Brandy Clark
| Brandy Clark | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Clark performing in June 2014 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Brandy Lynn Clark[1] |
| Born | October 9, 1975 |
| Origin | Morton, Washington, United States |
| Genres | Country |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Singer, acoustic guitar, piano |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Associated acts | The Band Perry, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves |
| Website | Brandy Clark discography at MusicBrainz |
Brandy Lynn Clark (born October 9, 1975) is an American country music singer-songwriter. Her songs have been recorded by Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, The Band Perry, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Billy Currington, Darius Rucker, and Kacey Musgraves.[2] She was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2015 Grammy Awards.
Early life
Brandy Clark was reared in Morton, Washington, a logging town of only 900 people in the shadow of Mount St. Helens. As a child in the 1980s she was influenced by the country-pop and traditional country music artists she heard her parents and grandmother play like Barbara Mandrell, Ronnie Milsap, Merle Haggard and Loretta Lynn. Clark cites the Patsy Cline movie "Sweet Dreams" as being one of her biggest early influences.[3]
She first picked up the guitar at nine years old and made her singing debut in school musicals. Her mother encouraged her to write songs. Brandy abandoned her music for a period in high school, instead devoting her energies to sports, eventually attending college on a basketball scholarship at Central Washington University. She later quit basketball and moved back home where she obtained an associates degree from a community college. When she entered her first year of college, she started to get more serious about music taking guitar lessons again and joined a band along with her mother and a friend. As a teenager she discovered the music business program at Belmont University, so she enrolled and moved to Nashville in 1998. She studied commercial music and was chosen to perform in the school's prestigious "Best of the Best Showcase". Upon graduation, Clark landed a job with Leadership Music, a job which led to her eventual publishing deal.[4]
Music career
In 2011 "Mama's Broken Heart", written by Clark with Shane McAnally (her frequent collaborator) and Kacey Musgraves, appeared on Miranda Lambert's album Four the Record. It was released on January 14, 2013 as the fourth single reaching No. 2 on both the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts. Clark's biggest success to date was as the co-writer along with McAnally and Trevor Rosen when she celebrated a No.1 song ASCAP Party at an industry gathering for The Band Perry‘s third No. 1 hit, "Better Dig Two".[5]
As a Music Row songwriter Clark writes songs that are mostly about the seedy underbelly of country folk. They are observational pieces based on flawed characters that tell the truth on the human condition. They contain dark humor, with a blend of wit and realism, while having the artistic license to make them fictional.[6]
In 2012 she opened shows for Grammy Award-winning artist Sheryl Crow. Brandy found an advocate in country artist Marty Stuart when on Saturday December 8, 2012 she joined him to make her Grand Ole Opry debut when she played his Grand Ole Opry Anniversary celebration and also at his Late Night Jam at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.[3][7]
At the beginning of 2013 Brandy was chosen by CMT as one of the “Women of Country”, a year-long promotion featuring up and coming artists.[8]
In December 2012, Clark digitally released a self-titled three-track EP including songs "Pray to Jesus", "Stripes" and "Take a Little Pill". The song "Stripes" was released as a single and the official video made its CMT debut on July 4, 2013. It was directed by Becky Fluke (Little Big Town, Pistol Annies) and HLN's Nancy Grace plays a cameo role.[8]
As a co-writer of Miranda Lambert's "Mama's Broken Heart", on September 10, 2013 Brandy received a nomination in the Song of the Year category (presented to the songwriters) for the 47th Annual CMA Awards broadcast, held in Nashville on November 6, 2013.[9] She is also twice nominated for Song of the Year at the 4th Annual American Country Awards which will be held in Las Vegas on Dec 10, 2013.[10]
2013: 12 Stories
On October 22, 2013 Clark released her debut album 12 Stories. Produced by Dave Brainard, it features Vince Gill on background vocals.[8] It made its debut at No. 28 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart[11] On January 6, 2014 Clark made her network CBS network TV debut on The Late Show with David Letterman, performing the lead single "Stripes".[12] In 2014, Clark opened for Jennifer Nettles on her "That Girl" tour.
