For the past seventeen years, Faith Hill has played a vital role in the country scence. Along with fellow country singers, Shania Twain and Martina McBride, she has helped transform the genre and mold it into what it is today.
Growing up in a small town in Mississippi, she was fully aware at a young age that music was going to take her some place. She received her big break when Martha Sharp, an executive from the Warner Brothers label, heard her signing back-up for an established artist, Gary Burr, at a café in Nashville, who was impressed with her vocal ability, and secured her a recording contract with the label.
Career
When she released her debut album Take Me As I Am, its lead-off single, “Wild One” reached the top position of the Billboard Counry Charts, and most remarkably, it held that top position for four consecutive weeks, making her the female country artist in thirty years to accomplish such milestone with a debut single. Thanks to the success of this CD, she was honored as the Top New Female Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) in 1993.
In addition to being an established artist on radio, 1996 was a significant year in her life, since she went on tour with Tim McGraw, whom would eventually become her husband. They married in October of that year, and they have three daughters: Gracie, Maggie and Audrey.
They recorded a distinct selection of duets together such as “It’s Your Love,” “Just to Hear You Say that You Love Me,” and “Let’s Make Love,” all of which were well-received by fans and industry members alike. They won the Best Country Collaboration Vocals Grammy Award twice, once for their duet “Let’s Make Love” in 2000, and “Like We Never Loved At All,” more recently, in 2006.
From her self-titled album in 1998, the uptempo single “This Kiss,” written by Beth Nielsen Chapman, became an instant hit. It reached #3 position on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Charts, as well as the #7 position of the Billboard Hot 100 charts, making her a country-pop crossover artist.
"Breathe"
In 1999, "Breathe," the title track of her fourth studio album was released as a single. Thanks to its video, which was shot in a desert setting featuring Hill in satin sheets and wearing several elegant dresses, fans were left in awe of her talent. For her superb vocal performance, she was awarded the 2001 Grammy for "Best Female Country Vocal performance." To date, it is considered to be her signature tune.
Similar to Shania Twain, Hill helped bring new fans into the genre after hearing her interpretation of this stunning love ballad. As an album, Breathe, debuted at the top of both the Billboard Country Album Charts, as well as the Billboard 200 charts.
Conclusion
In summation, Hill has raised the standards high for modern country music. She has recorded some of the most radio-friendly hits and has filmed some of the most remarkable music videos. Her stunning natural beauty and humble personality only add to the singer’s appeal.
To learn more about Faith Hill, visit her official website.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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