LeAnn Rimes is an American singer, songwriter, and actress renowned for her successful career in country and pop music. Rising to fame at 13 with her hit "Blue," she achieved international acclaim, charting over 40 singles and selling over 48 million records globally. Her impressive sales figures place her among the top-selling artists of the 1990s, solidifying her legacy as a prominent figure in the music industry.
1955: Remake of "The Cattle Call"
In a tribute to country music legend Eddy Arnold, LeAnn Rimes released a remake of his 1955 hit "The Cattle Call" as a single. This rendition showcased her versatility and respect for the genre's history, introducing the classic song to a new generation.
August 28, 1982: Birth of LeAnn Rimes
On August 28, 1982, Margaret LeAnn Rimes Cibrian, known professionally as LeAnn Rimes, was born. She would go on to become a successful American singer, songwriter, and actress.
1991: Debut Studio Album Release
LeAnn Rimes, at the tender age of nine, released her debut studio album, "Everybody's Sweetheart," in 1991. This early foray into the music industry showcased her exceptional talent and marked the beginning of her journey towards becoming a renowned artist.
July 1994: Recording "Blue"
In July 1994, LeAnn Rimes, at the age of 11, recorded the impactful song "Blue." This recording would later become a defining moment in her career, propelling her to stardom and drawing comparisons to legendary artists like Patsy Cline.
1995: Formation of LeAnn Rimes' Management Company
A management company was established in 1995 to handle LeAnn Rimes' career, which later became a point of contention in her lawsuit against her father and former manager.
1996: Rise to Fame with "Blue"
In 1996, at the young age of 13, LeAnn Rimes skyrocketed to fame with her hit single "Blue," establishing her as a prominent country music artist.
1996: Signing with Curb Records
In a pivotal moment in her career, LeAnn Rimes signed with Curb Records in 1996. This event marked a turning point, setting the stage for her subsequent success and the release of her breakthrough album, "Blue."
1996: Debut Album Success
LeAnn Rimes released her debut album, also titled "Blue," in 1996. The album was a commercial triumph, achieving remarkable sales figures and solidifying her presence in the country music scene.
1996: Release of Third Album and Chart Success
LeAnn Rimes' third album, "Blue," was released in 1996 and quickly gained significant traction, achieving impressive sales figures and reaching the top of the charts. The album's success further solidified her status as a rising star in the music industry.
June 1997: Television Special on Disney Channel
LeAnn Rimes' rising star power was showcased in June 1997 when she appeared in a special televised concert on the Disney Channel. This performance brought her music to a wider audience, further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.
September 1997: Release of "You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs"
In September 1997, LeAnn Rimes released her follow-up album, "You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs." This album marked a departure from her previous country releases, showcasing her versatility with a collection of classic inspirational and pop songs.
1997: Parents' Divorce, Move to Los Angeles, and "Holiday in Your Heart" Film
LeAnn Rimes's parents divorced in 1997, leading to her move to Los Angeles with her mother. She began acting at 16, starring in the ABC television film "Holiday in Your Heart", based on her book of the same name.
1997: Crossover Success with "How Do I Live"
In 1997, LeAnn Rimes transitioned into pop music with the release of her iconic single "How Do I Live." The song achieved phenomenal success, becoming one of the best-selling singles of the 1990s and demonstrating her versatility as an artist.
1997: Grammy Awards and Recognition
In 1997, at the young age of 14, LeAnn Rimes made history by becoming the youngest person ever to win a Grammy Award. Her exceptional talent was recognized with awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance for her iconic single "Blue," marking a significant milestone in her career.
May 1998: Sittin' on Top of the World Album Release
In May 1998, LeAnn Rimes released her third studio album, "Sittin' on Top of the World." Featuring a more Adult Contemporary and pop sound, the album included songs by renowned writers and a cover of Prince's "Purple Rain." Despite receiving mixed reviews, the album achieved commercial success, reaching high positions on music charts and obtaining Platinum certification.
