Alanis Morissette is a renowned Canadian-American singer-songwriter celebrated for her powerful mezzo-soprano vocals and deeply personal songwriting. Rising to fame in the early 1990s, she achieved global stardom with her 1995 album "Jagged Little Pill". This iconic alternative rock album, selling over 33 million copies worldwide, transformed her into a cultural icon. It garnered numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1996, and was later adapted into a successful Broadway musical in 2018. Critically acclaimed, "Jagged Little Pill" secured its place in music history, featuring on Rolling Stone's esteemed lists of greatest albums and songs of all time.
On June 1, 1974, Alanis Morissette was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
At the age of seven, in 1981, Alanis Morissette began taking dance lessons.
Morissette recorded a cover of Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias's 1984 hit, "To All the Girls I've Loved Before," reimagining it as "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" with Nelson's participation.
Alanis Morissette took to the stage with the Orpheus Musical Theatre Society in 1985.
Alanis Morissette made her acting debut in 1986, appearing in five episodes of the children's television show "You Can't Do That on Television."
In 1988, Alanis Morissette again performed with the Orpheus Musical Theatre Society.
In August 1989, Alanis Morissette recorded her second demo tape, which was intended to be sent to record labels.
In October 1989, Alanis Morissette's second demo tape, along with other records, was stolen in a burglary at Geffen Records' headquarters.
Alanis Morissette released her debut album, "Alanis," in Canada in 1991.
In 1992, Alanis Morissette released her second studio album, "Now Is the Time," a more ballad-driven record compared to her debut album.
In 1992, Alanis Morissette received her first Juno Award, winning Most Promising Female Vocalist of the Year. She was also nominated for Single of the Year and Best Dance Recording for "Too Hot."
Alanis Morissette's last acting role before taking a break from acting was in 1993.
In 1993, Alanis Morissette met her future manager, Scott Welch, who encouraged her to move to Toronto to further her songwriting career.
Alanis Morissette's album "Jagged Little Pill" was released internationally in June 1995, marking the beginning of its global success.
Following the release of her album "Jagged Little Pill" in 1995, Alanis Morissette embarked on an extensive world tour. Starting with intimate club performances, the tour progressively expanded to larger venues, reflecting her growing popularity and the album's success.
In 1995, Alanis Morissette signed with Maverick Records and also learned how to play the guitar, expanding her musical abilities.
In 1995, Alanis Morissette released her breakthrough album, "Jagged Little Pill," which achieved international success and made her a global star.
Despite debuting at number one, "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" (1998) faced the pressure of following the massive success of Morissette's previous album, "Jagged Little Pill" (1995). Although the album received positive critical reviews, it sold considerably less than its predecessor, leading some to label it a case of the sophomore jinx in the music industry.
Alanis Morissette's album "Jagged Little Pill" significantly impacted the music industry in 1995, paving the way for other female artists. Her success challenged norms and influenced the emergence of artists like Meredith Brooks, Tracy Bonham, and Patti Rothberg.
1995 marked the release of Alanis Morissette's breakthrough album, "Jagged Little Pill," which achieved remarkable success, reaching the top of the charts. Hit singles like "You Oughta Know," "All I Really Want," "Hand in My Pocket," "Ironic," "You Learn," and "Head over Feet" propelled the album's popularity. "Jagged Little Pill" sold over 16 million copies in the U.S. and 33 million worldwide, establishing Morissette as a prominent figure in the music industry.
After concluding her world tour in December 1996, Alanis Morissette embarked on a significant personal journey to India. Accompanied by family and friends, the trip had a profound impact on her, inspiring the concept for her next album and influencing her artistic direction.
Alanis Morissette was nominated for Best New Artist at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards and received the Best New Artist award at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards for her song "Ironic." She also won Songwriter of the Year at the Juno Awards.
Alanis Morissette won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1996 for her album "Jagged Little Pill."
Alanis Morissette's song "Ironic" achieved significant success in 1996, becoming a major hit despite criticism of its lyrics. The song's music video garnered attention, earning six nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards. Morissette's performance of "Your House" at the ceremony, a tribute to Joni Mitchell, further showcased her artistry.
Alanis Morissette's world tour in 1996 included notable performances and collaborations. Taylor Hawkins, who would later join the Foo Fighters, served as the tour's drummer. Additionally, the band Radiohead joined Morissette as the opening act, further enhancing the tour's appeal.
In 1996, Alanis Morissette received numerous awards and accolades for her album "Jagged Little Pill." Her work earned her six Juno Awards, including Album of the Year, and a Brit Award for International Breakthrough Act. Morissette's achievements solidified her status as a major force in the music world.
In 1997, Alanis Morissette's song "Ironic" continued to receive acclaim, earning two Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year. The song also won Single of the Year at the Juno Awards, where Morissette was recognized for her songwriting talents.
