Sara Evans is a renowned American country music singer and songwriter who has made a significant impact on the genre. Born on February 5, 1971, in Boonville, Missouri, Evans grew up in a family of seven children. Her passion for music developed at a young age, and she began performing with her siblings in their family’s band, ‘The Evans Family Band.’
Evans’ musical journey began as a child, and her talent and passion for music led her to become a successful artist in the country music industry. Evans’ success in the music industry is attributed to her hard work, determination, and natural talent. She has released several chart-topping albums and singles, received numerous awards and accolades, and sold millions of records worldwide.
Despite her success, Evans has remained grounded and dedicated to her craft, continuously evolving her sound and style. In this article, we will explore Evans’ early life, musical journey, personal life, awards, and recent releases, highlighting her impact and legacy in the country music industry.
Key Takeaways
- Sara Evans is a highly successful American country music singer and songwriter who began her musical journey as a child and moved to Nashville at age 16 to pursue her career.
- Evans has released multiple chart-topping albums and singles, won numerous awards and accolades, and collaborated with a range of artists from Brad Paisley to Maroon 5.
- Her personal life and family have been integral parts of her identity, and she has been vocal about her struggles to balance her career and family life, as well as her faith and advocacy for breast cancer awareness.
- Evans’ contributions to country music have left a lasting impact, paving the way for other female artists in the genre such as Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and Maren Morris.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Sara Evans’ early life was marked by a deep passion for music which led her to pursue a career in the industry. Born on February 5, 1971, in Boonville, Missouri, she grew up in a family of seven children. As a child, Evans started singing in her church choir and later on in school productions. Her family’s love for music also played a significant role in her musical journey.
Evans’ parents were supportive of her musical aspirations, and they encouraged her to pursue her dream. At the age of 16, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a career in music. She started performing at local clubs and was eventually discovered by Harlan Howard, a renowned songwriter.
Howard helped Evans secure her first record deal with RCA Records, leading to the release of her debut album, ‘Three Chords and the Truth,’in 1997. This album marked the beginning of Evans’ successful career in the country music industry.
Moving to Nashville and Signing a Record Deal
After relocating to Nashville, the aspiring country music artist secured a record deal with a major label. In 1995, Sara Evans signed with RCA Nashville and began working on her debut album, Three Chords and the Truth.
The album was released in 1997 and received positive reviews from critics, although it failed to make a significant impact on the charts. Evans continued to work on her music and released her second album, No Place That Far, in 1998.
The album was a commercial success, reaching number 11 on the Billboard 200 and producing three hit singles. Evans’ third album, Born to Fly, was released in 2000 and became her breakthrough album. The title track became her first number one hit and the album went on to be certified double platinum.
Moving to Nashville and signing with RCA Nashville proved to be a pivotal moment in Evans’ career and set her on the path to becoming a successful country music artist.
Debut Album: Three Chords and the Truth
Following her relocation to Nashville and signing with RCA Nashville, the debut album of the aspiring country music artist, Three Chords and the Truth, was released in 1997 and received favorable reviews from critics, though it failed to make a significant impact on the charts.
The album, which was produced by Pete Anderson, contained a mix of traditional and contemporary country songs, showcasing Evans’ impressive range and emotive vocals.
Despite its commercial underperformance, Three Chords and the Truth set the foundation for Evans’ career, displaying her potential as a rising country music star.
The album’s standout tracks included ‘True Lies’and ‘Shame About That,’which displayed Evans’ knack for storytelling and her ability to convey raw emotion through her music.
With Three Chords and the Truth, Evans established herself as a talented artist with a unique voice, setting the stage for her future success in the country music industry.
Breakthrough Success with Born to Fly
The breakthrough success of her second studio album, Born to Fly, solidified Evans’ position as a major player in the country music industry. The album, released in 2000, was a critical and commercial success, peaking at number six on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top Country Albums chart. It spawned four hit singles, including the title track ‘Born to Fly,’which reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earned Evans a nomination for a Grammy award.
The success of Born to Fly established Evans as a leading female artist in country music and garnered her widespread recognition. The album showcased Evans’ versatility as a singer-songwriter, blending traditional country with pop and rock influences. It also marked a turning point in her career, as she became more involved in the creative process and began writing more of her own material.
The success of Born to Fly set the stage for Evans’ future successes, cementing her as one of the most talented and influential artists in country music.
Evolving Sound and Artistic Growth
Evolving her sound and style, Evans’ artistic growth continued with subsequent albums, showcasing her ability to experiment with different genres and push the boundaries of traditional country music. Her album Real Fine Place, released in 2005, marked a turning point in her career, as it featured a more rock-oriented sound that still maintained her signature country twang. The album also showcased her songwriting skills, as she co-wrote seven of the album’s twelve tracks.