1998: Relationship with Andrew Keegan
In 1998, LeAnn Rimes began dating actor Andrew Keegan when she was 15 and he was 19. The relationship ended in 2001 amid allegations from Rimes' father that Keegan was attempting to gain control of her finances.
1998: Three-Movie Deal with ABC and Appearance in "Days of Our Lives"
In 1998, LeAnn Rimes signed a three-movie deal with ABC. She also made a guest appearance in an episode of the soap opera "Days of Our Lives".
October 1999: LeAnn Rimes Releases Self-Titled Album
October 1999 saw the release of LeAnn Rimes's fourth studio album, a self-titled project that showcased her take on classic country songs, primarily those by Patsy Cline. The album, featuring tracks like "Crazy" and "I Fall to Pieces," garnered generally positive reviews, with critics praising Rimes's vocal talent. It marked a commercial triumph, reaching the top spot on the country albums chart and achieving Platinum status.
1999: Rimes Contributes to "Jesus" Soundtrack
LeAnn Rimes lent her vocals to the soundtrack of the 1999 TV movie "Jesus."
May 2000: LeAnn Rimes Sues Father and Manager Over Earnings
In May 2000, LeAnn Rimes filed a lawsuit against her father, Wilbur Rimes, and former manager, Lyle Walker, alleging they misappropriated millions of dollars from her earnings over a five-year period.
July 2000: "I Need You" Single Release
LeAnn Rimes released "I Need You" in July 2000 as the lead single from the soundtrack of the 1999 TV movie, "Jesus." The song, released in both country and pop versions, achieved chart success, reflecting Rimes's crossover appeal.
2000: Appearance in and Soundtrack Contribution to "Coyote Ugly"
LeAnn Rimes appeared in the film "Coyote Ugly", dancing on a bar alongside Tyra Banks and Piper Perabo. She also provided the singing voice for Piper Perabo's character, Violet Sanford.
January 2001: Release of "I Need You" Compilation Album
Curb Records released "I Need You," a compilation of Rimes's previously recorded material, in January 2001. Despite its commercial success, the album received mostly negative reviews, with critics criticizing its production and overall quality.
May 2001: Court Rules Against LeAnn Rimes in Contract Dispute
In May 2001, a Nashville court ruled that LeAnn Rimes could not break her contract with Curb Records, leading to a public display of frustration towards her father.
December 2001: Engagement to Dean Sheremet
In December 2001, LeAnn Rimes became engaged to dancer Dean Sheremet shortly after meeting him at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
2001: End of Relationship with Andrew Keegan
In 2001, LeAnn Rimes' relationship with actor Andrew Keegan ended. Reports suggested that Keegan became romantically interested in Rimes' co-star in Coyote Ugly, Piper Perabo.
2001: "Can't Fight the Moonlight" Tops Charts
Rimes's song "Can't Fight the Moonlight" from the "Coyote Ugly" soundtrack achieved significant commercial success, becoming one of the highest-selling singles of 2001, particularly in Australia.
February 2002: "Can't Fight the Moonlight" Crosses Over
By February 2002, "Can't Fight the Moonlight," initially released as part of the "Coyote Ugly" soundtrack, had become a global pop sensation. It reached number 11 in the US and achieved the top spot in Australia, marking it as one of the biggest hits of 2001 in the country.
2002: Rimes Releases "Twisted Angel" and Addresses Label Disputes
LeAnn Rimes released her fifth studio album, "Twisted Angel," in 2002, marking a departure with its more mature themes. The album achieved Gold certification but received mixed reviews. Notably, during this period, Rimes was engaged in a legal battle with her label, Curb Records, seeking control over her music and publishing rights. She publicly criticized the release of the "I Need You" compilation, claiming it comprised outtakes released without her consent.
2002: LeAnn Rimes Settles Lawsuit with Father, Reconciles for Wedding
LeAnn Rimes' lawsuit against her father was settled out of court in 2002. They reconciled, and Wilbur Rimes walked his daughter down the aisle at her wedding to Dean Sheremet.
2003: Purchase of Nashville Home
In 2003, LeAnn Rimes and Dean Sheremet purchased a 1.7 million dollar home in Nashville, Tennessee.
