Vanessa Carlton

Vanessa Carlton was born August 16, 1980 in Mitford, PA where she was raised by her parents Ed, a pilot and Heidi, a pianist and teacher. Music and art were the main focuses of her childhood.

When Vanessa was two years old she figured out "It's a Small World" on the piano and her musical life began. Her mother exposed her to a lot of classical composers and Vanessa wrote her first (instrumental only) song when she was eight years old.

When she was nine when she fell in love with ballet. At thirteen went to New York to study with legendary dancers and teachers.

A year later she was accepted to the School of American Ballet in New York City. She left home and moved to New York enrolling in the Professional Children's School and began her life as a ballet dancer.

By the time her senior year approached she was feeling like this might not be the best career for her. She grew frustrated and isolated. So she turned back to her music. This time the songs that came out of her were intricate songs complete with lyrics. She would even skip dance class to play piano and it was a great comfort to her.

After graduation she started playing locally. A year later she signed with Interscope, Geffen, A & M Records.

She is now in the studio recording her debut album, "Be Not Nobody" which is due in early March. The single "A Thousand Miles" will be out February 12, 2002.

She has also been accepted to Columbia University and has started dancing again.

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