The return of a musical misfit and her glorious, raspy voice

It’s been more than 20 years since Macy Gray first burst on to the British music scene in all her raspy-voiced gorgeousness but listening to her hit album On How Life Is today I am immediately transported back to that time.

It was the turn of the Millennium, I was working long hours building my career at a national news agency, and partying like it was 1999.

Some albums just stick with you and this one got under my skin. I had it on repeat in my Fiat Panda as I bombed around the central belt chasing stories and it soundtracked many a pre-clubbing drinks party.

Standing at 6ft, with an endearingly goofy demeanour, Macy was something of a curiosity when compared to her chart-topping contemporaries, like Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez. I think that’s why I loved her even more.

Hers is a life-affirming tale of how a shy, awkward misfit (her words, not mine) took her rightful place in the diva hall of fame.and (by the way) she did it all while raising three young children. In our interview on pages 6&7, she tells us: “I was a quiet kid, so I was used to not fitting in.”

I find it’s the quiet ones who often have the most to say. My well-worn CD has long since been consigned to the dustbin, but songs like I Try and Do Something will always have a place in my heart.

I didn’t get the chance to see Macy back then so I’m grateful for the chance to catch her when she performs at Playground Festival, near Glasgow, at the end of the month.

Whether her music means as much to you as it does to me, I hope you will still be inspired by her story.

Have a good week!