Mad. Sq. Music: Suzanne Vega

Suzanne Vega kicks off the 2013 Mad. Sq. Music: Oval Lawn Series. Vega is an American singer-songwriter of rare poetic genius and emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s. Bearing the stamp of a masterful storyteller who “observed the world with a clinically poetic eye,” Suzanne’s songs have always tended to focus on city life, ordinary people and real world subjects. Notably succinct and understated, often cerebral but also streetwise, her lyrics invite multiple interpretations. Vega’s musical influences and favorites include Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Laura Nyro and The Smiths.

Her profound insight into the basics of human existence has earned her followers of all ages and walks of life. Vega was a staple at Lilith Fair since she performed as the very first artist and continued to frequent the festival throughout her career. Suzanne’s neo-folk style has speared the female, acoustic, folk-pop singer-songwriter movement that would include the likes of Tracy Chapman, Shawn Colvin, and the Indigo Girls. Vega has continued to top the Billboard charts and won a Grammy Award for best album package including album cover, graphic arts and photography in 1990 for Days of Open Hand. Vega is “widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation,” (Biography Magazine).