In addition to Real Fine Place, Evans’ artistic growth can be seen in the following ways:
-
Collaborations with other artists: Evans has collaborated with a variety of other musicians, including Maroon 5’s Adam Levine and The Chainsmokers, showcasing her willingness to experiment with different genres and sounds.
-
Incorporation of traditional instruments: Despite her experimentation with different genres, Evans also incorporates traditional country instruments, such as fiddles and steel guitars, into her music.
-
Vocal range and control: Evans’ vocal range and control have improved over the years, allowing her to tackle more challenging songs and showcase her versatility as a singer.
Collaborations and Notable Performances
One notable aspect of Sara Evans’ career is her collaborations with other prominent musicians and her performances at major events. Evans has collaborated with a range of artists, from Brad Paisley to Maroon 5, and has even recorded a duet with her daughter, Olivia.
In 2011, she teamed up with Todd Chrisley for a cover of ‘In the Ghetto,’which was released as a charity single to benefit the Chrisley Knows Best star’s son, who has spastic cerebral palsy.
Evans has also performed at a number of high-profile events, including the Super Bowl XXXIX pregame show, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Academy of Country Music Awards.
One of Evans’ most notable performances was her rendition of ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’at the 2010 Country Music Association Awards. She was joined on stage by Loretta Lynn and Sheryl Crow, and the trio received a standing ovation for their performance.
Evans has also performed with Martina McBride, Dolly Parton, and Reba McEntire, among others. These collaborations and performances have allowed Evans to showcase her versatility and range as a vocalist, and have helped to establish her as one of country music’s most respected and admired artists.
Personal Life and Family
Regarding her personal life and family, Evans has been married twice and has seven children, three of whom are stepchildren from her second marriage. She was first married to Craig Schelske in 1993, but they divorced in 2007 due to irreconcilable differences.
The same year, Evans married Jay Barker, a former University of Alabama quarterback. They have four children together, and Evans is also a stepmother to Barker’s three children from his previous marriage.
Evans has been open about her struggles with balancing her career and family life. In an interview with Good Housekeeping, she stated that ‘being a mom is the most important thing in the world’and that she has had to make sacrifices in her career to prioritize her family. She has also been vocal about her faith and how it has helped her navigate through difficult times, including her divorce and the loss of her mother.
Overall, Evans’ personal life and family have been integral parts of her identity, and she continues to prioritize them while pursuing her music career.
Awards and Accolades
Throughout her career, country singer Sara Evans has received numerous awards and accolades, including a CMA award for Video of the Year in 2001 and a Billboard Music Award for Female Country Artist of the Year in 2006.
In addition to these two awards, Evans has also been recognized by the Academy of Country Music and the American Music Awards. She has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Female Country Vocal Performance for her hit song ‘Born to Fly.’
Evans’ success in the country music industry has been further cemented by her induction into the Grand Ole Opry in 1998. She was also named the Top Female Vocalist at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2005.
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed by her peers in the industry, as she has been nominated for and won multiple awards voted on by fellow country musicians. These accolades serve as a testament to Evans’ talent and hard work, and have helped establish her as one of the most successful and respected country singers of her generation.
Recent Releases and Future Plans
In recent years, Sara Evans has continued to release new music and has plans for upcoming projects in the near future. In 2017, she released her eighth studio album, ‘Words,’which received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. The album features songs co-written by Evans, including the lead single ‘Marquee Sign.’ ‘Words’ showcases Evans’ signature blend of country and pop, with themes ranging from heartbreak to empowerment.
Looking ahead, Evans has announced plans for a new album and tour in 2021. The album is set to be produced by Jarrad K, who has worked with artists such as Keith Urban and Weezer. In addition to the new album, Evans has also been busy with her podcast, ‘Sara Evans: Words + Music,’ where she interviews fellow musicians and discusses the music industry.
With her continued dedication to her craft and her ability to evolve as an artist, fans can look forward to more great music from Sara Evans in the coming years.
Legacy and Impact on Country Music
Sara Evans’ contributions to country music have left a lasting impact, paving the way for other female artists with her signature blend of country and pop and themes of heartbreak and empowerment.
Evans’ debut album, ‘Three Chords and the Truth,’released in 1997, received critical acclaim and set the tone for her future success.
Throughout her career, Evans has released numerous hit songs, including ‘Born to Fly,”A Real Fine Place to Start,’and ‘Suds in the Bucket,’that have become staples of country music radio.
In addition to her commercial success, Evans has also been recognized for her impact on the genre through awards and nominations.
She has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards and has won a number of Country Music Association Awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year in 2006.
Evans has also been recognized for her work outside of music, including her advocacy for breast cancer awareness and her role as a coach on The Voice.
Her legacy in country music is evident in the continued success of female artists who have followed in her footsteps, including Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and Maren Morris.