{{short description|American singer, songwriter and author (born 1958)|bot=PearBOT 5}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Carrie Newcomer | image = Carrie Newcomer In India Monsoon.jpg | caption = | birth_name = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1958|05|25}} | birth_place = Dowagiac, Michigan, United States | origin = | genre = Folk, Americana, World music | occupation = Singer-songwriter, musician, author | instrument = Guitar, vocal, mountain dulcimer | years_active = 1980–present | label = Philo, Rounder, Concord Music Group, Available Light Records | website = [http://carrienewcomer.com/ carrienewcomer.com] }}
'''Carrie Newcomer''' (born May 25, 1958) is an American singer, songwriter and author.<ref>{{cite web | title = Newcomer, Carrie | website=FolkLib.net| url = http://www.folklib.net/index/indexn.shtml#Newcomer,Cr | access-date = March 19, 2008}}</ref> She has produced 19 solo CDs and has received numerous awards for her music and related charitable activities. She has collaborated with numerous authors, academics, philosophers and musicians. In 2009 and 2011 she traveled to India as a cultural ambassador, including musical performances organized by the US State Department. In 2012 she made a similar trip to Kenya on behalf of the Interfaith Hunger Initiative. Her range of causes, activities, collaborations and philosophies significantly influences her music. Newcomer was called "a prairie mystic" by ''The'' ''Boston Globe''.<ref name="bostonglobe1">{{Cite web |title=The Boston Globe 21 Feb 2008, page 69 |url=https://bostonglobe.newspapers.com/image/444335296/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref>
== Life and early career == Newcomer was born in Dowagiac, Michigan, on May 25, 1958,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/carrie-newcomer-mn0000186027/biography|title = Carrie Newcomer | Biography & History|website = AllMusic}}</ref> to James B. Newcomer and Donna Baldoni Newcomer. When she was 5 years old they moved to Elkhart, Indiana, where she lived until she was 18 years old.<ref name=MetromixInterview>{{cite web |url=http://indianapolis.metromix.com/music/article/q-and-a-with-indianapolis/1776251/content |title=Q&A; with Carrie Newcomer | Metromix Indianapolis |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100225060809/http://indianapolis.metromix.com/music/article/q-and-a-with-indianapolis/1776251/content |archive-date=February 25, 2010 }} David Lindquist ''Q&A with Carrie Newcomer'' Indianapolis Metromix interview February 21, 2010 access date March 31, 2010</ref> She began writing songs as a teenager and began performing in restaurants, coffeehouses and at benefits and festivals.<ref name=sitehistory>{{cite web|url=http://www.carrienewcomer.com/Musical-Journey.html |title=Carrie Newcomer – Musical Journey |access-date=August 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818013607/http://www.carrienewcomer.com/Musical-Journey.html |archive-date=August 18, 2012 }} History section of Newcomer web site Retrieved August 11, 2012</ref> She began her university studies at Ball State University and then Goshen College. Newcomer spent 5 months teaching art in an elementary school in San Isidro, Costa Rica. She completed her studies at Purdue University and received a B.A. in visual art and education.
In the 1980s, Newcomer was a member of the pop-folk and acoustic group Stone Soup,<ref name = Maverick>''Carrie Newcomer, that longing for something better'' by Arthur Wood Maverick Magazine (England) pages 40–43</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Stone Soup | publisher = AllMusic | url = {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p22781|pure_url=yes}} | access-date = March 19, 2008}}</ref> which produced three albums: ''Sampler'' (1982), ''Long Fields'' (1984), and ''October Nights'' (1987), all out of print. Newcomer was the group's main songwriter and lead vocalist, and she also played dulcimer and guitar. With her in the group were guitarist Larry Smeyak and percussionist Dennis Leas.<ref name = Maverick /> The group was based in West Lafayette, Indiana. After leaving Stone Soup, she moved to Bloomington, Indiana, and recorded her first solo album.
