Suzanne Vega

The US singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega was born in California in 1959. Her folk/acoustic mix and thoughtful lyrics brought her success throughout the world.

She released her self-titled debut album in 1985, reaching platinum in the UK, promoted by the singles "Marlene On The Wall" and "Small Blue Thing". The follow-up album Solitude Standing achieved her best chart placing and critical acclaim. It contained the single "Tom's Diner", which was remixed by UK producers DNA, providing a catchy hit which brought her music to a dance audience.

She incorporated experimental and dance elements in her next album 99.9 Degrees F but failed to capture the record buying public's imagination to the same extent, and subsequent releases did not sell as well. She has released nine albums to date, and maintains a strong following in Europe where she regularly charts in the top 50. In 2006 her Second Life avatar played a live concert, becoming the first major musician to do so.