Border Crossings: Natalie Merchant

One of the most recognizable voices from the 1980s and 1990s as the lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs and as a solo artist Natalie Merchant has scored numerous hit records from Because the Night, These Are Days, Carnival, Wonder and Jealousy. In 2015, Natalie marked the 20th anniversary of one of her most successful and also her favorite CD “Tigerlily.” She talked to Border Crossings host Larry London about her music and sing some of her biggest hits.
Originally published at - www.voanews.com/media/video/31...

[@jockost.maritz1096]

She's in the top 10 best female singers of all time. As a person, she's number 1. Beautiful, unpretentious, and humble. I love her.

[@peterk.6930]

prachtig

[@jimbutler1189]

Holy shit. I was not expecting her singing voice to be just as crystal clear, just as warm just as powerful. Time has been kind to this precious woman.

[@Vejur9000]

as soft spoken as she’s always been, I wouldn’t be surprised that her voice still sounds great. Love her.

[@jude999]

She radiates peace.

[@alisongreene201]

I have always loved Natalie, since I was 12...I am adopting a 4 year old girl with Down Syndrome, and look forward to sharing Natalie's music with her, as she has truly been a blessing to my life.

[@sartainja]

God bless you and your daughter.

[@chuckcoates3594]

God Bless You Girl. That's a hard climb.

[@kabernat]

Alison Greene God Bless you for your love and generosity in adopting her. May she give you all the love, joy and fulfillment! God Bless You! ❤️

[@debradelquadro2140]

I have loved Natalie Merchant forever. From the 80's and 10,000 Maniacs to today!!! Her voice is ethereal

[@janiceflory673]

AGREED 🤗🤗 Never tire of her music. Such an incredible writer, singer all around WHOLESOME WOMAN 💞💞💞💞💞🙏🙏

[@tampico63]

Fuck yes, she is ETHEREAL.

[@karlbe8414]

I often wonder if Natalie can fully grasp what her music has meant to me, the hours that I've spent listening to her and all the millions of others, like me. I would so love to meet her, but might cry too.

[@jesseking7668]

She gives me goosebumps when she sings. My god what a talented and beautiful woman.

[@dhsaunders4185]

That VOICE ... unmistakable, gorgeous and timeless...

[@toffeeme4251]

Her voice has gotten BETTER. She can do as she likes now. Live your life Natalie!

[@dementiabidenfallingontheb6712]

Jeez...maybe 6 years ago. DAMN, she can still blow it out. What a wonderful voice!!

[@aprtuned75]

I can't put it into words how Natalie helped me from when she was with 10,000 maniacs till when she started on her own. I remember ever show I saw her and will forever love her what how she charged my life

[@TryNSave]

There is never a shortage of comments on any of Natalie Merchant’s videos that concern her appearance and her attractiveness. And while she definitely is a beautiful woman and has aged gracefully, it’s far more important to recognize that she puts her heart into her music. It’s eloquent, it’s inspiring. I don’t know quite how to articulate this, but something about so many of her songs give me hope, confidence, and reassurance that everything will be okay. I’d like to express my gratitude for that, and Ms. Merchant deserves all the inductions and achievement awards and recognition because she is an American treasure and a wonderful, beautiful soul. Thank you for the joy and clarity you bring to the world, Natalie.

[@kabernat]

Cody Lester Very beautiful and well said! ❤️

[@mn-sc8is]

The complete package. Singular.

[@paigeherrin29]

This comment ❤️❤️❤️

[@documax123]

But Cody, do you fancy her? Tell the truth. You do, don't you?

[@ppumpkin3282]

It goes without saying that she puts her heart into her music, her voice has a natural emotional quality you can hear in her vibrato, in that way she reminds me of Judy Garland.

[@EricGates]

I get a sense that Eric is more than happy remaining in the background, but, man...that dude can make a guitar sound alive.

[@larrylarry739]

No "auto tune" needed. True talent on display.

[@gmajorspresents]

They play so well together. Eric's guitar playing is spot on.

[@EvansBrosRacing]

Her voice sounds so amazing , I can listen to her forever

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

Very good accompaniment.

[@marcuservin9990]

1 of the Most Relevant Artist of my Time 💜

[@debbiebrown8297]

What a beautiful rendition of Carnival, first time I’ve heard it completely acoustic. What a voice and sweet guitar player.

[@sithyarael6807]

Natalie singing Wonder at the end is still a powerful song no matter what. Describes me growing up my my bone disease. Still a beautiful woman. .

[@paparay163]

20 or so years ago Tiger Lily was popular. Nathalie made an appearance on Letterman. Her jet black hair was mesmerizing and her voice she got from heaven. This gorgeous young lady has aged 20 years and I admire the inclusion of the silver with the black. As we chatted in an almost empty Moroccan restaurant in Spokane two decades back I can tell you all she is the definition of beautiful inside and out. Her soothing voice has certainly brought joy to both me and my damaged brain. Love, Live, Life.

