Carlton

Vanessa Lee Carlton, born August 16, 1980, is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. She gained significant recognition with her 2002 debut single "A Thousand Miles," which achieved substantial chart success and earned Grammy nominations. This song was featured on her debut album, "Be Not Nobody," which also performed well commercially. Carlton continued to release albums, including "Harmonium" and "Heroes & Thieves," experiencing varying degrees of chart success and critical reception.

In her later career, Carlton took an independent approach to her music, producing albums like "Rabbits on the Run" (2011) and "Liberman" (2015), which were noted for their personal subject matter and distinct musical direction. Her sixth studio album, "Love Is an Art," was released in 2020, followed by "Veils" in 2026. Beyond her music career, Carlton has also ventured into acting, making her Broadway debut. She has been open about personal struggles, including depression and bulimia.

Carlton's musical journey began at a very young age, influenced by her mother, a pianist and music teacher. A childhood visit to Disneyland sparked an early interest, leading to piano tutelage. Her passion for music expanded as she developed an interest in ballet, enrolling in the School of American Ballet at age 14. Throughout her career, Carlton has been candid about her experiences with depression and bulimia, subjects she has publicly addressed. After completing her education, she performed in nightclubs, honing her stage presence before moving to New York City, where she briefly attended Columbia University and worked as a waitress.

Carlton's breakthrough came with her debut single "A Thousand Miles" in 2002, a song that became her signature and garnered three Grammy nominations. The single preceded her debut album, "Be Not Nobody," released by A&M Records, which reached number five on the Billboard 200 and sold over two million copies worldwide. Subsequent singles from the album included "Ordinary Day" and "Pretty Baby." Her second album, "Harmonium" (2004), explored darker themes and faced production challenges, leading to Carlton's departure from A&M Records in 2005. This period marked a shift towards more personal artistic expression, with Carlton seeking greater creative control over her work.

Following her departure from A&M Records, Carlton pursued an independent path for her subsequent albums. "Heroes & Thieves" (2007) received critical praise despite minimal chart success. She then produced "Rabbits on the Run" (2011) and "Liberman" (2015) independently, both of which were lauded for their deeply personal narratives and evolution in musical style. These albums showcased a more introspective and experimental side of her artistry. Her sixth studio album, "Love Is an Art," was released in 2020, and her most recent work, "Veils," came out in 2026. In 2025, Billboard recognized her as one of the best female artists of the 21st century.