Alanis Morissette received the Songwriter of the Year award at the 1997 Juno Awards.
Alanis Morissette released "Thank U," the lead single from her album "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie," in October 1998. The song became a significant international hit and further solidified Morissette's presence in the music industry.
In November 1998, Alanis Morissette released her fourth studio album, "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie," which she co-wrote and produced with Glen Ballard. The album marked a departure from her previous work, exploring more introspective and personal themes, and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
Alanis Morissette released her fourth studio album, "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie," in 1998, experimenting with new sounds and themes.
In 1998, Alanis Morissette collaborated with other artists, showcasing her versatility. She lent her vocals to Ringo Starr's cover of "Drift Away" and contributed to songs on the Dave Matthews Band album "Before These Crowded Streets." Morissette also recorded "Uninvited" for the film "City of Angels," gaining recognition for her work in film soundtracks.
In 1998, Alanis Morissette's video "Jagged Little Pill, Live" won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video, Long Form. Co-directed by Morissette, the video captured the energy and essence of her highly successful world tour, further solidifying her impact on the music industry.
Alanis Morissette's song "Uninvited" from the "City of Angels" soundtrack received critical acclaim in 1999, winning Grammy Awards for Best Rock Song and Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. The song's emotional depth and Morissette's powerful vocals earned her recognition for her songwriting and vocal abilities.
In 1999, Alanis Morissette was recognized for her impact on the rock music scene, earning the title of "Queen of Alt-Rock Angst" from Rolling Stone and securing the 53rd spot on VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll."
Garbage and Liz Phair were opening acts for Alanis Morissette during her 1999 Junkie Tour.
Alanis Morissette engaged in various musical endeavors in 1999. She collaborated with Jonathan Elias on "The Prayer Cycle," singing in Hungarian and French, and released the live acoustic album "Alanis Unplugged," featuring songs from her previous albums and new material. Additionally, she embarked on a tour with singer-songwriter Tori Amos.
After a hiatus from acting since 1993, Alanis Morissette returned to the screen in 1999, playing God in Kevin Smith's comedy "Dogma." She also contributed the song "Still" to the film's soundtrack.
Alanis Morissette's song "Thank U" received a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2000. However, the song's music video, featuring Morissette nude, generated controversy and sparked discussions about censorship and body image in the music industry.
Alanis Morissette's performance of "So Pure" at Woodstock '99 earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 2001. Her energetic and captivating performance at the festival showcased her stage presence and further solidified her reputation as a live performer.
In 2001, Alanis Morissette collaborated with musician Tricky, contributing vocals to the song "Excess" on his album "Blowback." The collaboration showcased her willingness to explore different musical styles and work with artists outside of her usual sphere.
Alanis Morissette released her fifth studio album, "Under Rug Swept," in February 2002. This marked a significant step in her career as she took on the roles of sole writer and producer for the album. Supported by her band, Morissette explored more personal and introspective themes in her music.
Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Jagged Little Pill" number 31 on its list of the "Women in Rock - The 50 Essential Albums" in October 2002.
Alanis Morissette and Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds met at Drew Barrymore's birthday party in 2002 and began dating soon after.
In 2002, Alanis Morissette released "Under Rug Swept," marking the first time she took on the role of sole producer for an entire album, showcasing her growing artistic independence.
In 2002, following the release of "Under Rug Swept," Alanis Morissette released "Feast on Scraps," a combination package featuring a DVD of live concert footage and a CD with unreleased songs from the "Under Rug Swept" recording sessions. The release provided fans with a glimpse into her creative process and live performances.
In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Jagged Little Pill" number 327 on its list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time."
Alanis Morissette appeared in the Off-Broadway production of "The Exonerated" in 2003, portraying Sunny Jacobs, a death row inmate who was eventually cleared of all charges after evidence of her innocence was found.
In May 2004, Alanis Morissette released her sixth studio album, "So-Called Chaos," which she co-produced with Tim Thorney and John Shanks. The album marked her return to songwriting after a period of co-writing.
Alanis Morissette and Ryan Reynolds announced their engagement in June 2004.
July 2004 saw the release of "De-Lovely," a Cole Porter biopic in which Alanis Morissette performed the song "Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)" and briefly appeared as an unnamed stage performer.
Alanis Morissette released her sixth studio album, "So-Called Chaos," in 2004.
Alanis Morissette made a guest appearance on the Canadian television show "Degrassi: The Next Generation" with "Dogma" co-star Jason Mewes and director Kevin Smith in February 2005.
Alanis Morissette was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2005.
In 2005, Alanis Morissette received a significant honor in her home country, being inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.
In late 2005, Morissette released a greatest hits album, "Alanis Morissette: The Collection," featuring a cover of Seal's "Crazy" as the lead single.
