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 Cibrian is an accomplished American singer, songwriter, and actress who achieved fame as a country music artist at just 13 years old. She has successfully transitioned into various musical genres, including pop and contemporary Christian. Rimes has had over 40 singles on international charts since 1996, and has sold over 48 million records globally, including over 20 million album sales in the United States. Billboard recognized her sales success by ranking her 17th for the 1990s decade.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1955: "Unchained Melody" Song Release

Alex North and Hy Zaret released the song "Unchained Melody" in 1955. LeAnn Rimes covered the song on her album "Unchained Melody: The Early Years".

1958: "Blue" Single Creation

In 1958, Bill Mack wrote the single "Blue", which later became central to his plan to bring LeAnn Rimes success.

1991: Everybody's Sweetheart Album Release

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 with First Version of "Blue"

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

LeAnn Rimes' album All That originally released in 1994 was reissued in February 1997 as "Unchained Melody: The Early Years".

1996: Singles on International Charts

In 1996, LeAnn Rimes began placing more than 40 singles on international charts. By this time, she was 13 and originally rose to success as a country music artist.

1996: Signing with Curb Records

In 1996, LeAnn Rimes signed with Curb Records, a Nashville label, after Bill Mack arranged a recording contract for her.

1996: Blue Album Release and Chart Performance

In 1996, LeAnn Rimes's first Curb album and third overall, "Blue", was released. It sold 123,000 copies in its first week, peaked at number one on Billboard's Top Country Albums, and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

1996: Signing with Curb Records and "Blue" Release

In 1996, at the age of 13, LeAnn Rimes signed a contract with Curb Records. She released the single "Blue," which became a top-10 hit on the Billboard country songs chart. Her album "Blue", also released in 1996, was certified Platinum six times.

February 1997: Release of Unchained Melody: The Early Years

In February 1997, Curb Records released "Unchained Melody: The Early Years", a reissue of the previously independently released "All That" (1994).

1997: Holiday in Your Heart Film Debut

In 1997, LeAnn Rimes began her acting career with the ABC television film "Holiday in Your Heart".

1997: Pop Crossover with "How Do I Live" and "You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs" Release

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.

1998: Days of Our Lives Appearance

In 1998, LeAnn Rimes played a teen runaway in an episode of NBC's "Days of Our Lives".

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1998: Sittin' on Top of the World Album Release

In 1998, LeAnn Rimes released "Sittin' on Top of the World". The album debuted at number two on the Top Country Albums chart and at number three on the Billboard 200. It 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".

October 1999: Release of Self-Titled Album

In October 1999, Curb released LeAnn Rimes's self-titled sixth studio album, a collection of country music cover songs mainly by Patsy Cline. The album debuted at number one on the Top Country Albums chart. Also in 1999, Rimes collaborated with Elton John on "Written in the Stars" for the stage musical Aida.

1999: LeAnn Rimes Album

In 1999, LeAnn Rimes released the Platinum-certified album "LeAnn Rimes".

1999: "I Need You" Soundtrack Contribution

LeAnn Rimes contributed "I Need You" to the soundtrack for the 1999 TV movie Jesus.

July 2000: "I Need You" Release

In July 2000, LeAnn Rimes contributed the song "I Need You" to the soundtrack for the 1999 TV movie Jesus. The song was issued as the lead single from the 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. The contract had been 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'. LeAnn Rimes publicly disowned the album, stating that it was compiled from studio outtakes and released 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: "Can't Fight the Moonlight" Success

In 2001, "Can't Fight the Moonlight", released in August 2000 as a single from the "Coyote Ugly" film's soundtrack, became a major pop hit worldwide. In Australia, the song was the biggest-selling single of 2001, where it peaked at number 1 for six weeks and topped the year-end chart.

2001: I Need You Album

In 2001, LeAnn Rimes released the Platinum-certified album "I Need You," which compiled several pop singles for soundtrack albums.

March 23, 2002: Reissue of 'I Need You' Album

On March 23, 2002, the album 'I Need You' was reissued with additional tracks. The album was later 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', which was a departure from her previous country albums, featuring dance-pop and adult contemporary elements. The album received criticism but was eventually certified Gold by the RIAA.

2002: Twisted Angel Album Release

In 2002, LeAnn Rimes released the Gold-certified pop album "Twisted Angel". This was after breaking away from her father's management.

