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Tift Merritt
Biography
Singer/songwriter Tift Merritt seemingly appeared out of nowhere in the spring of 2002 with her acclaimed debut album Bramble Rose, but as is often the case, this triple-threat artist -- a gifted singer, superb songwriter, and skillful guitarist -- actually has plenty of experience under her belt. Born in Houston, TX, in 1975, Merritt's family moved to North Carolina when she was young and she's lived there ever since. Merritt first developed an interest in music when she was a child and learned to sing harmonies with her father, who had dabbled in folk music in his younger days; in her early teens, she picked up a guitar and her dad taught her her first four chords. While Merritt was drawn to the rebellious spirit of punk and indie rock, she felt a greater emotional connection with more acoustic-oriented artists, particularly Joni Mitchell (Merritt once told a reporter, "I went through a Joni Mitchell phase -- and all girls go through a Joni Mitchell phase; if any girl tells you she never did, don't believe her."). Hearing Emmylou Harris' album Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town opened Merritt's ears to roots music and she soon began to immerse herself in North Carolina's active alt-country scene.
J ONeill says: 07-29-2010
Saw her open for Mary Chapin Carpenter a couple weeks ago . . . . she was the better of the two. And she is beatiful.
John Forward says: 07-11-2010
Beatiful (coined by Charlie Porter). That's a good one.
rusti says: 06-15-2010
if bonnie raitt allison kraus and jonie mitchell were in a blender you might get tift...i love her lyrics
Glenn Opper says: 09-09-2009
Great voice, excellent musicians. Love the Tift!!
girlkira says: 08-18-2009
Tift is amazing-- i saw her live a couple weeks ago and i was blown away. She is amazingly talented. If you have a chance to see her live, GO SEE HER!
charlieporte r 0 5 0 4 says: 08-01-2009
love her has a great sound, not to mention, very beatiful
Spinozablue says: 05-31-2009
Very nice. Sounds sorta like a cross between Emmylou Harris and Norah Jones. But she rocks a bit more than they do. Pandora is very good at "finding them".
jtjajazz says: 05-15-2009
janis joplin like ?? nice voice tks jtja
ryno1081 says: 03-16-2009
One of the most animated story tellers I've heard in quite a while It seems to ease the worried sole.
atastychef says: 03-09-2009
not only does tift merritt have the voice of an angel,but she has a charisma that rivets one's attention to her as she performs!
~Frankie~ says: 01-28-2009
keep up the good work, meaningful lyrics
Laurence La Casse says: 12-27-2008
you should translate the lyrics into English for non french speakers, n'est pas.....
Nancy Hughes says: 11-26-2008
I enjoy the energy she puts forth and cant even compare her to Olivia Newton John.
Udo says: 11-26-2008
drumb13 - who would you recommend in the genre? You must have high standards, as Tift Merritt is quite good. I'm not being flippant...w h o do you suggest?
drumb13 says: 11-24-2008
kind of boring to me. Very regular.
Udo says: 11-24-2008
Yeah - Tift is just like Olivia Newton John. Except that she doesn't suck.
Randy Furry says: 11-19-2008
haha you suck
saraheehee says: 11-17-2008
kind of reminds me of Olivia Newton-John.
carolbuttenh a m says: 11-17-2008
I used to work on a cruise ship where you are often cut off from the rest of the world. Someone gave me Bramble Rose, said she was the next big thing out of Nashville, I had never heard of her but listened to that CD over and over and over again...
Andrew Howell says: 11-17-2008
and I love NC, so I love her and her success even more
Andrew Howell says: 11-17-2008
Wow, Tift is blowing up! Love it
vtmartinvtma r t i n says: 11-17-2008
Good to see you on Pandora Tift, your voice is as inspirationa l as ever. I remember Pittsboro with you and Zeke, how far we have come. Keep it up.
cedarshaker says: 11-16-2008
Wow! I wish she could sing me to sleep every night.
ultra otter om shanti says: edited on 11-16-2008
Wow! thanks Pandora for turning us on to this tear inducing voice! i am hooked. ps, tift, joni's the bomb.
rotlo241 says: edited on 11-15-2008
I would provide the coffee and lyrics(L)... if she would provide the melodies(M) for some great life songs.She performs her music with feelings through her eyes and emotions from her heart....a really superb combination not to mention a serious voice!Allows one to see into her spirit. A pleasant,smo o t h journey.
pandora.10.s l h 6 9 says: edited on 11-15-2008
I first saw Tift at the Bynum General Store, outside, about two years ago. I went because a friend said I had to, while I could still see her local. I was blown away...no sound system to speak of, not much of a stage, families in folding aluminum chairs, kids running around. Hot dogs and NC Barbeque for $2. She stood up there with her guitar and belted it out with heart and style. I love finding you on Pandora! You go, girl!
Tim Robinson says: 11-14-2008
I thought I heard Joplin's ghost in her voice. Wow!
RLH md etc. says: 11-03-2008
One can only wish success for Tift. Hope it all goes well. Much Love.
Wade Bloom says: 10-28-2008
I LOVE Tift...Kathl e e n Edwards and Patty Griffin smushed together.
^ WARPIG ^ says: 09-25-2008
way cool. I saw her on direct tv show live concert, impressive, easy on the eye to, what a plus.
Randy Gautier says: 05-02-2008
amazing artist.....c r i s p y twangy patty griffin!
casey07 says: 04-20-2008
If anyone gets a chance to see a performance of her on Austin City Limits, Don't miss it...A great show.
Andy Thompson says: 04-19-2008
Tift is a great talent! Unknown, but a great songwriter and a sweet voice.
Pat Wambeke says: 02-28-2008
She is hot!!!!!!!!
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