Aimee Mann (born September 8, 1960) is an American singer‑songwriter, guitarist, and bassist. She first achieved prominence as the bassist and vocalist for the new wave band The Young Moscow in the 1980s, and later as a member of the folk‑rock duo Til Tuesday. Mann launched a solo career in 1993 and has released multiple albums that have received critical acclaim and commercial success.
Early life and education
Mann was born in Richmond, Virginia, and raised in Blue Ridge, Georgia. She began playing piano at age three and later learned guitar. She attended the University of Richmond before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a music career.
Career
- The Young Moscow (1981–1985) – Mann played bass and provided backing vocals. The band released two albums: The Young Moscow (1982) and Buzz (1984).
- Til Tuesday (1986–1990) – Formed with guitarist Michael Hausman, the duo released three albums, the most notable being Everything’s Different Now (1990), which featured the single “Voices Carry” (a cover of the 1980s hit).
- Solo career (1993–present) – Mann’s debut solo album, Whatever (1993), produced the single “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” which charted on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks. Subsequent albums include I'm with Stupid (1995), Bachelor No. 2 or, the Last Remains of the Dodo (2000), Lost in Space (2002), The Forgotten Arm (2005), One More Drifter in the Snow (2006, a Christmas album), Charmer (2012), Mental Illness (2017), and Queens of the Summer Hotel (2021).
Mann’s work is noted for its lyrical storytelling, melodic craftsmanship, and a blend of pop, folk, and rock influences. She has collaborated with artists such as James Iha, Jon Brion, and Ted Leo, and contributed to soundtracks, most prominently co‑writing and performing “Save It for the Birds” for the film Magnolia (1999). The Magnolia soundtrack earned her nominations for a Golden Globe and a Grammy Award.
Awards and recognition
- Won a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media for “Save It for the Birds” (shared with composer Jon Brion) in 2001.
- Received multiple nominations from the Billboard Music Video Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and the Critics' Choice Movie Awards.
- Named one of Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time” (2023 edition).
Personal life
Mann is married to musician Michael Penn, with whom she has two children. She lives in Los Angeles and is involved in various charitable activities, including supporting musicians' rights and mental health awareness.
Discography (selected studio albums)
- Whatever (1993)
- I'm with Stupid (1995)
- Bachelor No. 2 or, the Last Remains of the Dodo (2000)
- Lost in Space (2002)
- The Forgotten Arm (2005)
- One More Drifter in the Snow (2006)
- Charmer (2012)
- Mental Illness (2017)
- Queens of the Summer Hotel (2021)
Influence and legacy
Mann is frequently cited as an influence by contemporary indie and alternative artists for her narrative songwriting and independent approach to music production. Her career spans over four decades, maintaining both critical and fan support across multiple musical eras.