2016: Big Day in a Small Town
On June 10, 2016 Clark released her second album Big Day in a Small Town. Produced by Jay Joyce, The album's first single, "Girl Next Door" released to country radio on February 16, 2016. The album's second single, "Love Can Go to Hell" released to country radio on September 12, 2016.
Critical reception
Clark's song "Stripes" received favourable reviews from critics. Ben Foster of Country Universe praised the track: "As the first radio bid from an exceptionally talented singer-songwriter, “Stripes” does not disappoint. It’s an ambitious, energetic debut single that makes the prospect of a full-length Brandy Clark album even more enticing." Foster rated the song an A.[13]
Music roots publication Engine 145 described her as “one of the most talented songwriters on Music Row and she proves she is as talented a performer as she is a writer.” 12 Stories received a 4.5 out of 5 rating.[14]
Americana and Roots music blog Twang Nation placed 12 Stories at the top spot of its best of 2013 "Cream of the Crop".[15]
NPR music critic Ann Powers named the album her favorite of 2013. Powers noted that others share her sentiments, writing, "the top honor on many critics' lists is going to Clark, a storyteller of the highest caliber."[16]
Personal life
Clark identifies as lesbian.[17]
Songwriting credits
| Year | Title | Artist(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "That's Why I Hate Pontiacs" | Rebecca Lynn Howard | Alive and Well (unreleased) |
| 2009 | "Things a Mama Don't Know" | Mica Roberts | Days You Live For |
| 2010 | "The Maker of Them All" | Guy Penrod | Breathe Deep |
| "Cry" | Reba McEntire | All The Women I Am | |
| "The Day She Got Divorced" | |||
| 2011 | "Mama's Broken Heart" | Miranda Lambert | Four the Record |
| "The Boy Never Stays" | Sarah Darling | Angels & Devils | |
| "Crazy Women" | LeAnn Rimes | Lady & Gentlemen | |
| "That's How I'll Remember You" | David Nail | The Sound of a Million Dreams | |
| "Tryin' to Go to Church" | Ashton Shepherd | Where Country Grows | |
| 2012 | "Better Dig Two" | The Band Perry | Pioneer |
| "Waitin' on a Train" | Buffy Lawson | I'm Leaving You for Me | |
| "We Can't Be Friends" | Joanna Smith | N/A | |
| 2013 | "Dandelion" | Kacey Musgraves | Same Trailer Different Park |
| "Follow Your Arrow" | |||
| "It Is What It Is" | |||
| "Love Without You" | Darius Rucker | True Believers | |
| "You Can Come Over" | Craig Campbell | Never Regret | |
| "Get Outta My Yard" | Gretchen Wilson | Right on Time | |
| "Come Back To Me" | Keith Urban | Fuse | |
| "Songs About Trucks" | Wade Bowen | Wade Bowen | |
| "We'll Come Back Around" | Craig Morgan | The Journey (Livin' Hits) | |
| "Last Night's Make Up" | Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan | Dos Divas | |
| "Homecoming Queen" | Sheryl Crow | Feels Like Home | |
| 2014 | "Two Rings Shy" | Miranda Lambert | Platinum |
| "Bad Girl Phase" | Sunny Sweeney | Provoked | |
| "Wheels On The House" | Ray Scott | Ray Scott | |
| "I Cheated On You" | Terri Clark | Some Songs | |
| "Drunk Americans" | Toby Keith | 35 MPH Town | |
| 2015 | "She Got Drunk Last Night" | Reba McEntire | Love Somebody |
| "Late to the Party" | Kacey Musgraves | Pageant Material | |
| "This Town" | |||
| "Biscuits" | |||
| "Miserable" | |||
Discography
Studio albums
| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Sales | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Country [18] |
US [19] |
US Heat [20] |
US Indie [21] |
US Folk [22] |
UK Country [23] | |||
| 12 Stories |
|
23 | 163 | 2 | 22 | — | 10 |
|
| Big Day in a Small Town |
|
8 | 82 | — | — | 5 | 3 |
|
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart | ||||||||
Extended plays
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Brandy Clark |
|
Singles
| Year | Single | Peak positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Country Airplay [26] | |||
| 2013 | "Stripes" | — | 12 Stories |
| "Pray to Jesus" | — | ||
| 2014 | "Hungover" | — | |
| 2016 | "Girl Next Door" | 39 | Big Day in a Small Town |
| "Love Can Go to Hell" | — | ||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart | |||
Other charted songs
| Year | Single | Peak positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Country Digital [27] | |||
| 2015 | "Hold My Hand" | 49 | 12 Stories |
Music videos
| Year | Video | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | "Stripes"[28] | Becky Fluke |
