Lisa Loeb burst onto the music scene in the 90s and has remained a vibrant force ever since, proving her staying power in a dynamic industry. While her initial claim to fame was the mega-hit “Stay (I Missed You),” a song that resonated deeply and earned her a place in pop culture history, Loeb’s career is far more multifaceted than just one iconic ballad. For fans and aspiring musicians alike, especially those who might be browsing for inspiration at Lisa’s Guitar and Rock Shop (hypothetically speaking!), Loeb’s journey offers a compelling example of versatility, entrepreneurial spirit, and enduring passion.
Loeb’s debut with “Stay” was nothing short of groundbreaking. Featured in the film Reality Bites, the song wasn’t just a chart-topper; it was a cultural moment. Remarkably, Lisa achieved this success as an independent artist, a true pioneer who reached Number 1 without the backing of a major record label. This feat alone cemented her status as a trailblazer. Following this initial triumph, she solidified her position with a string of successful singles and albums, earning two gold certifications and demonstrating that “Stay” was not a fluke, but the beginning of a sustained and impressive career.
In 2020, Loeb released her 15th album, A Simple Trick To Happiness, which garnered widespread critical acclaim. This release showcased her continued artistic evolution and her ability to connect with audiences through thoughtful and engaging music. Further expanding her creative horizons, Loeb co-wrote and co-produced the musical Together Apart with over 100 Brown University alumni. This ambitious project, created to support The Actors Fund, garnered attention from major publications like The New York Times, Vanity Fair, People, and Playbill, highlighting her ability to innovate and collaborate across different artistic mediums.
Currently, Lisa is preparing to launch her latest album, That’s What It’s All About, in collaboration with the family-friendly folk band The Hollow Trees. This 11-track album is a testament to the enduring power of intergenerational music, drawing inspiration from songs passed down through families and the cherished memories they evoke. This project underscores Loeb’s commitment to exploring diverse musical styles and connecting with audiences of all ages.
Beyond her recording career, Lisa Loeb has established herself as a prominent radio personality. She hosts her own weekday show, “Stay with Lisa Loeb,” on SiriusXM’s ’90s on 9 channel, as well as a podcast where she provides listeners with firsthand, behind-the-scenes insights into the music and culture of the 1990s. Her popular segment, “Where They Are Now,” features interviews with fellow 90s hitmakers and industry icons like Hanson, The Goo Goo Dolls, and Ann Wilson, offering a fascinating glimpse into their careers then and now.
Expanding her performance portfolio, Lisa recently joined Belinda Carlisle as a special guest on her Decades Tour across Ireland. Her recent activities also include a cover of “All the Young Dudes” for Howard Stern’s David Bowie Special on Sirius XM, leading a songwriting workshop for children in Sydney, Australia with AMP, and a prestigious two-week residency at New York’s legendary Carlyle Hotel. In 2019, she marked the 25th anniversary of “Stay (I Missed You)” with a special edition vinyl release and a surprise appearance at the Reality Bites reunion at the Tribeca Film Festival, showcasing the song’s enduring legacy.
Further collaborations include “Music Is In Everything” with Ziggy Marley and a cover of Bright Eyes’ “First Day of my Life,” premiered by Rolling Stone. She also wrote and recorded “Love Never Dies” as the theme song for James Patterson’s novel “Sophia, Princess Among Beasts.”
Loeb’s significant contributions to children’s music include five albums and two illustrated children’s books with music. She co-developed and co-wrote the children’s musical “Camp Kappawanna,” which premiered at New York City’s Atlantic Theater Company, drawing from her personal summer camp experiences. In 2008, she founded The Camp Lisa Foundation, dedicated to sending underprivileged children to summer camp. The American Camp Association of New England recognized her dedication in 2015, honoring her as a Camp Champions Honoree.
Her children’s album “Feel What U Feel” won a Grammy for Best Children’s Album and a Parents Choice Award. She also lends her voice to the animated series “Creative Galaxy” and composes songs for the Emmy-nominated “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” series, with the soundtrack released by Amazon in 2018.
Known for her signature cat-eye glasses, Lisa Loeb is also an entrepreneur with her own eyewear line, Lisa Loeb Eyewear. She oversees design and business aspects, making her collection available at optical shops and Costco.
As an actress, Loeb has appeared in Netflix’s “Fuller House,” GEICO commercials, John Oliver’s “Last Week Tonight,” and voiced commercials for Alfa Romeo, Uber Eats, CNN, and Chili’s. She also starred in Hallmark’s 2022 holiday movie, Hanukkah on Rye.
Adding to her diverse achievements, Lisa co-created an original crossword puzzle with pro Doug Peterson for The New York Times’ 75th anniversary, upon invitation from editor Will Shortz.
Whether performing globally, creating music for all ages, or exploring new creative avenues, Lisa Loeb’s journey is one of constant evolution and engagement. Her career serves as an inspiration to anyone passionate about music and the arts, reminding us that success can be multifaceted and enduring. And while she might not be directly running Lisa’s Guitar and Rock Shop, her spirit embodies the passion and dedication found in every musician and music lover who might walk through such a shop’s doors.
