequent albums with the New Bohemians and solo projects that explored more introspective and acoustic directions.
- High-profile collaborations, including a 2013 project recorded with comedian and banjo player Steve Martin, which paired Brickell's voice and songs with instrumental roots arrangements.
Fans and critics often note Brickell's conversational phrasing and the warm, lived-in character of her vocals. She has written much of her material and worked with a range of musicians, maintaining a consistent presence in the singer-songwriter tradition while allowing her sound to evolve.
Personal life and legacy
Brickell has divided time between recording, touring and family life. She married fellow songwriter Paul Simon, and the couple have occasionally appeared together in public and musical settings. For more information about her recordings and current activities, see her official pages and music resources here.
Today Edie Brickell is remembered for bringing a gently distinctive voice to late-20th-century pop-rock, for the enduring popularity of songs from her early catalog, and for continuing to record and perform across several musical contexts.