[@scottkuntz8184]

right on papa ray

[@sithyarael6807]

Look at her channel now. she is all silver hair yet look younger that she does in this video and she is 52 now. . Still a beautiful woman like 10,000 Maniacs and her first two solo albums. And one of the most powerful singers for what her songs are about. Like Wonder when it came out and now and looking at why she wrote it. Just brings so much more power to the song and all of her songs when you listen to them and understand why she wrote them. River is another one if you know the subject of that song.

[@nadinerenteria9875]

Papa Ray lucky guy

[@freeflowterri546]

I totally agree! She is a beautiful Angel! Her voice is so fine! She seems like she would be so sweet. Take Care!

[@cav28drummer]

A voice straight from heaven.

[@natfan]

This is my favorite performance of Cowboy Romance! So nice. Thank you Natalie, you keep getting better.

[@jarodcarnarvon5198]

Beautiful woman, very talented Love her deep voice......

[@daviddalton8996]

What a beautiful voice, I could listen to her everyday. So evident in her performance just how professional she is. A God gifted talent💕

[@MrDLOC11]

Unmistakable classic voice and songwriting extraordinaire of the first wave alternative ... Natalie iconic!

[@lorettamurphy7119]

10,000 Maniacs..Been loving Natalie's Music for many years..I have a collection from way back😍🎸🎶🎼

[@lynnelofgren1644]

Just Love Natalie and her voice. She is so real!

[@susancollins8098]

Thank you Natalie you got me through 44 years & continue to, I love you sister 💜🦋

[@vickilynn2778]

Natalie and her music has made a long and historical mark in our country that will live forever. Thank you, Natalie, and wish you many blessings and love always.

[@mikemorgan5015]

LOVE Natalie Merchant. Love these tiny gigs even more. The sound quality on VOA Border Crossings is amazing. Erik Della Penna's guitar work is beautifully perfect as always.

[@ashadeofthesameashadeofthe8665]

One of a kind voice, life changing lyrics, and a beautiful soul. From 10000 to today. she always has been my favorite.

[@lauramccumbr451]

I love Natalie's voice. Amazing. Huge fan. Great interview. Love the guitar work! That guitar with voice is just beautiful.

[@aparker884]

I am 34 years old and I was 9 years old when because the night was released but I am one who has been in the hospital so many times I get so happy when I get to leave the hospital and I sing all the way home and one time I was singing because the night. There was good songs.

[@georgegeysen6499]

Because The Night is a Bruce Springsteen song made popular by Patti Smith.

[@multi-purposebiped7419]

@@georgegeysen6499 And perfected by 10K maniacs

[@DancingSpiderman]

Natalie's voice ... OHHhhhh. .. she can tell stories with that lovely voice

[@sailingsvwavesong1449]

Natalie is an angel

[@gregthibeaux6308]

Her voice is still just as beautiful as always. So unique, so true, so honest. People age....get over it. Anyone who chooses to miss her music because she's not as attractive as she was in her 20s are simply idiots. Does anyone chide Bob Dylan for looking and sounding strange? if so, they're idiots too.

[@jarodcarnarvon5198]

Greg Thibeaux If we can always accept the men for getting old, then why not the women also??? Double standard many hold sadly... Good point you made.....

[@ppumpkin3282]

@@jarodcarnarvon5198 White Knight.

[@sartainja]

Great video of a wonderful artist. Natalie is the real deal. I really love her. She is so genuie and sincere. Too bad there are not more people in this cruel world like her.

[@bishonen2pm]

Always loved Natalie and her talented, kind and humble character.... and that voice, yes that voice.

[@nancymello5246]

Just beautiful! Love Natalie💚

[@abipower553]

She sings like an angel

[@cornstorm666]

Excellent Memories Natalie..."Drifters free" never sang a bad song..love your sweet gifted voice..."this child made her way." "A wonder of God's creation" ❤

[@todbeard8118]

This lady still sounds awesome!

[@ncf1]

Such beautiful music.

[@jayoleary968]

She is Timeless.

[@drummerp12]

Her music, her voice is amazing and comforting. I've been listening to her front long time. I love to listen to her music when I'm jogging.

[@ricardogamez5063]

Natalie helped me grow as person and as a MAN

[@cav28drummer]

OMG she`s wonderful!

[@betteliverpool]

God bless her voice

[@mstanley97]

Natalie is so beautiful and her voice is ageless

[@Rezzzzzz]

I love you, Natalie.

[@randolphscott3361]

I love how she’s growing old so gracefully. One fine looking lady.