== Solo music and career == Her first solo album was ''Visions and Dreams''.<ref>{{cite web | title = Visions and Dreams | publisher = Rounder Records | url = http://www.rounder.com/?id=album.php&catalog_id=5277 | access-date = April 6, 2008}}</ref> ''Visions and Dreams'' was originally released on Windchime records and then later re-released with two additional tracks by Rounder records.{{when|date=August 2012}}<ref name = Maverick /> Between 1993 and 2010, she released twelve additional albums and two "best of" compilations on Philo/Rounder.<ref>{{cite web | title = discography | publisher = Rounder Records | url = http://www.rounder.com/?id=discography.php&musicalGroupId=213 | access-date = April 6, 2008}}</ref> Her range of causes, activities, collaborations and philosophies significantly influences her music.<ref name = FirstpostIndia /> She released four solo albums and one live album on Available Light Records.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carrie Newcomer Albums and Discography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/carrie-newcomer-mn0000186027/discography?1635725392884 |website=AllMusic |access-date=15 February 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
Her album ''Betty's Diner: The Best of Carrie Newcomer'' was released in 2004. It contained three new songs, plus, "what's held up for me what songs have become old friends, and what songs are requested often".<ref name = PureMusic2004 /> The title track started out as a short story which Newcomer wrote while on the road, she then decided to incorporate the story into a song.<ref name = PureMusic2004>{{Cite web|url=http://www.puremusic.com/carrie4.html|title=Carrie Newcomer (p.4)|website=Puremusic.com}}</ref>
In 2009 Newcomer traveled to India as a cultural ambassador for The American Center and worked with students of the American Embassy School in New Delhi.<ref name="Mumbai embassy page">{{cite web| title=Mumbai embassy page| access-date=March 31, 2010| url=http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/pnenewcomer09.html| url-status=dead| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527115951/http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/pnenewcomer09.html| archive-date=May 27, 2010}}</ref> While in India, Newcomer performed concerts organized by the U.S. State Department including those in the cities of Chennai and Trivandrum. After the first week in Delhi, she embarked on a tour schedule that included concerts and performance in the evenings and working with community service groups during the days.<ref name="Indianapolis Star">Lindquist, David (October 30, 2011) "Its a long way from Indiana to India, ''The Indianapolis Star'', page G1</ref><ref name = BloomMag>{{cite web|url=http://www.carrienewcomer.com/content/uploads/1/Newcomer_Bloom_India_Feature.pdf |date=September 7, 2015 |title=''A Life-Changing Journey Carrie Newcomer's Tour of India for the U.S. State Department''|author=Debra Kent |publisher=Bloom Magazine|pages=58–63|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907222357/http://www.carrienewcomer.com/content/uploads/1/Newcomer_Bloom_India_Feature.pdf |access-date=August 14, 2012|archive-date=September 7, 2015 }}</ref>
In 2011 Newcomer returned to India as a cultural ambassador for The American Center and worked with students of the American Embassy School in New Delhi, the American School Bombay, and The International School Chennai.<ref name="Mumbai embassy page" /> While in India, Newcomer performed concerts organized by the U.S. State Department and visited community service projects and facilitated workshops.<ref name="Indianapolis Star" />
In 2011, following her 2011 trip to India, she released the album, ''Everything is Everywhere'', on Available Light Records which featured Amjad Ali Khan and his sons, Amaan and Ayaan on traditional Indian instruments. The profits of "Everything is Everywhere" benefit Interfaith Hunger Initiative<ref name="Indianapolis Star" /><ref name="TimesIndia">[http://m.timesofindia.com/PDATOI/articleshow/9707965.cms] {{dead link|date=April 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="USATodayTravel">[https://archive.today/20130205083648/http://travel.usatoday.com/alliance/destinations/perceptivetravel/post/2011/11/Listening-well-doing-good/569012/1]</ref> In the article "Carrie Newcomer's cool fusion of East and West hooks listeners" Firstpost (Mumbai, India) identified Amjad Ali Khan and his sons, Amaan and Ayaan as "three of the best sarod players in the world".<ref name="FirstpostIndia">{{cite web |last1=Choudhury |first1=Uttara |title=Carrie Newcomer's cool fusion of East and West hooks listeners |url=https://www.firstpost.com/living/carrie-newcomers-cool-fusion-of-east-and-west-hooks-listeners-124494.html |website=Firstpost.com |access-date=15 February 2023 |language=en |date=5 November 2011}}</ref> With the music in this collaboration album, Newcomer said that her objective was "to create songs that were based in western song form, but would integrate and preserve the power, depth and energy of Indian music. I did not want to create western songs, add a tabla and call it fusion."<ref name = FirstpostIndia />
''Kindred Spirits: A Collection'' was released in November 2012. It includes two previously unreleased songs, two songs from her hunger benefit project (Everything is Everywhere) featuring Indian classical sarod performers Amjad Ali Khan, Ayaan and Amaan Ali Khan, two previously unreleased live recordings, and a compilation of other songs.<ref name = NewcomerSiteHome>{{Cite web|url=https://www.carrienewcomer.com/|title=Carrie Newcomer|website=Carrienewcomer.com}}</ref>
