Sheryl Crow

Singer, actress, mother and philanthropist: these are just a few words describing everything Sheryl Crow embodies. Born in Kennett, Missouri, in 1962, is where she first fell in love with music. At a young age, Crow started playing piano, and from then on music was officially part of her life. She attended college at the University of Missouri and received a degree in music education, in 1984. After graduation, she taught music at Kellison Elementary School in Fenton, Missouri. Teaching didn’t last long, and in 1986 she made her way to Los Angeles. Her first music gig was recording and writing jingles for McDonald’s, Toyota and other advertisers. About a year later, she started performing backup for a slew of talented musicians like George Harrison, Michael Jackson, Joe Cocker, Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart and Don Henley. She first came on the music scene - and into the Hollywood spotlight - when she joined the band The Tuesday Music Club. Their 1993 multi-platinum album included the smash hit “All I Wanna Do.” A few years later - and after some hostilities with the band - Crow went solo and released her first album, which won her the 1995 “Best New Artist” and “Record of the Year” Grammys. From that moment on, she soared as an artist. Crow has been recognized on numerous occasions for her musical talents. She’s received several Grammys and a People’s Choice Award. She’s even been nominated for two Golden Globes for “Best Original Song” in a motion picture, along with three CMT Music Awards noms. Not only has she been recognized in the music world, but in 2001 she received an honorary doctoral degree at Southeast Missouri State University. In addition to her musical skills, Crow also has acting chops. In 2010, she popped up in an episode of “Cougar Town,” as a love interest for Josh Hopkins’ character. She was even spotted on “Hannah Montana Forever” and the “Marriage Ref.” Like any celebrity, Crow’s personal life has been a huge interest of fans and tabloids. Her most famous relationship was with professional cyclist Lance Armstrong. They became engaged in 2005, but the romance ended shortly after in 2006. She’s also been linked to fellow musician Eric Clapton and actor Owen Wilson. She is a single mother to her two adopted sons, Levi James and Wyatt Steven. Shortly after her breakup with Armstrong, Crow had a life changing moment; she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Luckily, the disease was caught early on. She underwent a lumpectomy and went through seven weeks of radiation. The diagnosis and treatment never stopped Crow from living her dream and her life. In addition to releasing her seventh studio album in 2010, Crow is an avid supporter of the environment and the Rock the Vote campaign. Crow is a powerful woman touching lives all across the globe.