Michelle Branch was 17 years old when her debut album, The Spirit Room, began its double-platinum run in 2001. Following the release of her first independent album, 1998’s Broken Bracelet, Branch began attracting attention from major labels. She signed with Maverick Records and began writing with John Shanks, a former member of Melissa Etheridge’s band. Together, the two wrote “Everywhere,” which became Branch’s first hit single in 2001. Released that summer, her debut album quickly produced two more hits, including the Top Ten single “All You Wanted.” While working on a second album, Branch found time to collaborate with Santana on “The Game of Love,” which peaked at number five and eventually won a Grammy Award, while “Are You Happy Now?” — the first song from Branch’s sophomore album, Hotel Paper — maintained her presence on the charts in early 2003. Like The Spirit Room, Hotel Paper went platinum and spawned two Top 40 singles. In 2005, she launched a country side project, The Wreckers, with her backup singer, Jessica Harp and released an album, Stand Still, Look Pretty, in 2006. The album went gold due in large part to the lead single “Leave the Pieces,” which topped the country charts. The Wreckers went their separate ways in 2007. Branch spent several years writing songs and making guest appearances on other albums before issuing a short EP, Everything Comes and Goes, in 2010. Michelle Branch continues to tour the world.
