Natalie Anne Merchant is an American singer-songwriter. She joined the band 10,000 Maniacs in 1981 and was lead vocalist and primary lyricist for the group. She remained with the group for their first seven albums before leaving to begin her solo career in 1993. She has since released nine studio albums as a solo artist.
Merchant performing in 2017
Merchant in 1984. Merchant became known for her swirling style of dancing and her simple dress while performing with 10,000 Maniacs.
Merchant in 1995 at Earth Day in Columbia, Maryland
Merchant at the piano in 2005
10,000 Maniacs are an American alternative rock band founded in 1981. They have released nine studio albums, six EPs, and five live albums. They achieved their most significant success between 1987 and 1993, when they released four albums that charted in the top 50 in the US: In My Tribe (1987), Blind Man's Zoo (1989), Our Time in Eden (1992), and the live album MTV Unplugged (1993). After the recording but before the release of MTV Unplugged, original lead singer and songwriter Natalie Merchant left the band to pursue a solo career, while the remaining members continued the band.
10,000 Maniacs c. 1987: Left to right: Rob Buck, Steve Gustafson, Natalie Merchant, Dennis Drew, and Jerry Augustyniak
Natalie Merchant as lead singer in 1984
John Lombardo
Steve Gustafson