July 2003: Release of 'Jag' Children's Book

In July 2003, LeAnn Rimes released her first children's book, titled 'Jag'.

Jag

Check it on Amazon

February 2004: Release of 'The Best of LeAnn Rimes' Internationally

In February 2004, LeAnn Rimes's international compilation album, 'The Best of LeAnn Rimes', was released.

October 2004: Release of 'What a Wonderful World' Christmas Album

In October 2004, LeAnn Rimes released her first Christmas album and eighth studio album, 'What a Wonderful World'.

2004: What a Wonderful World Release

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. It marked a return to her country origins and reached the top five on both the Billboard Country Albums chart and the Billboard 200.

2005: This Woman Album Release

In 2005, LeAnn Rimes returned to her country origins with the album "This Woman", which produced three country hits and was certified Gold.

2005: Critics Review Concert

In 2005, a critic from The Chicago Tribune reviewed a LeAnn Rimes concert and found that while her stage presence was lacking, Rimes's voice had significant power.

2005: Critics Highlight Rimes' Vocal Strength

In 2005, critics noted LeAnn Rimes' strong vocal abilities, with The Washington Post highlighting her rich and worldly voice that seemed beyond her young age, particularly when singing country songs like "Blue".

2006: Whatever We Wanna Release

In 2006, LeAnn Rimes released the album "Whatever We Wanna".

2006: Release of 'Whatever We Wanna' Album and Holly Hobbie Guest Star

In 2006, LeAnn Rimes released the album 'Whatever We Wanna' overseas, while the US release was delayed and later canceled. Also in 2006, Rimes performed the theme song and guest starred in the Christmas episode of the 'Holly Hobbie & Friends' series.

October 2007: Release of 'Family' Album

In October 2007, LeAnn Rimes released her eleventh studio album, 'Family'. Every track on the album features writing credits from Rimes, showcasing her songwriting abilities.

2007: Sheremet Directed Choreography

In 2007, Dean Sheremet directed the choreography for LeAnn Rimes's single "Nothin' Better to Do".

2007: Family Album Release

In 2007, LeAnn Rimes released the album "Family".

2008: Joins Kenny Chesney's Tour

In 2008, LeAnn Rimes joined Kenny Chesney on his Poets and Pirates Tour.

2008: Lent 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, which funded $73.6 million towards cancer research.

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2008: Disclosed Psoriasis

In 2008, LeAnn Rimes opened up about her lifelong struggle with psoriasis and participated in a PSA to raise awareness about the disease.

February 2009: 'What I Cannot Change' Tops Billboard Dance Charts

In February 2009, the single 'What I Cannot Change' from the album 'Family', became the first country song to top the Billboard dance charts.

March 2009: Airing of 'Northern Lights' TV Movie

In March 2009, LeAnn Rimes starred in the made-for-television film 'Northern Lights' on the Lifetime network, alongside Eddie Cibrian. The film became the network's most-watched television movie.

April 14, 2009: Publication of 'What I Cannot Change' Self-Help Book

On April 14, 2009, LeAnn Rimes published the collaborative self-help book 'What I Cannot Change' with Darrell Brown.

What I Cannot Change

Check it on Amazon

2009: Received Humanitarian Award

In 2009, LeAnn Rimes received a special humanitarian award from the Academy of Country Music in honor of her philanthropic efforts.

December 2010: Performed "The Rose"

In December 2010, LeAnn Rimes performed "The Rose" with The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles in remembrance of gay teenagers who committed suicide that year.

2010: Good Intentions Appearance

In 2010, LeAnn Rimes appeared in the film "Good Intentions".

2010: Supporting Role in 'Good Intentions' Movie

In 2010, LeAnn Rimes played a supporting role in the movie 'Good Intentions' and contributed to the film's soundtrack.

June 18, 2011: Expressed Belief in Equality

On June 18, 2011, LeAnn Rimes wrote on her weblog expressing her belief in equality for everyone and their right to love whomever they want.

2011: Reel Love Appearance

In 2011, LeAnn Rimes appeared in the film "Reel Love".

2011: Release of 'Lady & Gentlemen' Album

In 2011, LeAnn Rimes released her twelfth studio album 'Lady & Gentlemen', which featured covers of country songs originally recorded by male artists. Rimes also starred in the television film 'Reel Love' and had a guest role on 'Drop Dead Diva'.

