Mary Lambert is more than just a singer. She is also a poet, author, and activist who has made a significant impact on the world through her work. Born in 1989 in Seattle, Washington, Lambert has always had a passion for the arts, starting with her love for poetry at a young age.
Her music is known for its raw emotional power and its ability to address issues such as body positivity, mental health, and LGBT rights. She was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2014 for her collaboration with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis on the hit song "Same Love".
In addition to her music, Lambert is an outspoken activist who uses her voice to advocate for a variety of causes. She is an ambassador for the anti-bullying organization The Trevor Project and has been a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.
This biography will explore the life and art of Mary Lambert, from her early beginnings in Seattle to her rise to fame as a multi-talented artist and activist.
Early Life and Education
Early Years
Mary Lambert was born on May 3, 1989, in Everett, Washington. She grew up in a musical family where her mother and grandmother were both choir directors. At a young age, she showed a great interest and talent in music and started singing in church choirs.Education
Lambert attended Shorecrest High School in Shoreline, Washington, where she was active in choir and drama programs. After high school, she went on to study music at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. During her time at Cornish, Lambert faced several traumatic experiences, including sexual assault and the death of her father. These experiences influenced her songwriting and later work in advocacy for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights.Music Career Beginnings
Mary Lambert was born in Seattle, Washington, in 1989. At the tender age of six, she began showing an interest in singing and songwriting. Her childhood was tumultuous, with her parents' divorce and her mother's struggles with addiction, but she found comfort in music.
As a teenager, Lambert began performing at local coffee shops and open mic nights. She attended Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, where she studied music composition and creative writing. During this time, she also formed a band called The Moon Will Burn Your Eyes.
In 2012, Lambert was approached by the rapper Macklemore to sing on his song "Same Love," which quickly became a smash hit. The song, with its themes of acceptance and equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community, resonated deeply with audiences around the world. For Lambert, it was a breakthrough moment and the start of her music career.
Shortly after, Lambert released her debut EP, Letters Don't Talk. The EP showcased her powerful vocals and honest, vulnerable songwriting style. It received critical acclaim and launched her onto the national music scene.
- Key Takeaways:
- Mary Lambert began singing and songwriting at a young age.
- She performed at local coffee shops and formed a band in college.
- Lambert was featured on Macklemore's hit song "Same Love," which launched her career.
- Her debut EP, Letters Don't Talk, received critical acclaim.
Spoken Word and Poetry
Mary Lambert is not just a singer, she is also a talented poet and spoken word artist. Her poetry often deals with issues of mental health, body image, and LGBTQ+ rights, and she has been praised for her ability to connect with her audience through her honest and vulnerable performances.
One of Lambert's most well-known pieces is "Body Love", a spoken word poem that she performed at the Brave New Voices Poetry Slam in 2014. In the poem, she talks about her struggles with body image and self-acceptance, telling the audience "you are worth more than who you fuck, you are worth more than a waistline". The poem has since gone viral, inspiring countless people to embrace their own bodies and love themselves for who they are.
In addition to performing her poetry live, Lambert has also published a book of her poems titled "500 Tips for Fat Girls". The book is a collection of poems and reflections on body image, self-love, and mental health, and has been praised for its honesty and relatability.
- Fun Fact: Lambert's love of poetry actually began in elementary school, when she would write and perform poems for her classmates.
- Quote: "Words have always been a way for me to understand myself and the world around me. Poetry and spoken word allows me to connect with people on a deeper level and share parts of myself that I may not be able to express through music alone." - Mary Lambert
Activism and Advocacy
Mary Lambert is not only a talented singer and poet, but also a vocal activist and advocate for various causes.
One of the causes that Lambert is particularly passionate about is LGBT rights. As someone who identifies as lesbian herself, Lambert has used her platform to raise awareness and promote equality for the LGBT community. She has performed at Pride events and partnered with organizations such as The Trevor Project to support LGBT youth.
In addition to her work for the LGBT community, Lambert is also an advocate for mental health awareness. She has spoken candidly about her own struggles with bipolar disorder and depression, and has used her personal experiences to encourage others to seek help and support for their own mental health.
Lambert is also involved in the body positivity movement, promoting self-love and acceptance for people of all sizes and shapes. She has collaborated with plus-size clothing brand ModCloth and has spoken out against body shaming in the media.
Through her activism and advocacy work, Mary Lambert has become a powerful voice for marginalized communities and an inspiration to many. She is a true example of using one's talents for social change and making a difference in the world.
Personal Life and Legacy
Mary Lambert was born in Everett, Washington and grew up in a strict Pentecostal household. She endured a difficult childhood, which included abuse at the hands of her stepfather and bullying at school. Despite these challenges, she found solace in writing poetry and singing.
Lambert is an openly lesbian artist and activist. She has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and body positivity. Her music and poetry explore themes of love, loss, trauma, and healing.
In 2015, Lambert released her second studio album, "Heart on My Sleeve," which received critical acclaim for its raw and vulnerable lyrics. The album featured collaborations with several high-profile artists, including Macklemore and Madonna.
- In addition to her work as a musician and poet, Lambert has also made several appearances in film and television.
- Lambert's legacy as an artist and activist continues to inspire others to speak out and celebrate their unique identities.
- Through her vulnerability and honesty, Lambert has become a beacon of hope for those struggling with their own traumas and mental health issues.
FAQ
Who is Mary Lambert?
Mary Lambert is a singer, poet, and activist from the United States. She was born in Seattle, Washington in 1989 and began her career as a singer-songwriter in 2012 with her debut EP, Letters Don't Talk. She is also a prominent activist for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.
What are some of Mary Lambert's most famous songs?
Mary Lambert is perhaps best known for her feature on Macklemore's hit song, "Same Love," which garnered widespread attention and acclaim for its positive portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community. She has also released several solo songs, including "Secrets," which reached the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and "She Keeps Me Warm," which was based on her contribution to "Same Love."
What has Mary Lambert said about mental health and why is it important to her?
Mary Lambert has been open about her struggles with mental illness, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. She has spoken publicly about her experiences and the importance of reducing the stigma around mental health. In an interview with Billboard, she said, "I think the more we talk about it, the more we can heal...I love being a voice for mental health. It's my passion and my purpose. I don't feel like I have a choice -- it's something that I have to do."
How has Mary Lambert used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights?
Mary Lambert has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights since her debut in the music industry. In addition to her contribution to "Same Love," she has also spoken out against conversion therapy and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. She frequently performs at Pride events and has used her concerts as a platform to promote equality and acceptance.
Has Mary Lambert published any books or poetry?
Yes, Mary Lambert has published a book of poetry entitled Shame Is an Ocean I Swim Across. The collection explores themes of mental illness, trauma, and self-acceptance, and has received critical acclaim. In addition to her poetry, she has also written essays and articles for various publications, including HuffPost and Them.