First NameNatalieMiddle NameAnneMaiden NameMerchantFull Name at BirthNatalie Anne MerchantAlternative NameWhirling Dervish, Gnat, Natalie Anne Merchant, Natalie Merchant, 10, 000 ManiacsBirthday26th October, 1963BirthplaceJamestown, New York, USAHeight5' 1" (155 cm)Weight130lbs (59 kg)BuildAverageEye ColorHazelHair ColorGreyDistinctive FeatureLong, straight hair, Stocky frame, Charming smile, Deep, enchanting voiceZodiac SignScorpioSexualityStraightReligionAtheistEthnicityWhiteNationalityAmericanUniversityJamestown Community CollegeOccupation TextSinger, Songwriter, MusicianOccupationSingerClaim to Famejoining the New York-based, top-selling alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs in 1981 as the lead singer and primary lyricist before she left the group in 1993 to embark on a solo career that generated hits like 1995's CarnivalMusic Genre (Text)Alternative Rock, Pop, Folk, Americana, Pop Rock, Folk RockMusic GenrePop, Pop/Rock, PianoYear(s) Active1981–present, 1981–presentMusic StyleAlternative Pop/ Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/ Rock, Alternative/ Indie Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Contemporary Singer/SongwriterMusic MoodMelancholy, Gentle, Reflective, Cerebral, Earthy, Poignant, Intimate, Sad, Precious, Organic, Bittersweet, Wistful, Plaintive, Relaxed, Soothing, Earnest, Literate, Autumnal, Calm/Peaceful, SweetInstrumentPiano, VocalsInstrument (text)Vocals, Keyboard, PianoRecord LabelElektra Records, Myth America Records, Nonesuch/Elektra Records, Myth America, Nonesuch/Elektra, Elektra, NonesuchAssociated Acts10,000 Maniacs, Michael StipeTalent Agency (e.g. Modelling)Creative Artist Agency, Columbia Artists Management Inc., Nonesuch RecordsOfficial WebsitesFavorite PeopleLeonardo da Vinci

Natalie Anne Merchant (born October 26, 1963) is an American alternative rock singer-songwriter. She joined the band 10,000 Maniacs in 1981 and was lead vocalist and primary lyricist for the group. She remained with the group for their first seven albums and left it to begin her solo career in 1993. She has since released nine studio albums as a solo artist.