Fiona Apple Biography

Born in 1977 in New York, Fiona Apple grew to become an iconic female artist of the 1990's, with her unconventional writing, vocal styles, and defiant attitude.

Fiona Apple began at age eight with the piano and was composing her own music just a few years later, in part as a way to deal with family and personal tragedy. She left school when she was sixteen and traveled to see her father in Los Angeles. It was there that Fiona Apple made her first demo, and within a short amount of time she had a record deal with Sony Music.

Tidal was released in 1996, and on the strength of the singles "Shadowboxer" and "Criminal," Fiona Apple found herself at the top of the charts. The album garnered her a Grammy and went on to platinum status.

Typical of her unconventional style, Fiona Apple released a second album, with ninety words in its title, in 1999: When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks Like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He'll Win the Whole Thing 'Fore He Enters the Ring There's No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and if You Know Where You Stand, Then You Know Where to Land and if You Fall It Won't Matter, 'Cuz You'll Know That You're Right. The album would become known as Pawn, simply enough, and although it may have alienated some of Fiona Apple's less ardent fans, her most devoted fans were delighted to see the album find a home at number thirteen on the charts. It went on to platinum status, just as its predecessor had.

Fiona Apple took a hiatus until 2005, when Extraordinary Machine was released. The album was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album and debuted on the charts at number seven. Selling almost a half million copies, it went on to gold status, even though its singles – "Not About Love," Parting Gift," "Get Him Back," and "O'Sailor" – never charted.

A live tour followed for Fiona Apple in 2005, and another in 2007, alongside Nickel Creek.

After another lengthy wait, Fiona Apple's fans were delighted by the release of another album in 2012, with another lengthy and unconventional title. The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do was released to critical acclaim, and solidified Fiona Apple's lasting appeal to her devoted fans. Fiona Apple continues to write, perform, and record.