Who is k.d. lang?
k.d. lang, (born k.d. lang, November 2, 1961, Consort, Alberta, Canada), is a Canadian singer and songwriter who, since the mid-1980s, has released a series of acclaimed albums that blend elements of country, pop, and adult contemporary music.
Lang's early albums, such as Angel with a Lariat (1987), Shadowland (1988), and Absolute Torch and Twang (1989), were rooted in country music, but her music gradually became more pop-oriented in the 1990s. Her 1992 album, Ingnue, was a critical and commercial success, selling more than 4 million copies worldwide. The album's lead single, "Constant Craving," won Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Lang has continued to release successful albums throughout her career, including All You Can Eat (1995), Drag (1997), Watershed (2008), and Sing it Loud (2011).
Lang is known for her powerful vocals and her honest and introspective lyrics. She has been praised for her ability to blend different musical genres and for her commitment to social and environmental causes. She is a recipient of numerous awards, including eight Grammy Awards, two Juno Awards, and a Golden Globe Award.
some of the main article topics related to k.d. lang include her music, her career, her personal life, and her activism.
k. d. lang
k. d. lang is a Canadian singer and songwriter known for her powerful vocals and honest lyrics. Her music blends elements of country, pop, and adult contemporary music.
- Genre-bending artist: Lang's music has evolved over the years, from country to pop to jazz.
- Lyrical depth: Lang's songs often explore themes of love, loss, and social justice.
- Grammy winner: Lang has won eight Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year for "Constant Craving."
- Social activist: Lang is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and environmental causes.
- Canadian icon: Lang is one of Canada's most successful and respected singers.
- Influential artist: Lang's music has inspired a generation of singers and songwriters.
These key aspects of k. d. lang's career and artistry highlight her versatility, her commitment to social justice, and her enduring influence on popular music.
| Birth Name | k.d. lang |
|---|---|
| Born | November 2, 1961 in Consort, Alberta, Canada |
| Genre | Country, Pop, Adult Contemporary |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter |
| Years Active | 1983-Present |
| Labels | Sire Records, Warner Bros. Records |
Genre-bending artist
k.d. lang is known for her genre-bending music, which has evolved from country to pop to jazz over the years. This evolution is evident in her albums, which span a wide range of styles. For example, her early albums, such as Angel with a Lariat (1987) and Shadowland (1988), are rooted in country music. However, her later albums, such as Ingnue (1992) and Drag (1997), are more pop-oriented. Lang's willingness to experiment with different genres has allowed her to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Lang's genre-bending music has been praised by critics and fans alike. She has been hailed as one of the most innovative and versatile singers of her generation. Her music has also been commercially successful, with several of her albums selling millions of copies worldwide. Lang's genre-bending music has had a significant impact on popular music. She has inspired a generation of singers and songwriters to experiment with different genres and to create music that is both unique and accessible.
In conclusion, k.d. lang's genre-bending music is a key component of her success as a singer and songwriter. Her willingness to experiment with different genres has allowed her to appeal to a wide range of audiences and to create music that is both innovative and accessible.
Lyrical depth
k.d. lang's songs are known for their lyrical depth and emotional resonance. She often explores themes of love, loss, and social justice in her music, and her songs are often praised for their honesty and insight.
- Love: Lang's songs often explore the different facets of love, from the joy of new love to the pain of heartbreak. Her songs about love are often deeply personal and moving, and they have resonated with audiences around the world.
For example, her song "Constant Craving" is a beautifully written and deeply moving song about the pain of unrequited love. The song's lyrics are simple and direct, but they perfectly capture the feeling of longing and desire. - Loss: Lang's songs also explore the theme of loss, both in terms of personal loss and the loss of loved ones. Her songs about loss are often cathartic and healing, and they can help listeners to process their own grief.
For example, her song "Hallelujah" is a powerful and moving song about the loss of a loved one. The song's lyrics are simple and understated, but they perfectly capture the sense of loss and longing that comes with the death of someone close. - Social justice: Lang is also a passionate advocate for social justice, and her songs often reflect her commitment to equality and human rights. Her songs about social justice are often powerful and inspiring, and they have helped to raise awareness of important issues.
For example, her song "Lifted by Love" is a powerful and moving song about the power of love to overcome prejudice and discrimination. The song's lyrics are simple and direct, but they perfectly capture the message of hope and equality.
Lang's lyrical depth is one of the things that makes her music so special. Her songs are honest, insightful, and moving, and they have the power to touch the hearts of listeners around the world.
Grammy winner
This statement highlights k.d. lang's significant achievements in the music industry, which are a testament to her talent and artistry. Her eight Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Song of the Year award for "Constant Craving," are a recognition of her exceptional songwriting and vocal abilities.
- Recognition of Excellence: Grammy Awards are widely considered the highestin the music industry, and winning eight of them is a remarkable feat. Lang's awards are a testament to the quality and impact of her music, which has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
- Songwriting Prowess: The Song of the Year award specifically recognizes the songwriting excellence of "Constant Craving." This song, with its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, showcases Lang's ability to craft songs that connect with listeners on a deep level.
- Critical Acclaim: Lang's Grammy Awards are a reflection of the critical acclaim she has received throughout her career. Her music has been praised for its originality, emotional depth, and technical proficiency, earning her the respect and admiration of music critics and fans.
