Subham Poddar
Before Shania Twain became a household name in country music, she endured a traumatic childhood marked by poverty and abuse. Born in Canada in 1965, Shania was one of three daughters to Sharon and Clarence. After her parents’ divorce, her mother remarried Jerry Twain, who adopted Shania and her sisters.
Growing up, Shania’s family struggled financially, often leaving her to attend school hungry. Her singing talent was evident early on, and her mother encouraged her to perform in bars to earn money. Shania recalls performing late at night for intoxicated patrons, a situation far from ideal for a young girl. Despite the challenging environment, Shania approached her performances with professionalism and dedication.
The harsh realities at home were even more daunting. If Shania failed to bring in enough money, her stepfather Jerry would take out his anger on her mother, often resulting in severe beatings. Eventually, Jerry’s abusive behavior extended to Shania herself. In a bid to protect herself, Shania took drastic measures to appear less feminine, such as flattening her chest to avoid unwanted attention.
In her memoir “From This Moment On,” Shania candidly discusses the abuse she faced and the anger that fueled her resistance against Jerry’s violent behavior. She also faced harassment outside the home, leading her to feel ashamed of her femininity.
Tragedy struck just as Shania was on the cusp of her music career. Her parents died in a car accident, forcing her to put her dreams on hold to care for her siblings. Overnight, she became a single caregiver, juggling immense responsibilities and sleepless nights. Nevertheless, Shania persevered and eventually sent demo tapes to record companies in Nashville. This determination paid off, leading to her becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold.
Now, at 58, Shania Twain is set to perform at Glastonbury’s Legend slot, an honor she describes as a “once-in-a-lifetime invite.” Reflecting on her early start in the music industry at just eight years old, Shania acknowledges the challenges women face in a male-dominated industry. Yet, she never let intimidation deter her.
Taking the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury is a testament to Shania’s resilience and enduring talent. Her journey from a troubled childhood to music stardom serves as an inspiring reminder of her strength and perseverance.
