Rise to Success: Career Highlights of LeAnn Rimes
Discover the career path of LeAnn Rimes, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
LeAnn Rimes is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who achieved fame as a country music artist at 13. She has since expanded her musical repertoire to include pop and contemporary Christian genres. With over 40 singles on international charts since 1996 and global record sales exceeding 48 million, she is commercially very successful. Billboard recognized her as a top-selling artist of the 1990s, highlighting her significant impact on the music industry.
1955: "Unchained Melody" standard
In February 1997, Curb released Unchained Melody: The Early Years, a reissue of the previously independently released All That (1994). It was named after Rimes's cover of Alex North and Hy Zaret's 1955 standard "Unchained Melody", which was a number 3 Billboard country hit that March.
1958: Bill Mack's "Blue"
In 1958, Bill Mack wrote the single "Blue". In July 1994, Rimes included her first version of "Blue" on her second and final Nor Va Jak release, All That. In 1996, after signing with Curb, Rimes recorded a new version of "Blue" as a single.
1991: Release of Debut Album
In 1991, LeAnn Rimes released her debut album Everybody's Sweetheart on an independent label called Nor Va Jak.
July 1994: Release of "All That"
In July 1994, LeAnn Rimes included her first version of "Blue" on her second and final Nor Va Jak release, All That; she also co-wrote "Share My Love" for this album.
1994: Release of "All That"
In February 1997, Curb released Unchained Melody: The Early Years, a reissue of the previously independently released All That (1994).
1995: Management Company Founded
In 1995, a management company was founded, though in May 2000, LeAnn Rimes and her mother sued her father, Wilbur Rimes, alleging that he took money away from the company.
1996: Rimes rose to success
In 1996, LeAnn Rimes rose to success as a country music artist at the age of 13.
1996: Signing with Curb Records
In 1996, after being discovered and promoted by Bill Mack, LeAnn Rimes signed a recording contract with Curb Records in Nashville.
1996: Signing with Curb Records and Release of "Blue"
In 1996, after signing with Curb Records, LeAnn Rimes released the single "Blue", which became a top-10 hit on the American Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Her first Curb album and third overall, Blue, was certified Platinum six times and established her as a major country artist.
1996: ACM Awards
In 1996, the Academy of Country Music awarded LeAnn Rimes as Top New Female Vocalist, Song of the Year and Single Record of the Year.
1996: Release of "Blue" album
LeAnn Rimes's first Curb album and third overall, Blue was released in 1996. The album peaked at number one on Billboard's Top Country Albums and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
February 1997: Release of "Unchained Melody: The Early Years"
In February 1997, Curb released Unchained Melody: The Early Years, a reissue of the previously independently released All That (1994). It was named after Rimes's cover of Alex North and Hy Zaret's 1955 standard "Unchained Melody", which was a number 3 Billboard country hit that March.
1997: Acting Debut in "Holiday in Your Heart"
In 1997, LeAnn Rimes began her acting career with the television film Holiday in Your Heart.
1997: Crossover into Pop Music with "How Do I Live"
In 1997, LeAnn Rimes crossed over into pop music with "How Do I Live", which became one of the best-selling singles of the 1990s. The track was included on her next album You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs (1997), which was certified quadruple Platinum.
1997: Grammy Awards and CMA Horizon Award
In 1997, LeAnn Rimes earned her first Grammy Award for Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance. That year, the Country Music Association also awarded LeAnn Rimes the Horizon Award.
1998: Release of Sittin' on Top of the World
In 1998, LeAnn Rimes released Sittin' on Top of the World, which debuted at number two on the Top Country Albums chart and at number three on the Billboard 200. The project spawned the number four Billboard country hit "Commitment", the Top 20 Pop hit "Looking Through Your Eyes" from the soundtrack of the 1998 film Quest for Camelot, and the number 10 country hit "Nothin' New Under the Moon".
1998: Television Film Contract
In 1998, LeAnn Rimes was offered a three-movie contract by ABC, starting with the television film Holiday in Your Heart, which premiered on December 14, 1997.
March 1999: "Blue" Certified Six Times Platinum
In March 1999, LeAnn Rimes's album Blue was certified six times Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
October 1999: Release of Self-Titled Album
In October 1999, Curb released LeAnn Rimes's self-titled sixth studio album, which she co-produced with Wilbur. The album was a collection of country music cover songs mainly by Patsy Cline.
1999: Contribution to "Jesus" soundtrack
In 1999, LeAnn Rimes contributed "I Need You" to the soundtrack for the TV movie Jesus.
1999: Release of "LeAnn Rimes"
In 1999, LeAnn Rimes released the Platinum-certified album LeAnn Rimes.
July 2000: Release of "I Need You" as a Single
In July 2000, LeAnn Rimes's song "I Need You" was issued as the lead single from the Jesus soundtrack in both pop and country versions.
November 2000: Lawsuit against Curb Records
In November 2000, LeAnn Rimes sued Curb Records to nullify her recording contract, which was initially signed by her parents on her behalf five years prior.
