Alanis Morissette (born Alanis Nadine Morissette on June 1, 1974) is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter, musician, and actress. Known for her emotive mezzo-soprano voice and confessional lyrics, she rose to fame with her groundbreaking 1995 album, Jagged Little Pill, which became one of the best-selling albums of all time and won her numerous awards, including multiple Grammys.
Biography[]
Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Morissette began her career as a teen pop singer, releasing two dance-pop albums, Alanis (1991) and Now Is The Time (1992). After moving to Los Angeles in the mid-1990s, she transformed her sound with the help of producer Glen Ballard, leading to the creation of her critically acclaimed third album, Jagged Little Pill. The album's raw and introspective lyrics struck a chord globally, earning her widespread fame.
Following the success of Jagged Little Pill, Morissette released several more albums that explored themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and personal growth. Her acting career includes notable roles in films like Dogma and appearances in TV series such as Weeds and Sex and the City. In 2019, her debut album was adapted into the Broadway musical Jagged Little Pill, which received 15 Tony Award nominations.
Band Members[]
While primarily a solo artist, Alanis Morissette has collaborated with numerous musicians over the years, including Glen Ballard, Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters during his time as her touring drummer.
Discography[]
Studio Albums[]
- Alanis (1991)
- Now Is The Time (1992)
- Jagged Little Pill (1995)
- Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (1998)
- Under Rug Swept (2002)
- So-Called Chaos (2004)
- Flavors of Entanglement (2008)
- Havoc and Bright Lights (2012)
- Such Pretty Forks in the Road (2020)
Live and Compilation Albums[]
- MTV Unplugged (1999)
- Alanis Morissette: The Collection (2005)
- Jagged Little Pill (musical cast album) (2019)
Music Videos[]
Official music videos for Alanis Morissette's songs can be found on her [official YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/user/alanismorissette). Some notable videos include:
- [Ironic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jne9t8sHpUc): Directed by Stéphane Sednaoui, this video features multiple versions of Morissette in a single car.
- [Thank U](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOgpT5rEKIU): Known for its vulnerable imagery symbolizing rebirth.
- [Hand in My Pocket](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUjIY_XxF1g): A minimalist black-and-white video showcasing Morissette's down-to-earth style.
Awards[]
Alanis Morissette has won numerous awards throughout her career, including:
- **7 Grammy Awards**, including Album of the Year for Jagged Little Pill.
- **14 Juno Awards**, recognizing her contributions to Canadian music.
- **MTV Video Music Awards**, including Best Female Video for "Ironic."
- A star on Canada’s Walk of Fame (2005).
Trivia[]
- Alanis has a twin brother, Wade, who is a musician and yoga instructor.
- She holds dual Canadian and American citizenship.
- She portrayed "God" in Kevin Smith’s cult classic Dogma.
- Jagged Little Pill remains the highest-selling debut album by a female solo artist.
Similar Artists[]
- Sheryl Crow
- Tori Amos
- Fiona Apple
- Jewel