Iris Dement performing at Old Settler’s Music Festival in Driftwood, Texas (2007).
Photo by Ron Baker.
If something bothers me, it bothers me for a long time until I find a way to work it out. Music provided me with a means of working things out. ~ Iris DeMent
Iris Luella DeMent (b. 1/5/61) is an American singer-songwriter and musician. DeMent’s musical style includes elements of folk, country and gospel. She has been nominated for a Grammy Award twice.
Early Life:
DeMent was born in Paragould, Arkansas, the 14th and youngest child of Pat DeMent (1910–1992) and wife Flora Mae (1918–2011.) Iris’s mother had harbored dreams of going to Nashville and starting a singing career. Although she put those plans on hold to get married, her singing voice was an inspiration and influence for her youngest daughter Iris. DeMent was raised in a Pentecostal household. Her family moved from Arkansas to the Los Angeles area when she was three.
Musical Beginnings:
While growing up, Iris was exposed to and influenced by country and gospel music. Singing at age five as one of “the little DeMent sisters”, Iris had a bad experience when she forgot her words during her first performance, which caused her to avoid performing in public for some time.
Discography:
albums: 7
singles: 3
Other contributions:
primary/contributing artist: 12
as composer: 8
also appears on: 22
Filmography:
music videos: 1
Some things to share:
In her 2015 album, “The Trackless Woods,” the lyrics are poems by Anna Akhmatova, as translated by Babette Deutsch and Lyn Coffin, set to compositions by DeMent. Richard Bennett and Leo Kottke accompany Iris, who sings and plays piano.
Musicianguide.com has a biography with more details about Iris and her family.
Official website: here
Sources: wikipedia
Tao Talk 
Great to learn more about Iris, is that duet with Earle not the greatest thing? She’s the real deal.
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That whole album is great. I think her voice is very similar to Emmylou’s, probably best in duet with others.
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I agree she is great in her duet’s.
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she’s amazing, loved that song you posted!
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Which one, Carol Anne?
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Thanks for reminding me of Iris DeMent who I included a few weeks ago in a new music review. I like what I’ve heard thus far, including the two songs you highlighted here.
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You’re welcome, and some of the info was drawn from where I think you drew yours in your new music review. You sent me the link of your post and the info matched up with what I found on her. The song you picked was good, but the down side was the reminder of how dire the state of our world is right now.
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Yep, I’m afraid that’s true. She also may not win a popularity contest with that song!
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I liked her new album from last year – sent me back to her older stuff.
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The political one? I listened to some of Sing the Delta and enjoyed what I heard. I really only knew her from In Spite of Ourselves duet with Prine before gathering the data for this post.
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Iris is another singer i’ve been listening to for a long time. Hooked up with another favorite, Greg Brown. She’s a unique voice and a good one. The Steve/Del album is killer.
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I can only imagine your music room. Glad you know her. I have that Steve/Del album and agree. Steve’s another one who has had some outstanding collaborations.
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It’s provided me with years of pleasure and I hope more in the future.
Iris has hooked up with Prine, Haggard, Earle, Brown (missing a few off the top of my head) and that’s pretty good musical company in my books. A lot like Emmy Lou she goes well with those rough around the edges fellas.
Ill be back for more of this Lisa Tradition.
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CB, really like the way you describe the company Emmy Lou keeps. I hope you do!
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I’ll save a few comments for when you feature Emmy Lou (here’s hoping)
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CB, been there, done that:
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Yes we have some history or is it herstory?
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How about Our Story?
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I like that.
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