January 2001: Release of "I Need You" Compilation Album
In January 2001, Curb Records released the compilation album "I Need You", consisting of previously released soundtrack appearances and new tracks, which LeAnn Rimes publicly disowned, stating that it was compiled from studio outtakes without her knowledge or input.
November 2001: New Agreement with Curb Records
In November 2001, LeAnn Rimes was released from her original contract with Curb Records and subsequently signed a new agreement with the label under new terms.
2001: Release of "I Need You"
In 2001, LeAnn Rimes released the Platinum-certified album I Need You, compiling several pop singles for soundtrack albums, including "I Need You" and "Can't Fight the Moonlight".
2001: Success of "Can't Fight the Moonlight"
In 2001, LeAnn Rimes's "Can't Fight the Moonlight" became a major pop hit worldwide, charting within the top 10 of several countries, and was the biggest-selling single of the year in Australia.
March 23, 2002: "I Need You" Reissue
On March 23, 2002, the album "I Need You" was reissued with additional tracks. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA.
October 1, 2002: Release of Twisted Angel album
On October 1, 2002, LeAnn Rimes released her seventh studio album "Twisted Angel". The album was a departure from her previous albums, containing a combination of dance-pop and adult contemporary. The lead single was "Life Goes On", which experienced international success but failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
2002: Release of "Twisted Angel"
In 2002, LeAnn Rimes released the Gold-certified pop album Twisted Angel.
July 2003: Release of Children's Book Jag
In July 2003, LeAnn Rimes released her first children's book, titled "Jag".
February 2004: Release of The Best of LeAnn Rimes Internationally
In February 2004, LeAnn Rimes released her international greatest hits compilation album "The Best of LeAnn Rimes".
October 2004: Release of Christmas album What a Wonderful World
In October 2004, LeAnn Rimes released her first Christmas album and eighth studio album "What a Wonderful World".
2004: Release of "What a Wonderful World"
In 2004, LeAnn Rimes released the Christmas record What a Wonderful World.
January 2005: Release of This Woman Album
In January 2005, LeAnn Rimes's ninth studio album "This Woman" was released. The album was a return to her country origins.
2005: Concert Review
In 2005, Chrissie Dickinson of The Chicago Tribune reviewed one of LeAnn Rimes' concerts, and although noting her stage presence was lacking, Rimes' voice made up for it in vocal power.
2005: Release of "This Woman"
In 2005, LeAnn Rimes returned to her country origins with This Woman, which produced three country hits and was certified Gold.
2005: Critics Observe Rimes' Strong Voice
In 2005, critics noted LeAnn Rimes' strong voice, with The Washington Post pointing out that her voice was her "strongest selling point" and that it was "rich and worldly" beyond her age. The review highlighted her vintage-sounding country song, "Blue".
2006: Release of "Whatever We Wanna"
In 2006, LeAnn Rimes released the album Whatever We Wanna.
2006: Release of studio album Whatever We Wanna
In 2006, LeAnn Rimes released the studio album "Whatever We Wanna". The release of album "Whatever We Wanna" in the US was delayed and later canceled and the album was only released overseas.
October 2007: Release of Family Album
In October 2007, Asylum-Curb issued LeAnn Rimes's eleventh studio album "Family". Every track on the album features writing credits from Rimes.
2007: Sheremet Directs Choreography
In 2007, Dean Sheremet directed the choreography for LeAnn Rimes's single, "Nothin' Better to Do".
2007: Release of "Family"
In 2007, LeAnn Rimes released the album Family.
2008: Joined Kenny Chesney's Poets and Pirates Tour
In 2008, LeAnn Rimes joined Kenny Chesney on his Poets and Pirates Tour.
2008: Lends Voice to "Just Stand Up"
In 2008, LeAnn Rimes lent her voice to the song "Just Stand Up", with proceeds benefiting Stand Up to Cancer.
February 2009: "What I Cannot Change" Tops Dance Charts
In February 2009, the third single from album Family, "What I Cannot Change", became the first country song to top the Billboard dance charts.
March 2009: Starring in Northern Lights
In March 2009, LeAnn Rimes played the role of Meg Galloway in the made-for-television film "Northern Lights" which aired on the Lifetime network. Media publicity of her real-life affair with Eddie Cibrian, who played opposite Rimes as her character's love interest, helped make Northern Lights the network's most-watched television movie.
April 14, 2009: Publication of What I Cannot Change
On April 14, 2009, LeAnn Rimes published the collaborative self-help book "What I Cannot Change" with Darrell Brown.
2009: "Blue" Album Sales
As of 2009, LeAnn Rimes's album Blue has sold over eight million copies worldwide.
2009: Humanitarian Award
In 2009, LeAnn Rimes was given a special humanitarian award from the Academy of Country Music in honor of her philanthropic efforts.
December 2010: Performs "The Rose"
In December 2010, LeAnn Rimes performed "The Rose", joined by The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles in remembrance of gay teenagers who committed suicide that year.