2011: Lady & Gentlemen Album Release

In 2011, LeAnn Rimes released the album "Lady & Gentlemen".

2013: Rimes Tribute to Patsy Cline

In 2013, LeAnn Rimes performed a tribute to Patsy Cline at the American Country Awards, where she sang a medley of Cline's songs, acknowledging Cline's significant influence on her own musical style.

2013: Release of 'Spitfire' Album and Anger Management Guest Appearance

In 2013, LeAnn Rimes released her final album with Curb Records, 'Spitfire', which centered around her affair with Eddie Cibrian. Also, that year, she made a guest appearance on the FX television show 'Anger Management'.

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2013: Spitfire Album Release

In 2013, LeAnn Rimes released the album "Spitfire".

July 2014: Announcement of Christmas EP Series

In July 2014, LeAnn Rimes announced her plan to release three Christmas extended plays (EPs) over the next three years.

October 2014: Release of 'One Christmas: Chapter 1' EP

In October 2014, LeAnn Rimes released the first Christmas EP, 'One Christmas: Chapter 1', through Iconic Entertainment, which included a cover of "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas".

2014: Starring in 'LeAnn & Eddie' Reality TV Series

In 2014, LeAnn Rimes starred in the reality television series 'LeAnn & Eddie' alongside Eddie Cibrian on VH1, which aimed to address public perception of their relationship. The show was canceled after one season.

2015: Today Is Christmas Album Release

After ending her long-time professional relationship with Curb Records, LeAnn Rimes released the Christmas album "Today Is Christmas" in 2015.

2015: Release of 'Today Is Christmas' Album

In 2015, LeAnn Rimes dropped her plan for multiple EP releases and instead released a full-length holiday album, 'Today Is Christmas', through Prodigy Entertainment, featuring a duet with Gavin DeGraw.

2016: Glamour Reviews "Remnants"

In 2016, Jessica Goodman of Glamour reviewed LeAnn Rimes's song "Remnants" and noted that it showcases the powerhouse vocals that made Rimes famous many years ago.

2016: Remnants Album Release

In 2016, LeAnn Rimes released the pop studio album "Remnants", which featured two number one Billboard dance club hits.

2016: Signing with RCA UK and Recording 'The Story'

In 2016, LeAnn Rimes signed with RCA UK and released a cover of Brandi Carlile's 'The Story', which was included on her fifteenth studio album, 'Remnants'.

February 2017: Release of 'Remnants' in the United States

In February 2017, LeAnn Rimes's album 'Remnants' was released in the United States after its initial release in the United Kingdom in 2016.

2017: Revealed Uncle Died from AIDS

In 2017, LeAnn Rimes revealed that her uncle was gay and died from the AIDS virus, and she now uses her platform to give a voice to the LGBTQ community.

June 2018: Release of 'Re-Imagined' EP

In June 2018, LeAnn Rimes released the 'Re-Imagined' EP through EverLe Records and Thirty Tigers, featuring re-recorded tracks from her back catalogue, including a duet with Stevie Nicks.

October 2018: Appearance in 'It's Christmas, Eve' and Soundtrack Release

In October 2018, LeAnn Rimes appeared in the Hallmark original television film titled 'It's Christmas, Eve' and recorded the film's soundtrack.

2018: It's Christmas, Eve Appearance

In 2018, LeAnn Rimes appeared in the film "It's Christmas, Eve".

2019: Release of 'Rimes: 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' and 'Wholly Human' Podcast

In November 2020, LeAnn Rimes released her sixteenth studio album, 'Chant: The Human & the Holy', and launched a health and wellness podcast titled 'Wholly Human'.

December 16, 2020: Winning 'The Masked Singer'

On December 16, 2020, LeAnn Rimes, disguised as "Sun", was revealed as the winner on the fourth season finale of the Fox reality singing competition 'The Masked Singer'.

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2020: Chant: The Human & the Holy Album Release

In 2020, LeAnn Rimes released the album "Chant: The Human & the Holy".

2020: Nude Photoshoot for Glamour

In 2020, following a stress-related flare-up of psoriasis, LeAnn Rimes posed for a nude photoshoot for Glamour magazine to raise awareness about the disease on World Psoriasis Day.

April 14, 2022: 25th Anniversary CMT Crossroads Episode

On April 14, 2022, 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.