Shawn Mullins | |
|---|---|
.JPG) Mullins in Lawrenceville, Georgia - July 2009 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | (1968-03-08)March 8, 1968 (age 57) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Genres | Alternative rock,country rock |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Labels | Vanguard Records Columbia Records |
| Formerly of | The Thorns |
| Website | ShawnMullins.com |
Shawn Mullins (born March 8, 1968)[1] is an American singer-songwriter who specializes infolk rock,instrumental rock,adult alternative, andAmericana music.[2] His 1998 single "Lullaby" hit number one on the Adult Top 40 and was nominated for aGrammy Award.[3][1]
Mullins was born inAtlanta,Georgia. He cultivated an interest in music beginning in his days atClarkston High School inClarkston, Georgia (where he made the acquaintance of friend and mentorAmy Ray of theIndigo Girls).[4] Later, he honed his craft in his college days atUniversity of North Georgia (then known as North Georgia College) as a solo acoustic musician and bandmaster of the military marching band (Golden Eagle Band). He attended the University of North Georgia[1] on anArmyROTC scholarship with an intention of possibly pursuing a military career. Although he quickly abandoned this notion in favor of songwriting, the contract nonetheless obliged him after graduation to serve a short term as an inactiveinfantryofficer in theIndividual Ready Reserve component of theU.S. ArmyReserve.[1] He served in an inactive status, reaching the rank of 1st lieutenant before fulfilling his service obligation and resigning honorably.
Soon, he added a drummer (Mickey Hendrix) and bassist (Carlton Brown) to form thepower pop trio billed as "Shawn Eric Mullins with Twice Removed", a combo that would help carry him to campus-wide and regional renown.[4] Eventually the "Twice Removed" trio parted ways under amicable terms, and Mullins began using a variety of collaborative lineups while building his reputation as a solo artist.
His critical breakthrough came when his song "Lullaby", from the albumSoul's Core, became a radio and video hit.[3] In the video for "Lullaby", directed by Roger Pistole, actressDominique Swain appeared.[1] His song, "All in My Head", featured on the sitcomScrubs,[5] was written in response to an e-mail sent by producers of the show searching for a theme song. Mullins wrote a demo version and sent it in within 24 hours. It wasn't selected as the theme song, but the demo version was used in a season one episode of the series.
Another single, "Shimmer", was included on the soundtrack forDawson's Creek and was a minor hit. "Shimmer" was also used in Australia as part of its promotional campaign during the2000 Summer Olympics, and is still considered in Australia as the unofficial anthem of the games.[citation needed] To date he has yet to match the overwhelming commercial success of "Lullaby", which was also released as a live performance on the charity albumLive in the X Lounge II in 1999. In early 2002, he formed the bandThe Thorns withMatthew Sweet andPete Droge.[6]
In 2006, Mullins released his first album on new labelVanguard Records,9th Ward Pickin Parlor,[7] as well as a new single, entitled "Beautiful Wreck", from the album. The single enjoyed modest success by reaching number one on the Americana and AAA (Adult Album Alternative), and was featured in theCities 97 Sampler Volume 18.
On March 11, 2008, Mullins released his second album on Vanguard, entitledHoneydew.[8] On October 12, 2010, Mullins released his third album on Vanguard,Light You Up.[9]
On October 23, 2015, Mullins released his new album, titledMy Stupid Heart, under Sugar Hill and Rounder Records.[3]
Mullins has been married and divorced three times.[10] He has one son.[11]
| Year | Single | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [23] | US AAA [24] | AUS [25] | CAN | GER | IRE | NED | SWE | UK [26] | ||||
| 1998 | "Lullaby" | 7 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 75 | 17 | 83 | 10 | 9 | Soul's Core | |
| "Shimmer" | — | 5 | 39 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| 1999 | "What Is Life" | — | — | 62 | — | — | — | — | — | 62 | Big Daddy: Music from the Motion Picture | |
| 2000 | "Everywhere I Go" | — | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Beneath the Velvet Sun | |
| 2006 | "Beautiful Wreck" | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 9th Ward Pickin Parlor | |
| 2007 | "All in My Head" | — | 16 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Honeydew | |
| 2010 | "Light You Up" | — | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Light You Up | |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart | ||||||||||||
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