January 2005: "This Woman" Marks Country Music Return
January 2005 saw the release of LeAnn Rimes's ninth studio album, "This Woman," which marked a return to her country roots. The album was a commercial success, becoming her best-selling album in half a decade and producing several top-charting country singles.
2005: Concert Review Praises Vocal Power
In 2005, Chrissie Dickinson of The Chicago Tribune reviewed a concert by LeAnn Rimes, noting that while her stage presence was lacking, her vocal power was significant, showcasing her control and ability to vary her voice within the same song.
2005: Critics Praise Rimes' Voice
In 2005, critics such as The Washington Post praised LeAnn Rimes' voice as her strongest selling point, noting its richness and maturity, especially when she performed vintage-sounding country songs like 'Blue.'
2005: Host of "Nashville Star"
LeAnn Rimes became the host of the USA Network talent show "Nashville Star" in 2005, but a vocal cord issue prevented her from continuing the role.
2006: "Whatever We Wanna" Targets European Market
Capitalizing on the success of "This Woman," Rimes released "Whatever We Wanna" in 2006, exclusively targeting European audiences. The album achieved moderate success, reaching number 15 in the UK.
2006: Theme Song and Guest Appearance in "Holly Hobbie & Friends"
In 2006, LeAnn Rimes sang the theme song for the animated series "Holly Hobbie & Friends" and guest-starred in the Christmas episode.
October 2007: "Family" Showcases Rimes's Songwriting
October 2007 marked the release of "Family," LeAnn Rimes's eleventh studio album and the first where she held writing credits on all tracks. The country-influenced album showcased her growth as an artist, earning positive reviews for its songwriting and vocal performances.
2007: Dean Sheremet Directs Choreography
In 2007, Dean Sheremet directed the choreography for LeAnn Rimes' single 'Nothin' Better to Do.'
2007: Soundtrack Contribution to "Evan Almighty"
LeAnn Rimes contributed the song "Ready For A Miracle" to the soundtrack of the film "Evan Almighty".
2008: Casting and Pre-production of "Northern Lights"
LeAnn Rimes was cast in the Lifetime movie "Northern Lights", based on Nora Roberts's novel, in 2008.
2008: LeAnn Rimes Reveals Psoriasis Diagnosis, Begins Advocacy
LeAnn Rimes publicly shared her struggle with the autoimmune disease psoriasis in 2008 and participated in a public service announcement to increase awareness.
2008: LeAnn Rimes Contributes to "Just Stand Up" Cancer Charity Single
LeAnn Rimes lent her voice to the 2008 collaborative single "Just Stand Up," with proceeds donated to Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C). The initiative significantly boosted cancer research funding.
2008: Touring and Collaborations
LeAnn Rimes joined Kenny Chesney's "Poets and Pirates Tour" in 2008, sharing the stage with renowned country music artists. The same year, she collaborated with Joss Stone for a CMT Crossroads special, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
March 2009: Affair with Eddie Cibrian
In March 2009, reports surfaced of LeAnn Rimes' extramarital affair with actor Eddie Cibrian, leading to the end of his marriage with Brandi Glanville.
March 2009: Starring Role in "Northern Lights" Film
LeAnn Rimes starred as Meg Galloway in the Lifetime movie "Northern Lights", based on Nora Roberts's novel. The film, which featured Eddie Cibrian as her love interest, became a ratings success for the network.
April 14, 2009: "What I Cannot Change" Book and CD Release
On April 14, 2009, LeAnn Rimes, in collaboration with Darrell Brown, released "What I Cannot Change," a project encompassing both a book and a CD. The CD featured a live performance of the song and readings from the book by Rimes and Brown.
July 2009: Separation from Dean Sheremet
In July 2009, LeAnn Rimes and Dean Sheremet separated after years of growing apart, partly due to Rimes' acting career in Los Angeles while Sheremet remained in Nashville.
August 2009: Brandi Glanville Files for Divorce
In August 2009, Brandi Glanville filed for divorce from Eddie Cibrian following his affair with LeAnn Rimes, ending their eight-year marriage.