While maintaining her Canadian citizenship, Alanis Morissette became a US citizen in 2005.
In April 2006, it was announced that Alanis Morissette would reprise her role in the Off-Broadway play "The Exonerated" in London from May 23 to May 28.
2006 marked the first year in Morissette's musical career without a solo concert performance, except for a performance of "Wunderkind" on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" in January.
In 2006, Alanis Morissette made a few notable television appearances. She appeared in an episode of Lifetime's "Lovespring International" as Lucinda, a homeless woman, three episodes of FX's "Nip/Tuck" as Poppy, a lesbian character, and as herself in the mockumentary-documentary "Pittsburgh."
Representatives for Alanis Morissette and Ryan Reynolds announced in February 2007 that the couple had called off their engagement.
On April 1, 2007, Morissette released a cover of The Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps" in a contrasting slow and mournful style.
In April 2007, Morissette performed alongside The Nightwatchman (Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine) at the Hotel Café in Los Angeles.
Morissette submitted a video for her single "Underneath" to the 2007 Elevate Film Festival, a platform for films promoting consciousness-raising themes.
On October 3, 2008, Morissette released the music video for her single "Not as We."
In 2008, Morissette contributed a recording of "Versions of Violence" to the album "Songs for Tibet: The Art of Peace."
In early 2008, Morissette joined Matchbox Twenty and Mutemath as a special guest on their tour.
Alanis Morissette released her seventh studio album, "Flavors of Entanglement," in 2008.
Dave Coulier claimed in a 2008 interview that he was the ex-boyfriend who inspired Morissette's song "You Oughta Know."
The YouTube video for Morissette's "My Humps" cover, featuring provocative dancing, had garnered over 16 million views by February 15, 2009.
Alanis Morissette's first episode as Dr. Audra Kitson, a "no-nonsense obstetrician" who treats lead character Nancy Botwin while she is pregnant, aired in July 2009.
Alanis Morissette ran a marathon in 2009 to raise awareness for the National Eating Disorders Association.
Alanis Morissette was confirmed to be returning to the cast of "Weeds" for season six in April 2010, reprising her role as Dr. Audra Kitson.
In April 2010, Morissette released "I Remain," a song she wrote for the "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" film soundtrack.
Alanis Morissette married rapper Mario "Souleye" Treadway on May 22, 2010, in a private ceremony at their Los Angeles home.
On May 26, 2010, Morissette performed a duet of "You Oughta Know" with American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox on the season finale.
By November 2010, "Jagged Little Pill Acoustic" had sold 372,000 copies in the United States. A music video for "Hand in My Pocket" from the acoustic album gained popularity on VH1.
By November 2010, "The Collection" had sold 373,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
On November 20, 2011, Morissette attended the American Music Awards, hinting at a new album with 31 recorded songs, potentially for release the following summer.
On December 21, 2011, Morissette performed "Uninvited" with finalist Josh Krajcik during the performance finale of "The X-Factor."
Alanis Morissette appeared as Amanda, a former bandmate of the main character Ava Alexander (played by Maya Rudolph), in an episode of NBC's "Up All Night" that aired on February 16, 2012.
On May 2, 2012, Alanis Morissette took to Facebook to announce her eighth studio album, "Havoc and Bright Lights," set to release in August 2012 under Collective Sounds and RED Distribution.
In early May 2012, Morissette's new song, "Magical Child," was featured on the Starbucks compilation album "Every Mother Counts."
On May 15, 2012, "Guardian" was released on iTunes as the lead single from "Havoc and Bright Lights," hitting radio waves four days earlier. While it saw moderate success in North America, it charted well in Europe.
Alanis Morissette's eighth studio album, "Havoc and Bright Lights," was released in August 2012. The album contained twelve tracks.
On August 21, 2012, Alanis Morissette was honored with an induction into the prestigious Guitar Center RockWalk in Hollywood.
Alanis Morissette released her eighth studio album, "Havoc and Bright Lights," in 2012.
Alanis Morissette received the George and Ira Gershwin Award from UCLA Spring Sing at Pauley Pavilion on May 16, 2014.
July 25, 2014, marked the beginning of Alanis Morissette's ten-show Intimate and Acoustic tour.
Alanis Morissette played Marisa Damia, the lover of architect and designer Eileen Gray, in the Mary McGuckian-directed film "The Price of Desire" in 2014.
"Conversation with Alanis Morissette," a monthly podcast featuring her conversations with various people from various backgrounds and professions on topics ranging from psychology and art to spirituality and design, health and well-being, and relationships, was launched in October 2015.
On October 30, 2015, a four-disc collector's edition of "Jagged Little Pill" was released to commemorate the album's 20th anniversary. It included remastered tracks, unreleased demos, and live concert recordings from 1995 and 2005.