- Commercial Success: Lang's Grammy wins have also contributed to her commercial success. Her award-winning songs and albums have reached a wide audience, making her one of the most successful Canadian musicians of all time.
Overall, k.d. lang's Grammy wins are not only a testament to her talent and artistry but also a reflection of the impact her music has had on the industry and beyond. They have solidified her status as one of the most respected and successful singers and songwriters of her generation.
Social activist
k.d. lang has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and environmental causes throughout her career. She has used her platform to speak out against discrimination and injustice, and she has worked to raise awareness of important issues. Her activism is an expression of her deep commitment to making the world a more just and equitable place.
- LGBTQ+ rights: Lang has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights for many years. She has spoken out against discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ people, and she has worked to promote equality and acceptance.
- Environmental causes: Lang is also a passionate advocate for environmental causes. She has spoken out against climate change and other environmental issues, and she has worked to promote sustainable practices.
Lang's activism is an important part of her identity as an artist and a public figure. She believes that it is her responsibility to use her voice to speak out for those who are marginalized and oppressed. Her activism has made a real difference in the world, and it has helped to raise awareness of important issues.
Canadian icon
The statement "Canadian icon: Lang is one of Canada's most successful and respected singers" highlights k.d. lang's significant contributions to Canadian music and culture. Her success and recognition have made her a beloved figure in her home country and beyond.
- Critical acclaim and recognition: k.d. lang has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including eight Grammy Awards, two Juno Awards, and a Golden Globe Award. These accolades are a testament to the high regard in which her music is held by critics and industry professionals.
- Commercial success: k.d. lang has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, making her one of the best-selling Canadian artists of all time. Her albums have consistently topped the charts and have been certified platinum and gold in several countries.
- Cultural impact: k.d. lang's music has had a profound impact on Canadian culture. Her songs have been featured in films and television shows, and she has been the subject of numerous documentaries and articles. She has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and environmental causes, using her platform to raise awareness and promote positive change.
k.d. lang's status as a Canadian icon is a reflection of her exceptional talent, her dedication to her craft, and her commitment to making a difference in the world. She is a role model for aspiring musicians and a source of pride for Canadians everywhere.
Influential artist
k.d. lang's influence on the music industry extends beyond her own successful career. Her unique blend of genres, honest lyrics, and powerful vocals have inspired a generation of singers and songwriters. Many artists have cited lang as a major influence on their own work, and her impact can be heard in the music of countless contemporary artists.
- Genre-bending: Lang's willingness to experiment with different genres has inspired other artists to push the boundaries of their own music. For example, Taylor Swift has credited lang as an influence on her own genre-bending album, Folklore.
- Lyrical depth: Lang's songs are known for their honest and introspective lyrics, which have inspired other artists to write more personal and meaningful songs. For example, Brandi Carlile has said that lang's music taught her the importance of writing songs that are true to her own experiences.
- Vocal prowess: Lang is known for her powerful and expressive vocals, which have inspired other singers to develop their own unique vocal styles. For example, Adele has said that lang is one of her favorite singers, and that she admires her ability to convey emotion through her voice.
- Social activism: Lang's commitment to social justice has inspired other artists to use their platforms to speak out against injustice. For example, Lady Gaga has said that lang is a role model for her, and that she admires her willingness to use her voice to make a difference in the world.
k.d. lang's influence on the music industry is undeniable. Her music has inspired a generation of singers and songwriters to create more innovative, personal, and meaningful music. She is a true icon, and her legacy will continue to inspire artists for years to come.
FAQs about k.d. lang
Here are some frequently asked questions about k.d. lang, along with brief answers that provide key information about her life, career, and impact on the music industry:
Question 1: What is k.d. lang's full name?
Answer: k.d. lang's full name is Kathryn Dawn Lang.
Question 2: When and where was k.d. lang born?
Answer: k.d. lang was born on November 2, 1961, in Consort, Alberta, Canada.
Question 3: What genre of music is k.d. lang known for?
Answer: k.d. lang is known for her genre-bending music, which blends elements of country, pop, and adult contemporary.
Question 4: What is k.d. lang's most famous song?
Answer: k.d. lang's most famous song is "Constant Craving," which won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1993.
Question 5: How many Grammy Awards has k.d. lang won?
Answer: k.d. lang has won eight Grammy Awards.
Question 6: What is k.d. lang known for besides her music?
Answer: k.d. lang is also known for her activism, particularly her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and environmental causes.
Summary: k.d. lang is a Canadian singer and songwriter known for her powerful vocals, honest lyrics, and genre-bending music. She is one of Canada's most successful and respected singers, and she has won numerous awards for her work, including eight Grammy Awards.
Transition to the next article section: k.d. lang's music has had a profound impact on the music industry, inspiring a generation of singers and songwriters. Her unique blend of genres, honest lyrics, and powerful vocals have made her a true icon, and her legacy will continue to inspire artists for years to come.
Conclusion
k. d. lang is a Canadian singer and songwriter known for her powerful vocals, honest lyrics, and genre-bending music. She is one of Canada's most successful and respected singers, and she has won numerous awards for her work, including eight Grammy Awards.
Lang's music has had a profound impact on the music industry, inspiring a generation of singers and songwriters. Her unique blend of genres, honest lyrics, and powerful vocals have made her a true icon, and her legacy will continue to inspire artists for years to come.
