Iris DeMent, an American singer-songwriter, has rooted her music deeply in the soil of American folk, country, and gospel traditions. Born on January 5, 1961, in Paragould, Arkansas, DeMent was the youngest of fourteen children in a Pentecostal household. Her early life was steeped in gospel music, which left a lasting impression on her artistry. After moving to Kansas City and experiencing a musical awakening, DeMent released her debut album, "Infamous Angel," in 1992, captivating listeners with her plainspoken, heartfelt lyrics and distinctive, emotive voice.

Over the years, DeMent's body of work has continued to explore themes of faith, family, and human complexity. Albums like "My Life" (1994) and "The Way I Should" (1996) have been lauded for their poetic introspection and social commentary. In her later projects such as "Sing the Delta" (2012) and "The Trackless Woods" (2015), she further honed her craft, embracing her southern roots and literary influences. DeMent's approach is characterized by a commitment to authenticity and a resistance to commercialism, earning her a devoted following and respect within the folk and Americana communities. Her most recent work, such as "Workin' On A World," continues to reflect a mature perspective on life's trials and the ongoing search for meaning through song.

Genres

Arkansas Country

Folk

Singer-songwriter

Related Artists

Emmylou Harris

John Prine

Patty Griffin

Gillian Welch

Lucinda Williams

Dolly Parton

Alison Krauss

Nanci Griffith

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Fiona Apple

Sinéad O'Connor

Kris Kristofferson

Latest Release

Workin' On A World

Iris DeMent

Album - 13 Tracks - Released February 24, 2023