Peak UK Chart Position: #12 in November 1996.

Happy birthday to Sheryl Crow – born Sheryl Suzanne Crow, in Kennett, Missouri, United States – who turns 55 today. Her music incorporates elements of pop, rock, folk, country and blues. She has released eight studio albums, two compilations, a live album and has contributed to a number of film soundtracks. She has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide. Crow has garnered nine Grammy Awards (out of 32 nominations) from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. In addition to her own work, Crow has performed with the Rolling Stones, Jerry Lee Lewis, Stevie Nicks, Michael Jackson, Steve Earle, Prince, Eric Clapton, Luciano Pavarotti, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, B.B. King, George Strait, Tony Bennett, Kid Rock and Sting, among others. She has also performed backing vocals for Tina Turner, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, Belinda Carlisle, Bob Dylan and Joe Cocker.

Quick facts:

• Paul Hester, who was the drummer of both Split Enz and Crowded House, was the inspiration for the track “Everyday Is A Winding Road”. Tragically, he died in 2005 after hanging himself.
• Neil Finn, also of Split Enz and Crowded House fame, provided backing vocals on the track.
• The track performed best in Canada, where it topped the charts – her fourth song to do so.
• “All I Wanna Do” remains her biggest hit in the UK, it peaking at number four in 1994.

Sheryl Crow’s Birthday Drive has taken place since 2001 – annually, money is raised on the run-in to Sheryl’s birthday, and she also offers the chance for those who donate to win some exclusive signed memorabilia – with all proceeds going to the Delta Children’s Home in Kennett, her hometown. Over $215,000 has been raised over the last sixteen years. Full details can be found here, and there is also a Facebook page here.

“Everyday Is A Winding Road” was performed on Top of the Pops on November 29th 1996, with Sheryl appearing alongside Belinda Carlisle, Mark Owen, Louise, and Skunk Anansie. Here is a repeat showing of the clip on her TOTP2 special.