Suzanne Vega

Suzanne Vega was a pioneering female singer/songwriter who rose to prominence in the late '80s and '90s.

Folk Singer

July 11, 1959

65

Suzanne Vega, a singer-songwriter recognized for her distinctive and influential style in the folk and acoustic music scene, gained popularity in the 1980s with hit songs like “Luka” and “Tom’s Diner.” Her music features poetic lyrics and intricate guitar melodies, and she has also explored acting, poetry, and music production. Some of her other notable works include “99.9F°,” “Solitude Standing,” and “Days of Open Hand.” Vega has been a strong advocate for artists’ rights, working with the Musician’s Alliance and the Creative Coalition. In 2007, she testified before the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property about copyright royalty rates for Internet radio stations. Notably, Vega was one of the first major female singer/songwriters to rise to prominence in the late ’80s and ’90s.