Natalie Merchant

Natalie Merchant blended the softer melodic aspects of jangle pop with an understanding of folk tradition and a bent for humanitarianism, qualities that first flowered during her stint as the lead singer for college rock staples 10,000 Maniacs in the 1980s, and then came to bloom in a solo career she launched in 1995 with the release of Tigerlily. With her clear, keening voice and idiosyncratic phrasing, Merchant commanded attention in the gentle environs of 10,000 Maniacs, helping the band move from the underground and into the mainstream. By the time their Unplugged cover of...