Natalie Merchant‘s haunting voice with her band, 10,000 Maniacs, will go down in history. And in 2026, the talented singer is still making history.
Merchant, 62, who joined 10,000 Maniacs in 1981, shot to fame as the band’s lead singer and lyricist. In 1993, she left the band at the height of their fame and launched a lauded solo career. Her debut solo album, Tigerlily, was a critical and commercial success with hits like “Carnival,” “Wonder,” and “Jealousy.” These days, Merchant is still thriving and has pursued unique creative endeavors that range from releasing more albums to teaching arts and crafts to underprivileged children in New York state.
The beloved performer hit the stage on Friday evening during “Sooner Or Later: Celebrating The 60th Anniversary Of Blonde On Blonde,” at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The event, which honored Bob Dylan‘s classic album, also featured Craig Finn of The Hold Steady, The Cactus Blossoms, and a variety of other performers. Merchant, with her distinctive voice, dazzled the crowds. With her long dark hair replaced by a head of lush gray locks, the legendary singer is aging with grace and looking better than ever.
Photo by Astrida Valigorsky on Getty Images
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Her Unique Project With the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
According to her website, Merchant has spent the last two years immersed in a creative collaboration with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Children’s Theatre. Called Cabinet of Wonder, it’s a multimedia public arts experience designed especially for young children and is available for free online. For more information about Cabinet of Wonder, click here.
Merchant is an Empty Nester
A single mom, Merchant and her daughter rode out the COVID lockdown together. While she grew up without a TV, her daughter wasn’t having it.
“Well, my daughter staged a protest about eight months into the lockdown, and we went out and bought a Roku,” Merchant told Paste in 2023. “I felt like an Amish woman buying a Monster Truck—it was very difficult for me. Because I’ve had no television in my house since 1974. And I’m looking at it right now—I still can’t even believe that it’s here! And I won’t watch it for weeks, but then every once in a while…”
Her daughter has since headed off to college, allowing Merchant to resume touring. She completed a tour this past fall.
Here’s one of Merchant’s most popular solo hits:
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