2010: Appearance in "Good Intentions"
In 2010, LeAnn Rimes appeared in the television film Good Intentions.
2010: Supporting role in the movie Good Intentions
In 2010, LeAnn Rimes played a supporting role in the movie "Good Intentions" and contributed to the film's soundtrack.
June 18, 2011: Weblog Post on Equality
On June 18, 2011, LeAnn Rimes wrote on her weblog in support of equality for everyone and the right to love and commit to whomever they want.
2011: Appearance in "Reel Love"
In 2011, LeAnn Rimes appeared in the television film Reel Love.
2011: Release of Lady & Gentlemen album
In 2011, LeAnn Rimes released her twelfth studio album "Lady & Gentlemen", co-produced with Vince Gill. The album contained covers of country songs originally recorded by male artists and was re-recorded from a female perspective. Also in 2011, Rimes starred in the television film "Reel Love" and had a guest role on the television show "Drop Dead Diva".
2011: Album Review
Stephen Thomas Erlewine reviewed LeAnn Rimes' album "Lady & Gentlemen" in 2011, stating that Rimes had become a "stronger, more nuanced singer over the years".
2013: Release of "Spitfire"
In 2013, LeAnn Rimes released the album Spitfire.
July 2014: Announcement of Christmas EP releases
In July 2014, LeAnn Rimes announced that she would release three Christmas extended plays over the course of the next three years.
October 2014: Release of One Christmas: Chapter 1 EP
In October 2014, LeAnn Rimes released "One Christmas: Chapter 1" EP through Iconic Entertainment. It included a cover of Gayla Peevey's "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" as the lead single.
2014: Starring in LeAnn & Eddie reality series
In 2014, LeAnn Rimes starred in the reality television series "LeAnn & Eddie" alongside Eddie Cibrian. After one season, the show was cancelled by VH1.
2015: Release of Today Is Christmas album
In 2015, LeAnn Rimes released "Today Is Christmas" album through Prodigy Entertainment which included a duet of "Celebrate Me Home" with Gavin DeGraw.
2016: Song Showcases Powerhouse Vocals
In 2016, Jessica Goodman of Glamour found that LeAnn Rimes' song "Remnants" showcased the powerhouse vocals that made her famous.
2016: Release of "Remnants"
In 2016, LeAnn Rimes released the pop studio album Remnants, which featured two number one Billboard dance club hits.
2016: Signed with RCA UK and Released "The Story"
In 2016, LeAnn Rimes signed with RCA UK and released a cover of Brandi Carlile's "The Story". Her fifteenth studio album, Remnants, was also first issued in the United Kingdom in 2016.
February 2017: Release of Remnants album in the United States
In February 2017, Remnants, which was first issued in the United Kingdom in 2016, was released in the United States.
2017: Uncle's Death from AIDS
In 2017, LeAnn Rimes revealed that her uncle was gay and died from the AIDS virus and that she gives him a voice when standing alongside her LGBTQ brothers and sisters.
June 2018: Release of Re-Imagined EP
In June 2018, LeAnn Rimes released "Re-Imagined" through EverLe Records and the Thirty Tigers label. The EP contains five tracks from her back catalogue that she re-recorded. The new recording of "Borrowed" features duet vocals from Stevie Nicks.
October 2018: Release of It's Christmas, Eve soundtrack
In October 2018, LeAnn Rimes recorded the film's soundtrack for the Hallmark original television film titled "It's Christmas, Eve", which was released. Included were covers of Christmas standards, as well as new recordings composed with producer Darrell Brown.
2018: Appearance in "It's Christmas, Eve"
In 2018, LeAnn Rimes appeared in the television film It's Christmas, Eve.
2019: Release of Live at Gruene Hall album
In 2019, LeAnn Rimes released her first live album, "Rimes: Live at Gruene Hall".
November 2020: Release of Chant: The Human & the Holy album
In November 2020, LeAnn Rimes released her sixteenth studio record "Chant: The Human & the Holy". A corresponding health and wellness podcast titled "Wholly Human" followed that focused on similar themes.
December 16, 2020: Winner of The Masked Singer
On December 16, 2020, LeAnn Rimes was revealed as the winner of the fourth season of the Fox reality singing competition, "The Masked Singer", where she competed as "Sun".
2020: Release of "Chant: The Human & the Holy"
In 2020, LeAnn Rimes released the album Chant: The Human & the Holy.
April 14, 2022: CMT Crossroads episode
LeAnn Rimes celebrated her 25th year in the music industry with a special CMT Crossroads episode featuring Carly Pearce, Brandy Clark, Ashley McBryde and Mickey Guyton airing on April 14, 2022.
2022: Release of "God's Work"
In 2022, LeAnn Rimes released the album God's Work.
April 2023: Collaboration with Tenille Arts
In April 2023, LeAnn Rimes collaborated with Tenille Arts on "Jealous of Myself".
2024: Coaching on The Voice Australia and The Voice UK
In 2024, LeAnn Rimes was featured as a coach on The Voice Australia and The Voice UK.
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