Sheryl Crow, in full Sheryl Suzanne Crow, (born February 11, 1962, Kennett, Missouri, U.S.), American singer who was known for her raspy voice, rock-and-roll rhythm, and country-styled guitar playing. Crow was born in a small farming town across the Mississippi River from Memphis, Tennessee. She grew up in a home surrounded by music. On weekends her mother and father played piano and trumpet, respectively, for jazz bands. Crow began playing piano when she was five years old, and by the age of six she could play by ear. She composed her first song when she was 13 years old. During