- Years Active: 2000-2006
- Genre: Rock & Alternative
- Followed By: Metallic Falcons, Basia Bulat, Lightning Dust, Chris Garneau, Randi Russo, Tiny Vipers, Jana Hunter, Cortney Tidwell, Paula Flynn, Jenn Grant, Kelsey Wild, Two Sheds, Lia Ices, Taken by Trees, Miss Kenichi, Soap & Skin, Des Ark, Olivelawn, Miwagemini, Kate Earl, Sara Lov, Mr. Gnome, Lane, Emily Easterly, Ingrid Michaelson, Hospitality, Anya Marina
- Similar Artists: Sarabeth Tucek, Frida Hyvönen, Ingrid Michaelson, Julie Sokolow, Isobel Heyworth, Emily Jane White, The Curious Mystery, Throwing Muses, Palace, PJ Harvey, Smog, The Palace Brothers, Liz Phair, Silver Jews, Kristin Hersh, Helium, Lou Barlow, Mark Eitzel, Rebecca Gates, Hayden, Edith Frost, Cynthia Dall, Elliott Smith, Will Oldham, Eszter Balint, Fourth Quartet, Nina Nastasia, Aroah, Iron & Wine, Lys Guillorn, White Magic, Smoosh, Feist, The Last Town Chorus
Cat Power was the alias of Chan Marshall, a Southern-bred singer/songwriter whose father, Charlie, was an itinerant pianist. After dropping out of high school, Marshall found herself in New York; performing under the name Cat Power, she was booked as the opening act for Liz Phair, where she met Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelley and Two Dollar Guitar's Tim Foljahn, who agreed to become her backing band. Following the release of 1995's Dear Sir and 1996's Myra Lee -- both recorded on the same day -- Cat Power signed to Matador for 1996's What Would the Community Think?, which won acclaim for Marshall's unsettling, emotional songs and cathartic vocals.
The superb Moon Pix followed two years later, and in the spring of 2000 Cat Power resurfaced with The Covers Record. Released in 2003, You Are Free featured a lusher, more polished sound as well as cameos by Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder; 2006's The Greatest was recorded in Memphis, TN, with legendary soul players including guitarist/songwriter Mabon "Teenie" Hodges, bassist Leroy "Flick" Hodges, and drummer Steve Potts. Another set of covers, Jukebox, was released two years later. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide