Sixpence None the Richer's rise to fame has been so swift and so spectacular, it's difficult to think of the group as a veteran band. The band, named in honor of a passage from C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity, began taking shape in the early 1990s, when guitarist Matt Slocum first met vocalist Leigh Nash at a church retreat. Originating from Texas at a very tender age (lead singer Leigh Nash was 13 at the time; main songwriter Matt Slocum 16), the group released its debut album "The Fatherless and the Widow" in 1993.

That was seven years ago. Today Sixpence None the Richer seems to have been caught up in the wave of outstanding Christian bands that have managed to successfully charter mainstream waters.  Their second mainstream radio single "There She Goes" hitting no 18 on Radio & Records' Hot AC chart, no 31 on the Pop chart and no 24 on the Adult Alternative chart. Their first release "Kiss Me" is still one of VH1's top 10 videos, and the new one is in medium rotation.

This bands secret weapon is in its extraordinary talent of its songwriter / lyricist Matt Slocum, and the inviting smooth voice of its female lead singer Leigh Nash. To date, Sixpence None the Richer has produced 4 full length albums (The Fatherless and the Widow-1992, This Beautiful Mess-1995, Tickets for a Prayer Wheel-1995, and the latest release self entitled album Sixpence None the Richer-1997). Additionally, they have released the hugely successful Kiss Me as a single (‘98).

The ’97 release of the self titled album "Sixpence None The Richer" proved the breakthrough most artists dream about. Most of the fame of this album can be attributed to the hit Kiss Me, which received notoriety when played at the wedding of Prince Edward to Sophie Jones. But don’t be distracted by this hit single. The album is chalk full of simple, elegant and memorable songs masterfully wrapped in Leigh Nash's voice. In addition to contributing with the cello and guitar and the poetic lyrics, Matt Slocum adds dramatic string sections, touches of harmonica, and a pedal steel that make songs such as "The Lines Of My Earth" and "Anything" instantly compelling. Each song seems to take on a life of its own addressing personal, yet identifiable subject matters.

The band followed its successful release of this album with its version of La's 1991 classic "There She Goes." Already the song has become a staple of MTV, and currently it sits high atop the pop charts. Look for more hits from this band soon.