September 2009: Announcement of Divorce Plans
In September 2009, LeAnn Rimes announced plans to divorce Dean Sheremet.
2009: LeAnn Rimes Receives ACM Humanitarian Award
Recognizing her philanthropic work, LeAnn Rimes received a special humanitarian award from the Academy of Country Music in 2009.
June 2010: Rimes Moves in with Cibrian
In June 2010, LeAnn Rimes moved into Eddie Cibrian's California home and publicly spoke about her new relationship, stating she had no regrets despite the controversy.
June 19, 2010: Finalization of Divorce
On June 19, 2010, LeAnn Rimes' divorce from Dean Sheremet was finalized, exactly six months after Sheremet filed for dissolution of marriage.
December 2010: Engagement to Eddie Cibrian
In December 2010, LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian announced their engagement.
December 2010: LeAnn Rimes Honors Gay Teen Suicide Victims with Performance
In a poignant performance in December 2010, LeAnn Rimes, accompanied by The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, sang "The Rose" in memory of gay teenagers who died by suicide that year.
2010: LeAnn Rimes Faces Depression Amidst Career and Personal Challenges
LeAnn Rimes later revealed that she had been battling depression in 2010, adding another layer to her public struggles with anxiety, stress, and psoriasis.
April 22, 2011: Marriage to Eddie Cibrian
On April 22, 2011, LeAnn Rimes married Eddie Cibrian in a private ceremony in California, which included his sons from his first marriage.
June 18, 2011: LeAnn Rimes Voices Support for LGBTQ+ Equality
On June 18, 2011, LeAnn Rimes used her weblog to express her strong belief in equality for all, including LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing love and commitment rights for everyone.
2011: Rimes' Acting Roles in 2011
In 2011, LeAnn Rimes played a guest role in the television show Drop Dead Diva as the ex-wife of a fictional celebrity. Additionally, she played the role of an attorney returning to her hometown in the television film Reel Love, which aired on Country Music Television and also starred Burt Reynolds.
2011: Lady & Gentlemen Album Review
In 2011, Stephen Thomas Erlewine reviewed LeAnn Rimes' album Lady & Gentlemen, stating that Rimes had become a stronger, more nuanced singer over the years.
2011: "Lady & Gentlemen" Pays Tribute to Country Classics
LeAnn Rimes released "Lady & Gentlemen" in 2011, a concept album featuring her interpretations of classic country songs originally performed by male artists. The album, co-produced by Vince Gill and Rimes herself, showcased her vocal prowess and offered a fresh perspective on well-known songs, earning critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for her rendition of John Anderson's "Swingin'."
August 2012: LeAnn Rimes Enters Treatment for Anxiety and Stress
On August 2012, shortly after her 30th birthday, LeAnn Rimes checked herself into a treatment facility for anxiety and stress, aiming to prioritize her mental health.
2012: Release of Singles "What Have I Done" and "Borrowed"
In 2012, LeAnn Rimes released two singles, "What Have I Done" and "Borrowed", from her upcoming album "Spitfire". "What Have I Done" was initially a digital release, while "Borrowed" was released for radio play.
2013: "Spitfire" Album Release
LeAnn Rimes released her final album with Curb Records, "Spitfire", in 2013. The album, co-produced with Darrell Brown, explored the media attention surrounding her relationship with Eddie Cibrian.
2013: Appearance on Anger Management
In 2013, LeAnn Rimes appeared on the FX television show Anger Management alongside Charlie Sheen.
2013: Tribute to Patsy Cline
In 2013, LeAnn Rimes performed a tribute to Patsy Cline at the American Country Awards, singing a medley of Cline's songs. Rimes has often cited Cline as a major influence on her vocal style.
2013: Purchase of Hidden Hills Home
In 2013, LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian bought a home in Hidden Hills, California, listed for three million dollars.
March 2014: Jaw Dislocation Interrupts LeAnn Rimes' Performance
During a concert in March 2014, LeAnn Rimes experienced a jaw dislocation, forcing her to cut the performance short. She later attributed the incident to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).
