Polly Jean Harvey, also known as PJ Harvey, was born on October 9th, 1969, in England, to a quarryman father and an artist mother. Growing up on a sheep farm in Yeovil, Somerset, she was exposed to music from a young age and learned to play a variety of instruments, including guitar, saxophone, and violin. As a teenager, she played in several bands, developing her musical skills and exploring her passion for music.
Despite her musical inclinations, PJ Harvey struggled with self-doubt and procrastination, initially considering alternative careers as a nurse or a vet. However, she eventually found her calling in music and formed the band "PJ Harvey" with bassist Steve Vaughan and drummer Robert Ellis at the age of 21.
The trio recorded their debut EP "Dress" for a small budget, but the demos were impressive enough to secure a record deal with British indie label Too Pure. The EP was released in late 1991 to widespread critical acclaim, and PJ Harvey's first full-length record was released the following spring to similar praise.
As PJ Harvey's popularity grew, she suffered a nervous breakdown due to the pressure of her newfound fame and the demands of touring. Despite this, she continued to create music, recording her second album "Rid Of Me" with producer Steve Albini in 1992. The album was released in 1993 and was her most successful to date.
After touring in support of "Rid Of Me," PJ Harvey parted ways with her bandmates and embarked on a solo career, releasing the album "To Bring You My Love" in 1995. The album was another critical success, and PJ Harvey continued to tour and record music, eventually releasing the album "Is This Desire?" in 1998.
The album was met with speculation about PJ Harvey's mental state, as it was a deeply disturbing and dark work. PJ Harvey refused to comment on her private life, and the album received widespread critical acclaim.
In 2000, PJ Harvey reunited with her former bandmates and recorded the album "Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea." The album was released to widespread acclaim and received the Mercury Music Prize in 2001. PJ Harvey accepted the award by telephone from Washington D.C., where she was on tour at the time.
In 2001, PJ Harvey was named the Number 1 female rock star in history by Q magazine, and she continued to tour and record music, solidifying her reputation as a unique and talented artist.