[@jimf1955]

such a beautiful voice love it

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

o4mscentrum Love Natalie and Erik!! Blessed talents, and her other co-musician, as well. Music Heals.

[@SpaceDog75]

That voice.. amazing! That's it's.

[@Unwavering137]

Miss natalie you are great.

[@patrickalaggio3560]

Wonderful! Thank you.

[@jrt1776]

Beautiful Devine voice...

[@sabrinacudney3442]

Natalie is just bad Ass! Very smart lady.

[@guntherultraboltnovacrunch5248]

Can't tell you how many times growing up I kept hearing "life is short". Summers seem to last forever. Now the years just fly off the calendar like months.

[@maylabear]

God Bless this wonderful person its an honor to listen and enjoy every word that this wonderful person breathes ...

[@rkbartlettservices]

Love her so much- Love to hear her speak and sing, love to watch her dance and move. Would really like to be a friend to sit and talk

[@scottkuntz8184]

awesome

[@hadage30]

love you Natalie

[@deboratramposh]

Although I love everything that Natalie does, realizing why I didn't fully appreciate Tigerlilly when it came out...she really needs to be unplugged! only acoustic can showcase that voice and amazing gift!

[@thomashermanns351]

She has a voice from heaven, true.

[@trinoromo6619]

"I think I have heard of it" brings me to tears. How can the interviewer say he thinks he knows of 10000 Maniacs.

[@pamelaolson5614]

You took him literally.

[@francitron_art_3]

Woow I love her Music, thanks you Natalie for such a great inspiration

[@adidasaddict]

Thanks for uploading this, can't wait to see her in the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. Got front row tickets :D

[@garyholgate6943]

YOU ARE amazing & so so beautifull !

[@swartstudio]

Great interview!

[@carlodangelo1]

what a pleasure this was, a great interviewer and adorable Erik, and my princess. I gotta watch it again. @24:26 i love when she touches him and laughs , i thought she was going to ignore him the whole time, that wd have been rude. I guess I've been listening to her for 25 years. and still love her, I also love the 10,000 M - still listen to them too.

[@yinyang5241]

Golly gosh these two work so well together, they are so in sync 💖

[@joehart7260]

Along with Rob Buck the creative driving force behind 10,000 maniacs. I saw her live once and there is a hard edge to her. She took on some barrackers in the audience and believe me she is not to be messed with.

[@melodyforeman3421]

Magical Natalie - what a great artiste ❤️

[@dannlynch]

Check out her song 'Texas'. So great! From her last album. I heard her sing it on her Tiny Desk Concert set. Total little unknown gem!

[@kevinpatrick499]

Agreed ! " Texas " is a gorgeous song ... Her last album is gorgeous is its entirety ... Hell, I don't think Natalie has released a less than brilliant record. Here's to more music from this truly beautiful artist ...

[@mayflowerlash11]

I discovered Natalie Merchant via Carnival nearly 30years ago. What a beautiful voice! But her lyrics are just so poetic and wise. I have just listened to Motherland (whole album) again. Every damn song is spot on. This house is on fire, is she singing about the US House of Representatives? You go passing wrong for right ... people only stand for that for just so long. Donald and Republicans take note. Motherland. It's your happiness I want most of all and for that I'd do anything at all, oh mercy me. Mercy me indeed. It's my children and grandchildren's happiness I want most of all. (how did NM know?) Saint Judas. There's no greater evil than the darkness in your heart. Putin? Hamas? And finally Tell Yourself. I have a sixteen yo granddaughter. She needs to hear this.

[@packman5906]

Another spiritual musical artist who was in transition in their later years and gravitated towards children and music for them was John Denver but his life was cut tragically short at 57.

[@documax123]

Very much an artist. Always.

[@vwaudiwelder]

I have loved and admired Natalie since the moment I first heard her astounding voice on Tigerlily. It was only afterwards I found out about 10,000 Manics and the body of work that band made together, it is all so very gorgeous. I positively adore the spirit, passion, generosity, compassion, kindness and good will of this woman: our most precious American National Treasure. It is for these reasons that I named my daughter, my blood, my princess after her. I can only hope she follows in the footsteps of her and my wife. They both share these common traits. (That avatar is Natalie and I shaking hands at our first meeting April 8, 1999 after I presented her a bouquet of a dozen steel roses I fabricated.) Long live Natalie Anne Merchant!

[@atyakiber454]

I like her music. I like her personality. But I can't understand why she had to divorce. What kind of incurable mistake was made? This is the only thing, I can't see her as an idol.

[@portcullis5622]

A strange comment. Why should you understand? Only the people directly involved in any divorce would ever understand. People change over time and divorce is a common thing, and it has nothing to do with anyone else.

[@robertsettle2590]

@@portcullis5622 You think you know everything!!!