October 2014: Release of "One Christmas: Chapter 1" EP
In October 2014, LeAnn Rimes released "One Christmas: Chapter 1", the first of a planned series of Christmas EPs. The EP, released through Iconic Entertainment, featured six holiday covers, including the lead single "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas".
2014: Reality Show LeAnn & Eddie
In 2014, LeAnn Rimes starred in the VH1 reality television series LeAnn & Eddie with Eddie Cibrian. The show aimed to 'clear the air' about their romantic relationship and show a different side of their lives. However, it was canceled after one season.
2015: Release of "Today Is Christmas" Album
LeAnn Rimes released the full-length holiday album "Today Is Christmas" in 2015. The album featured a mix of covers and original songs, including a duet with Gavin DeGraw.
October 2016: Revelation about "Blue" Recording
In October 2016, LeAnn Rimes revealed during a BBC radio interview that the version of "Blue" released by her record company was actually a recording from when she was 11 years old. This revelation provided insight into the early stages of her career and the unexpected turn of events that led to her breakthrough.
2016: Release of Remnants
In 2016, LeAnn Rimes released the song 'Remnants,' which was praised by Jessica Goodman of Glamour for showcasing the powerhouse vocals that made Rimes famous.
2016: Signing with RCA UK and Release of "Remnants" in the UK
In 2016, LeAnn Rimes signed with RCA UK and released her fifteenth studio album, "Remnants". The album included a cover of Brandi Carlile's "The Story" and reached number 15 on the UK Albums Chart.
February 2017: US Release of "Remnants" Album
LeAnn Rimes released her album "Remnants" in the United States in February 2017, following its UK release the previous year. The album reached number 88 on the Billboard 200 chart.
2017: LeAnn Rimes Shares Story of Uncle's Death from AIDS, Advocates for LGBTQ+ Community
In 2017, LeAnn Rimes opened up about her uncle's death due to AIDS, using her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and honor his memory through her performances.
2017: Cameo Appearance in Logan Lucky
In 2017, LeAnn Rimes made a cameo appearance in the film Logan Lucky where she sang 'America the Beautiful.'
June 2018: Release of "Re-Imagined" EP
LeAnn Rimes released the "Re-Imagined" EP in June 2018, featuring rerecorded versions of her previous hits, including a duet with Stevie Nicks on "Borrowed".
October 2018: Appearance in "It's Christmas, Eve" and Soundtrack Release
In October 2018, LeAnn Rimes starred in the Hallmark film "It's Christmas, Eve" and released the accompanying soundtrack, which featured Christmas classics and new original songs.
2019: Release of "Rimes: Live at Gruene Hall" Album
LeAnn Rimes released her first live album, "Rimes: Live at Gruene Hall", in 2019. The album featured live recordings of country, pop, and rock covers performed at the Gruene Hall venue in Texas.
November 2020: Release of "Chant: The Human & the Holy" Album and "Wholly Human" Podcast
In November 2020, LeAnn Rimes released "Chant: The Human & the Holy", an album focusing on chants and mantras. She also launched the "Wholly Human" podcast, exploring similar themes of health and wellness.
December 16, 2020: Winner of The Masked Singer
On December 16, 2020, LeAnn Rimes was revealed as 'Sun' and declared the winner of the fourth season of the Fox reality singing competition The Masked Singer. She later appeared as a guest panelist in the season five finale.
2020: LeAnn Rimes Poses Nude for Psoriasis Awareness, Opens Up About Mental Health
In 2020, LeAnn Rimes posed nude for Glamour magazine to promote psoriasis awareness on World Psoriasis Day. She also disclosed her experiences with depression, further breaking down mental health stigmas.
April 14, 2022: 25th Year in Music Industry Celebration
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.
2022: Release of "God's Work" Album
LeAnn Rimes released her album "God's Work" in 2022, featuring collaborations with artists such as Ziggy Marley, Sheila E., and Aloe Blacc.
2023: Collaboration with Tenille Arts on "Jealous of Myself"
In 2023, LeAnn Rimes collaborated with Tenille Arts on a duet version of Arts' single "Jealous of Myself".