Artist Iris DeMent

Iris DeMent announced at a 2003 show that she wouldn’t sing while the U.S. military was in Iraq, but she’s recanted since then—good news for anyone who appreciates the value of traditional folk, country, and gospel music. DeMent has often used her high, distinctive twang for topical, political songs (as on 1996’s The Way I Should), but also for gospel covers (on 2004’s Lifeline); either way, the songs tie together the troubles of the day with a broad and universal passion. Well-loved but (refreshingly) not too career-oriented, DeMent remains vital despite not having released any original material in 15 years.

Updated 03/23/2011