Indie rock icon and former child star, known for her witty, poignant songwriting and distinctive vocals, leading bands like Rilo Kiley and The Postal Service.
Jenny Lewis is a household name in the music industry, best known as the lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and keyboardist of the indie rock band Rilo Kiley. With a career spanning over three decades, Lewis has also made a name for herself as a talented singer-songwriter, releasing five solo albums that showcase her unique voice and eclectic style.
Born on January 8, 1976, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lewis was exposed to the entertainment industry from a young age. Her mother, Linda, was a professional singer, and her father, Eddie Gordon, was a member of the Harmonica Gang. Lewis's Ashkenazi Jewish descent has had a significant impact on her life and career.
Lewis began her acting career at the tender age of 10, appearing in numerous commercials, including Jell-O, Mattel's Barbie, and Toys R Us. She later made her way to television, landing small roles on popular shows such as Murder, She Wrote, The New Twilight Zone, and Baywatch.
In the mid-1990s, Lewis semiretired from acting to focus on her music career. She formed Rilo Kiley in 1998 with fellow former child actor Blake Sennett. The band released four albums before disbanding in 2014. Lewis's solo career took off in 2006 with the release of her debut album, Rabbit Fur Coat, followed by Acid Tongue in 2008, The Voyager in 2014, On the Line in 2019, and Joy'All in 2023.
In addition to Rilo Kiley and her solo career, Lewis has been a part of various musical collaborations, including The Postal Service, Jenny & Johnny, and Nice as Fuck. Her music is often described as a fusion of indie rock, folk, and country, with influences from artists such as Emmylou Harris, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan.
Lewis has received critical acclaim for her music, including a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her song "Rise Up with Fists!!" in 2007. She has also been named one of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time" by Rolling Stone.
Lewis is known for her introspective and poignant songwriting, which often explores themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery. Her music is characterized by its emotional intensity and vulnerability, resonating with listeners from all walks of life.
Lewis's influence on the indie rock scene cannot be overstated. She has inspired a generation of musicians, including acts like Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus, and has been praised for her activism and advocacy for women's rights and LGBTQ+ issues.
"I've always been drawn to the weirdos and the outsiders, and I think that's because I felt like one myself growing up." - Jenny Lewis
Jenny Lewis's contributions to the music industry are undeniable. She has paved the way for female singer-songwriters, inspiring a new wave of artists to take center stage. Her influence can be seen in films, television shows, and commercials that have featured her music, solidifying her status as an indie rock icon.
49 Years Old
Lead vocalist and guitarist of the indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie, known for emotive and introspective songwriting that explores themes of love, loss, and existential crises.
46 Years Old
Folk-infused indie rock poet laureate, crafting introspective and poetically charged songs that explore themes of love, politics, and existential crises.
51 Years Old
A prolific musician known for his emotive, alt-country sound and poetic lyrics, with a genre-bending style that blends folk, rock, and pop.
58 Years Old
Indie rock icon known for introspective, emotionally charged songwriting and distinctive vocal style, with a career spanning multiple bands and solo projects.
61 Years Old
Lead singer of the alternative rock band Hole, known for her raw, emotional songwriting and iconic 90s grunge style. 82