| 2014 | "Get High"[29] | |
| "His Hands" (with Jennifer Nettles)[30] | Shaun Silva/Valarie Allyn Bienas | |
| 2016 | "Girl Next Door"[31] | Traci Goudie |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Organization | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Country Music Association | Song of the Year — "Mama's Broken Heart" | Nominated |
| American Country Awards | Song of the Year - "Better Dig Two" | Nominated | |
| Song of the Year - "Mama's Broken Heart" | Nominated | ||
| 56th Grammy Awards | Best Country Song - "Mama's Broken Heart" | Nominated | |
| 2014 | Academy of Country Music | Song of the Year - "Mama's Broken Heart"[32] | Nominated |
| CMA Awards | Song of the Year - "Follow Your Arrow" | Won | |
| New Artist of the Year | Nominated | ||
| 2015 | 57th Grammy Awards | Best Country Album - 12 Stories | Nominated |
| Best New Artist | Nominated | ||
| 2015 | British Country Music Association Awards | International Song of the Year - Stripes | Won |
| 2016 | 58th Grammy Awards | Best Country Song - "Hold My Hand" | Nominated |
References
- ↑ Brandy Clark (October 22, 2013). "Brandy Clark | Music Biography, Credits and Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ↑ Brandy Clark CMT.com Bio. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- 1 2 CMT Edge Article (June 7, 2013). Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ↑ Words And Voices Blog (July 12, 2013). Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ↑ MusicRow.com (March 7, 2013). Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ↑ The Song Survives Article. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ↑ GAC News (May 16, 2013). Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- 1 2 3 CMT Press Release Archived October 29, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. (January 14, 2013). Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ↑ 2013 CMA Awards Nominations Announced (September 10, 2013). Retrieved October 24, 2013.
- ↑ American Country Awards 2013 (October 31, 2013). Retrieved November 1, 2013.
- ↑ Brandy Clark Chart History (October 29, 2013). Retrieved November 1, 2013.
- ↑ Hudak, Joseph (January 7, 2014). Country Weekly. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
- ↑ "Stripes" (Single Review) (July 10, 2013). Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ↑ Engine 145 Album Review (July 16, 2013). Retrieved July 22, 2013
- ↑ Cream of the Crop – Twang Nation Top Americana and Roots Music Picks of 2013 (November 30, 2013).
- ↑ Powers, Ann. "Ann Powers' Top 10 Albums And Songs Of 2013". National Public Radio. Retrieved December 22, 2013.
- ↑ Chris Richards (November 5, 2013). "Brandy Clark's debut album is a stunner. But will anybody hear it?". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 3, 2014.
- ↑ "Brandy Clark – Chart history – Country Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
- ↑ "Brandy Clark – Chart history – Billboard 200". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
- ↑ "Brandy Clark – Chart history – Heatseekers Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
- ↑ "Brandy Clark – Chart history – Independent Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
- ↑ "Brandy Clark – Chart history – Folk Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
- ↑ "Country Artist Albums Top 20 - 7th Dec 2013". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
- ↑ Bjorke, Matt (February 19, 2015). "Country Album Chart Report For February 19, 2015". Roughstock.
- ↑ Bjorke, Matt (August 21, 2016). "Country Albums Sales Chart: August 22, 2016". Roughstock.
- ↑ "Brandy Clark Album & Song Chart History - Country Airplay". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
- ↑ "Brandy Clark Album & Song Chart History - Country Digital Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
- ↑ "Music Video : Stripes : Brandy Clark". CMT. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ↑ "Brandy Clark Keeps Things Chill With Get High! Watch The Laid Back Music Video HERE!". PerezHilton.com. March 27, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ↑ "CMT : Videos : Jennifer Nettles : His Hands (Live)". Country Music Television. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
- ↑ "CMT : Videos : Brandy Clark : Girl Next Door". Country Music Television. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
- ↑ ACM Press Release (January 29, 2014). Retrieved February 5, 2014.