Shania Twain started her career in country music, but has become a mainstream sensation by giving a pop-rock edge to her country sound and showcasing her talent in sexy videos. Born in Windsor, Ontario, on August 28, 1965, Twain was raised in the rural town of Timmins, Ontario, by parents who encouraged her musical talent. She started playing guitar at a very young age, and spent most of her time singing, playing and writing songs. When Twain was 21, her parents were killed in a tragic car accident, causing her to push her musical aspirations aside and care for her four younger siblings.
In the early 1990s, Twain returned to music and recorded a demo tape of original country songs. She was immediately signed by Mercury Nashville and released a self-titled debut album in 1993. When she returned to the recording studio in 1995, she gave her country sound more of a pop-rock style with the help of rock producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange. Their collaboration led to the smash hit, Grammy-winning album The Woman in Me, which sold over 12 million copies and produced numerous hits including “No One Needs to Know,” “(If You’re Not In It for Love) I’m Outta Here,” and “The Woman in Me.” Lange and Twain also found success outside of the studio and were married while recording the album.
By the mid-1990s, Twain was quickly becoming one of country music’s most popular stars. Her pop-country songs were topping the charts, while her striking good looks and friendly manner appealed to all audiences. She was one of the first country stars to use MTV to full advantage, and her alluring videos took her beyond the country crowd and made her a pop phenomenon. While feminists initially criticized Twain’s sexy image, she attracted a huge female following with lyrics that demanded respect and equality.
With the release of 1997’s Come On Over, Twain officially crossed over into the mainstream and incorporated more elements of rock and pop while keeping her country roots. Come On Over was a huge success, selling over 18 million albums and producing eight hit singles including “From this Moment On,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” and “You’re Still the One.”
Twain has exceeded all expectations and become an international superstar. In 2000, Come On Over became the best-selling album by a solo female artist of all time, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. Since her success, the couple has been living quietly in Geneva, Switzerland. In 2001, Twain and Lange made headlines again when they announced that they are expecting their first child and producing her next album.
