Amanda Marshall was a Canadian pop/rock singer in the 1990s. She had several hit songs like “Birmingham”, “Dark Horse”, and “Let It Rain”. Marshall released two albums in the 1990s that were certified platinum in Canada. However, after her peak of success, Marshall seemed to disappear from the public eye. What exactly happened to her? Where did she go and why did her music career seem to abruptly end?
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Amanda Marshall was born on August 29, 1972 in Toronto, Canada. From a young age, Marshall was interested in music. She started taking piano lessons at age 5 and was part of her school choir.
In 1988 at age 16, Marshall was discovered by fellow Canadian artist Corey Hart at a local talent show. Hart was impressed by her voice and Marshall was signed to his management company. This led to her singing backup vocals for various Canadian artists in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Her debut album was released in 1995 titled “Amanda Marshall”. It was certified Diamond in Canada, selling over 1 million copies. The album contained several hit singles like “Birmingham”, “Dark Horse”, and “Beautiful Goodbye” that launched Marshall into mainstream success.
Breakthrough Success in the 1990s
Marshall’s debut album established her as a rising star in Canada and she gained attention internationally as well. Her soulful pop/rock sound drew comparisons to artists like Sheryl Crow and Melissa Etheridge.
Marshall’s second album “Tuesday’s Child” was released in 1999. It continued her streak of top hits in Canada with singles like “Believe in You” and “Love Lift Me”. The album sold over 250,000 copies, certifying it double platinum in Canada.
During this peak time, Marshall won several Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent to the Grammy’s). She also embarked on sold-out tours across Canada. Her success story seemed like it was only beginning.
Retreat from the Spotlight
After the release of her second album, Marshall seemed to disappear from public view. Her music career stalled and she stopped releasing new music or touring. What happened?
Suffered Vocal Issues
It emerged that Marshall started suffering from vocal issues due to a medical condition. She was diagnosed with vocal cord dysplasia, which are precancerous lesions on the vocal cords. This caused her significant pain and problems when trying to sing.
Marshall had to undergo surgery in 2001 to remove the lesions. The surgery was successful but her vocal range was altered. She could no longer sing in the same soulful style that brought her fame.
Record Label Disputes
On top of her health issues, Marshall was embroiled in disputes with her record label, Sony Music. After surgery, Sony wanted her to quickly record a third album but Marshall didn’t feel ready.
She asked for more time to recover but Sony reportedly refused. The disagreements over her new album led to prolonged litigation between Marshall and the label. This kept her music career on hold for years.
Personal Struggles
Marshall was also struggling with some personal issues during this time away from the spotlight. In a 2008 interview she revealed she had issues with drinking that led to a stint in rehab.
The surgery on her vocal cords also left Marshall depressed because she feared her singing voice wouldn’t recover. The culmination of health issues, label disputes, and substance problems led Marshall to retreat from public life.
Occasional Returns and New Projects
Although Marshall stepped back from her career, she did make some occasional returns to music:
– In 2004, she recorded the song “Dark Horse” with the Canadian band The Philosopher Kings
– She performed two shows in 2005 in Ontario
– Marshall released a new song “I Know You” in 2009 which was her first solo material in over a decade
– She sang the Canadian national anthem at the 2011 NHL Heritage Classic
– Performed several concerts in Atlantic Canada in 2012
In 2013, Marshall released her third studio album titled “louder, harder, faster”. This long-awaited album featured a more rock/blues sound, likely due to the change in her voice.
The album received strong reviews but didn’t match the commercial success of her earlier work. Marshall has continued to perform occasional shows in recent years but has not embarked on another extensive tour or released a follow up album.
What is Amanda Marshall Doing Now?
What has Amanda Marshall been up to in recent years and where is her life and career at now?
Focus on Motherhood
One of Marshall’s main focuses the last decade has become motherhood. She has a son named Oscar who she gave birth to in 2003. Marshall has preferred to keep him out of the spotlight.
In a 2012 interview she stated: “I drag my son around as little as possible. He deserves a normal childhood, not one where his mom is onstage.”
Marshall took time away from music to concentrate on raising her son, which she calls the “greatest, most satisfying gig I’ll ever, ever have.”
Pursuing Other Creative Interests
Although Marshall is no longer releasing music at a rapid pace, she has pursued other creative outlets like painting. Always artistic, Marshall focused more on her visual art in recent years.
She held her first major art exhibition called Chasing Rainbows in 2013. The exhibit featured over 20 of her abstract paintings and mixed media works.
Marshall has noted that visual art has become her main creative passion outside of music. It gives her an important emotional outlet.
Released Autobiography
In 2016, Marshall released an autobiography titled ‘The Chronicles of a Misfit’. The book detailed her life story from childhood to present.
It gave readers insight into her struggles with the music industry and personal issues. The autobiography received strong reviews and Marshall participated in several book tour events across Canada.
Writing her memoir allowed Marshall to tell her story in her own unfiltered words. It marked another creative endeavor for the singer.
Continues Performing
Although Marshall has slowed down her music career, she still loves performing live. She continues to do scattered shows, usually in more intimate venues compared to her arena tours in the 90s.
Marshall participates in various charity events and festivals during the summer months. She enjoys the connection with fans from her 90s heyday who still love belting out hits like “Birmingham” and “Dark Horse.”
It allows the singer to stay connected with her passions for music and performing. Fans are often delighted to see Marshall back on stage since she’s limited her concert schedule over the past 15 years.
Legacy and Influence
Even though Marshall is no longer a big part of the current music scene, her influence remains. She is considered one of the most successful Canadian musicians of the 1990s. For a time, Marshall was the best-selling female artist in Canada.
She won awards like the Juno Fan Choice Award, proving the strong connection she had with fans. Marshall is still respected in Canada for breakout hits that are played on radio stations across the country.
The singer has been nominated for the Canadian Music Hall of Fame which recognizes homegrown artists that achieved outstanding success. She’s considered a pioneer that paved the way for future Canadian female rock/pop artists.
Support of Women’s Causes
Beyond her musical legacy, Marshall is recognized as a long-time supporter of women’s rights and health organizations.
She has lent her name and likeness to causes supporting equality and female empowerment. After her vocal cord surgery, Marshall also became an advocate for early detection of throat cancer.
Her charitable work and philanthropy will remain part of Marshall’s lasting impact in Canada.
Year | Event |
---|---|
1995 | Debut album “Amanda Marshall” released, certified Diamond in Canada |
1999 | Second album “Tuesday’s Child” released, certified Double Platinum |
2001 | Underwent surgery for vocal cord dysplasia |
2004 | Recorded “Dark Horse” with The Philosopher Kings |
2013 | Released third studio album “Louder, Harder, Faster” |
2016 | Published autobiography “The Chronicles of a Misfit” |
Conclusion
Amanda Marshall was a shining star of Canadian music in the 1990s with her iconic pop/rock hits and powerful singing voice. Personal struggles, vocal issues, and record label disputes led her to step back from the spotlight in the early 2000s.
Though she did not regain the same level of mainstream success, Marshall continues creating music and art on her own terms. The singer found new passions like visual art and writing. Occasional performances allow Marshall to stay connected to her musical past.
Though the days of platinum albums and sold-out arena tours are likely behind her, Amanda Marshall remains one of Canada’s most talented and influential artists. Her career highlights and catalogue of hits ensure her music lives on.