[@portcullis5622]

@@robertsettle2590 I certainly do not know everything. I can, however, spot shallow, judgemental people quite easily. The kind of people that I would cross the street to avoid.

[@jackames9731]

@Portcullis I'd say those "shallow" folks are delighted not to share the sidewalk with someone who is so full of himself.

[@normaemanuel4975]

Love you Natalie!

[@1962LIBBY]

Seen her in concert, bought a few albums. Rarely smiles , music u play as you tie a noose.

[@user-nv9bj4lj9r]

My favorite her song is 'life is sweet'

[@ctgranto1]

There is no one more who I would want to sing me to sleep

[@calvingregory2017]

I found out about Leave Your Sleep a bit late, when I first saw it for sale it had the single disc, but then I read up on it and it stated there was a two disc version available so I sought it out and bought that one (I tend to prefer the deluxe versions and whatever as you sometimes get more songs and if you love the artist then you want as much as you can get from them) I fell in love with the album right away. I loved the concept the book-type packaging, the mini-bio's on the poet and of course the lyrics. It was a phenomenal project. I think that's my favorite of all her albums, with Tigerlilly being a strong number two. Tigerlilly also has a very special place as when it was in my life and where it was in my life was a very special moment in time. It was the soundtrack to that time of my life.

[@ChesterFanningChorno]

It would have been nice if the interviewer recognized the existence of the guitarist, who was excellent.

[@casperthegm741]

Agreed. I've seen him performing with her in a number of videos. He's outstanding.

[@gr83172]

Truly excellent as always. Credit to whom it is due, his name is Erik Della Penna.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

to: gr83172: from: 04mscentrum: Thanks for letting us know Natalie's guitar/partner is: Erik Della Penna! I choose to think interviewer wasn't being thoughtless, figured EVERYONE Knew guitarist...... Thanks!

[@trysometruth]

People who are almost iconic in their impact on popular music do tend to draw amazing talent around them, in large part because that amazing supporting talent knows that associating themselves to someone like that will likely result in huge exposure, and successful, fulfilling projects. But when they patiently wait during an interview like this, almost ignored, they're not likely to take much umbrage. Everyone involved knows why the band, or the tour, or the project at hand _exists at all,_ and the interview too: The iconic centerpoint that 98% of the public is focusing on. That's just reality.

[@gmajorspresents]

ChesterFanningChorno Perfectly stated. Eric is great .

[@aparker884]

I think I heard this song when I recovered from jaw surgery and I loved it but I had no idea it was natalie merchant. I am hoping to take the pictures of my surgeries and make a slide show with that song wounder.

[@danielr4640]

It’ll be 25 years since Carnival came out

[@RodCornholio]

Lot of inner beauty shining through.

[@droche321l]

Awesome talent, vocals and lyrics. I loved 10,000 maniacs too. Yet her independent work really makes you feel understood as an American woman in this sometimes difficult world.

[@mastersupreme6126]

Deborah Waters AMERICAN? AMERICA IS NOT A COUNTRY IS A CONTINENT DUMB ASS SO BE SPECIFIC!

[@JoseGarcia-bb9ml]

such a great singer

[@christianelatulippe1466]

Adorable depuis toujours et qu'elle voix fantastique !

[@candacebenjamin7149]

Her voice is amazing beautiful , she very beautiful looking women she still looks beautiful

[@mikaelwester]

Genius.

[@RaeZoladawn777]

Lovely person Natalie Merchant blessing s

[@brandonmiller5766]

I found Verdi Cries while living out of a hotel room in Yokuska, Japan. The first line of the song goes, “The man in 119 takes his tea all alone…”. I was on the seventh floor taking my breakfast often all alone. Listening to that song can put the loneliness I felt then right with her voice I hear now.

[@jbt6007]

Natalie is just amazing.

[@aparker884]

The bullykng has gotten worse from back in my days . It has gone onto the internet. Wounder reminds me of who I really am. I just never saw who I really was when I was 18 now here I am 34 I look back and think of how different things where from what we see today with the music industry.

[@thebassmentexperience2330]

She's still gorgeous, love you Natalie

[@mstanley97]

Natalie helped me grow. Kate Bush is the only female artist along with Natalie that helped me grow, pereserve and keep on keeping on. Natalie is beautiful and never sold out to Hollywood! Godbless her!

[@jeromej.defazio453]

OMG! JAMSESTOWN NY! I LIVED THER BETWEEN 9-12 YEARS OLD. BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE. THE REST ARE ON THERE WAY... 59 YEARS OLD HERE. I have ALWAYS, ALWAYS loved you Natalie, Janis Joplin too💖. You both look and act somewhat alike. Amazing. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH NATALIE❣️ Jerome😘 Let me trim your hair, for free.....

[@BasilFomeen]

God bless you Natalie a true American treasure