Grace Potter biography

Synopsis

A Musical Background

Grace Potter was born on June 20, 1983, in Waitsfield, Vermont. She learned to play piano from her mother and sang in school choirs, later citing musical influences that include Madonna, Michael Jackson and Kurt Cobain. Potter also performed in regional theater festivals, starring in productions like The Pirates of Penzance and Cabaret. She took part in the college-residency program Governors Institute for the Arts before attending St. Lawrence University in 2002.

Forming the Nocturnals

While in college, Potter met drummer Matt Burr at an open-mic performance. Joined by bassist Courtright Beard and guitarist Scott Tournet, they would form the Nocturnals, named in honor of the late hour at which the musicians practiced. With Beard eventually replaced by Bryan Dondero, the band released its debut album, Original Soul in 2004 on its own label, Ragged Company. The music scene took notice. Though approached by record label executives for potential deals, the band continued to do its own thing, touring continuously to build buzz and releasing its second album, Nothing But the Water, in 2005. Potter and the group then decided to sign with Hollywood Records, and released the album This Is Somewhere in 2007, with live albums to follow.

A Racier Image

In 2010, the group, which had new members Catherine Popper and Benny Turco, dropped a self-titled album featuring the singles "Tiny Light" and "Paris (Ooh La La)," both of which showcased Potter's passionate, powerhouse rock vocals. The album, featuring production by Mark Batson, also offered a glossier sound and racier imagery.

"Some fans defended it and some were really upset about it," Potter said in an interview with Men's Health regarding the album's sexual overtones, which she sees as full of wit and humor. "And I really want that discussion to continue, because I think it's fascinating that with a woman, that's something that everyone notices. But if Mick Jagger, Steven Tyler, Robert Plant or Rod Stewart decide to amp up their look for the night, it's not like they'll get an inbox full of complaints."

Duet With Kenny Chesney

In 2010, Potter sang on the VH1 Divas Salute the Troops performance, where she wielded her guitar in a shimmy minidress in the spirit of Tina Turner and later was joined onstage by the rock duo Heart (Ann and Nancy Wilson). The following year, Potter had a major country hit with Kenny Chesney on "You and Tequila," a ballad that ties a painful romance to the lure of alcohol. Potter and the band also started the Grand Point North Festival, a Vermont-based musical event that featured local acts.