Alanis Morissette began writing an advice column for The Guardian newspaper in January 2016.
Alanis Morissette and Mario "Souleye" Treadway's daughter, Onyx, was born in 2016.
Jonathan Schwartz, Alanis Morissette's former business manager, admitted to stealing over $5 million from her in April 2017 and was sentenced to six years in prison.
While touring in August 2017, Alanis Morissette gave fans a sneak peek of her song, "I Miss The Band."
Alanis Morissette premiered her new song, "Rest," on October 27, 2017. The song would later be officially released in May 2021.
In November 2017, Alanis Morissette revealed on Twitter she was working on 22 songs with Michael Farrell.
Alanis Morissette debuted her new song, "Ablaze," during a tour performance on March 16, 2018.
On May 5, 2018, "Jagged Little Pill," a jukebox musical featuring songs by Alanis Morissette, premiered at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, premiered "Jagged Little Pill," a musical with music by Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard, lyrics by Morissette, a book by Diablo Cody, and direction by Diane Paulus, in May 2018.
After a six-year hiatus, Alanis Morissette took to social media in October 2018, hinting at a new album with the hashtag "#alanismorissettenewrecord2019" and revealing she had written 23 new songs.
In 2018, a rock musical based on Alanis Morissette's album "Jagged Little Pill" premiered, further solidifying the album's cultural impact.
Alanis Morissette entered a Los Angeles studio in June 2019 to begin recording her new album.
On August 8, 2019, Alanis Morissette announced that Alex Hope and Catherine Marks were producing her upcoming album.
Alanis Morissette discussed her nearly decade-long battle with postpartum depression on "CBS This Morning" on October 22, 2019.
Alanis Morissette announced her ninth studio album, "Such Pretty Forks in the Road," on December 1, 2019, marking her first album release in eight years. The album was initially slated for a May 1, 2020 release.
"Reasons I Drink," the debut single from Alanis Morissette's upcoming album, was released on December 2, 2019.
Winter, Alanis Morissette and Mario "Souleye" Treadway's third child, was born in 2019.
In 2019, "Jagged Little Pill" transferred to Broadway, beginning previews on November 3 and officially opening on December 5 at the Broadhurst Theatre. The production received critical acclaim, garnering fifteen Tony Award nominations and winning a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
On January 17, 2020, Halsey released "Alanis' Interlude," a song featuring Alanis Morissette.
Alanis Morissette announced on February 5, 2020, that Chris Dugan was mixing her upcoming album.
"Smiling," the second single from Alanis Morissette's album, was released on February 20, 2020.
Due to the concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Alanis Morissette's album release was postponed on April 15, 2020.
May 1, 2020, was the initially scheduled release date for Alanis Morissette's album, "Such Pretty Forks in the Road."
The planned 25th-anniversary tour for "Jagged Little Pill," set to begin in June 2020 with Garbage and Liz Phair, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On July 31, 2020, "Such Pretty Forks in the Road" was released after a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alanis Morissette released her ninth studio album, "Such Pretty Forks in the Road," in 2020.
After premiering it in 2017, Alanis Morissette officially released "Rest" in May 2021.
The "Jagged Little Pill" 25th-anniversary tour was rescheduled to summer 2021 after being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alanis Morissette refuted Dave Coulier's assertion that the song "You Oughta Know" was about him in the 2021 documentary "Jagged."
Alanis Morissette revealed in the 2021 documentary "Jagged" that men committed statutory rape against her when she was 15 years old.
Alanis Morissette landed a recurring voice role on the adult animated series "The Great North" in 2021.
On May 18, 2022, Alanis Morissette premiered her new track, "Safety—Empath in Paradise."
Alanis Morissette released her meditation music album, "The Storm Before the Calm," on June 17, 2022. The album was a collaboration with Dave Harrington.
Alanis Morissette released her tenth studio album, "The Storm Before the Calm," in 2022.
Alanis Morissette released her rendition of the "Yellowjackets" TV series theme song, "No Return," on April 14, 2023.
In November 2023, Alanis Morissette announced The Triple Moon Tour, a 33-date tour across the United States scheduled for the summer of 2024. The tour, with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts as the supporting act, commemorates the 25th anniversary of her album "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie."
Alanis Morissette was honored with the Carnegie Corporation of New York's "Great Immigrants" award in 2023, alongside Angélique Kidjo, Ke Huy Quan, and Pedro Pascal.
On January 30, 2024, Alanis Morissette was honored with the Luminary of the Year award at the 1st annual Resonator Awards, recognizing her significant contributions to the music industry.
In 2024, on an episode of "Finding Your Roots," Alanis Morissette uncovered previously unknown details about her family history, learning about her maternal grandfather's escape from the Holocaust in Hungary and discovering her Jewish heritage, a fact hidden from her due to generational trauma.