Joanna Caroline Newsom, born on January 18, 1982, is an accomplished American musician, singer-songwriter, and actress. Growing up in Northern California, she honed her skills as a harpist from a young age and initially ventured into music as a keyboardist for the indie band The Pleased, based in San Francisco.
In 2002, Newsom self-released two EPs, catching the attention of the independent label Drag City. Her first full-length album, The Milk-Eyed Mender, debuted in 2004 and was met with widespread critical praise, establishing her as a unique voice in the indie music scene. The release of her second album, Ys, in 2006 expanded her recognition, charting at number 134 on the Billboard 200 and earning a nomination for the Shortlist Music Prize in 2007.
Newsom continued to evolve her sound with subsequent albums, including Have One on Me in 2010 and Divers in 2015, with the latter achieving notable commercial success. Renowned for her distinctive blend of psychedelic folk and her intricate harp playing, she has captivated audiences around the world. In addition to her music career, Newsom has made her mark in acting, appearing in the TV series Portlandia and in Paul Thomas Anderson's film, Inherent Vice (2014). Her artistic contributions continue to resonate, making her a significant figure in contemporary music and culture.
