Second Cup Cafe: Phoebe Snow

Ever since singer/guitarist Phoebe Snow's poetry crossed over to lyrics to her songs, she has performed wearing her heart on her sleeve.

Born in New York City, Snow wasn't interested in piano lessons; instead, she was drawn to the guitar.

Snow stopped by the The Early Show's "Second Cup Café" Saturday to perform songs from her first in-concert album, "Phoebe Snow - Live," which was recorded in July in Woodstock, N.Y.

As a teen, Snow began performing in front of audiences at amateur nights. She took on clubs in New York City's Greenwich Village in the '70s with her soulful, soothing, yet folksy sound.

It was that very sound that caught the attention of a promotions executive, who signed her onto Shelter Records. She then released her self-titled album in 1974, which featuring guest performances by The Persuasions, Zoot Sims, Toddy Wilson, David Bromberg and Dave Mason.

Her hit song "Poetry Man" hit No. 5 on the singles charts and garnered her a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist. The attention didn't stop there. Snow appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, and platinum records followed.

With her newfound fame, Snow toured alongside music legend Paul Simon, proving she could perform with the best of them.

The next 15 years, Snow didn't slow down. She went on to record several solos, including "Second Childhood" (1975), "It Looks Like Snow" (1976), "Never Letting Go" (1978), "Against The Grain" (1979), "Rock Away" (1980), and "Something Real" (1989).

In 1992, Snow also toured with Donald Fagen's popular New York Rock And Soul Revue. They enjoyed making music with Snow so much so that she was featured on the group's album recorded live at the Beacon Theater in New York City.

Snow has also shared the stage with an impressive lineup of musicians that have included Jewel, Billy Joel, Bonnie Raitt, Michael Bolton, Chaka Khan, Linda Ronstadt, Michael McDonald and Cece Peniston, among others.
By Melissa Castellanos