Her CD ''A Permeable Life'' was released in April 2014, as was her book of the same title.<ref name = NewcomerSiteHome /><ref name = MTV /> They do not have material in common, but Newcomer has indicated that the book shows some of the process and themes of her songwriting.<ref name = PLBookP4>''A Permeable Life'' 2013 By Carrie Newcomer {{ISBN|978-0-615-90275-3}} Page 4</ref> The theme of the CD has been characterized as: "Newcomer explores familiar themes of being present, moving through thresholds in life and embracing each experience that comes your way".<ref name="IowaCity">[https://archive.today/20140406140752/http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20140320/GOIOWACITY/303200004/Allowing-world-in?gcheck=1&nclick_check=1]</ref>
Her ''Beautiful Not Yet'' album was released in 2016, with a companion book by the same name. Accorfing to Newcomer, this book and CD explore the themes of mystery and miracle in the everyday and the album is described by FolkWorks as "profound and poetic."<ref name="folkworks2">{{Cite web |title=CARRIE NEWCOMER – THE BEAUTIFUL NOT YET |url=https://folkworks.org/review/carrie-newcomer-the-beautiful-not-yet/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=FolkWorks.org |language=en-US}}</ref>
Newcomer's album ''Until Now'' was released in Sept 2021, with a companion book of the same title. This collection refers to the Covid pandemic as "the great unraveling" and addresses big questions for society's work in process, and that healing after the crisis is not enough. "We can't just be healed, we must be transformed."<ref name="readthespirit5">{{Cite web |last=Crumm |first=David |date=2021-09-27 |title=In her new 'Until Now,' Carrie Newcomer calls all of us to sing for our lives and our communities |url=https://readthespirit.com/explore/in-her-new-until-now-carrie-newcomer-calls-all-of-us-to-sing-for-our-lives-and-our-communities/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Readthespirit.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name = ForbesMagazine2 />
In more recent years her broadening into authoring books including poetry and philosophical works, and similar collaborations have represented a transformation into what sources have termed a "prairie mystic."<ref name = 13th /> With the release of her latest album and companion book, one review summarized it as "Newcomer's lyrics address the themes of living in challenging and changing times and finding hope in the patterns of nature and each other's company. The lyrics are informed by Newcomer's wider philosophical and spiritual thinking as well as her environmentalism and concerns for social justice."<ref name="13th">{{cite web |title=Carrie Newcomer – Until Now: folksongs wrapped in kindness |url=https://13thfloor.co.nz/carrie-newcomer-until-now-topical-folksongs-wrapped-in-kindness-album-review/ |website=13th Floor|access-date=14 March 2023 |language=en-NZ |date=20 September 2021}}</ref>
== Books == Newcomer has released three books of poetry, essays and short stories. 2014 ''A Permeable Life: Poems & Essays'',<ref name="readthespirit2">{{Cite web |last=Crumm |first=David |date=2014-06-15 |title=The Carrie Newcomer interview on 'A Permeable Life' |url=https://readthespirit.com/explore/carrie-newcomer-interview-permeable-life/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Readthespirit.com |language=en-US}}</ref> in 2016 ''The Beautiful Not Yet: Poems & Lyrics'',<ref name="readthespirit3">{{Cite web |last=Crumm |first=David |date=2016-11-14 |title=Carrie Newcomer interview on 'The Beautiful Not Yet' |url=https://readthespirit.com/explore/carrie-newcomer-interview-on-the-beautiful-not-yet/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Readthespirit.com |language=en-US}}</ref> and in 2021 ''Until Now: New Poems''.<ref name="readthespirit5"/> Newcomer's poem ''Three Gratitudes'' was featured on the On Being PBS radio program first aired on November 26, 2014, along with an interview of Newcomer by Krista Tippett.<ref name="pbsonbeing">{{Cite web |title=Three Gratitudes |url=https://onbeing.org/poetry/three-gratitudes/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=The On Being Project |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="pbsonbeinginterview">{{Cite web |title=Carrie Newcomer — A Conversation with Music |url=https://onbeing.org/programs/carrie-newcomer-a-conversation-with-music/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=The On Being Project |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Podcast == Since 2017 Newcomer has co-hosted ''The Growing Edge'' podcast with author Parker J. Palmer described as "exploring the themes of life on the growing edge personally, vocationally and politically".<ref name = ForbesMagazine2>[https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidlindquist/2021/09/20/folk-singer-carrie-newcomer-offers-words-and-music-for-mending-the-great-unraveling/?sh=416e349a13ee Forbes.com] ''Folk Singer Carrie Newcomer Offers Words And Music For Mending The ‘Great Unraveling’ by David Lindquist Forbes magazine'' Retrieved November 1, 2021</ref>
== Awards and recognitions == In 2012, Newcomer performed at various locations in rural Chulaimbo Kenya as a part of the Interfaith Hunger Initiative and at the AMPATH HIV center in Eldoret.<ref name=Kenya1>{{cite web|url=http://doctorvoversea.com/if-not-now/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121161741/http://doctorvoversea.com/if-not-now/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-21|title=Doctor V. Goes Over the Sea|website=Archive.today|access-date=May 25, 2024}}</ref><ref name="ihi1">{{Cite web |title=Interfaith Hunger Initiative |url=https://www.interfaithhungerinitiative.org/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Interfaithhungerinitiative.org}}</ref>
In December 2018, Spirituality and Health Magazine named Newcomer and Parker J. Palmer as two of ''10 Spiritual Leaders for the Next 20 Years''.<ref name="spiritualleadersaward">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2018-10-07 |title=10 Spiritual Leaders |url=https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/articles/2018/10/07/10-spiritual-leaders |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Spiritualityhealth.com |language=en}}</ref>
In 2010, Rich Warren, then-host of WFMT-FM's Midnight Special radio program, selected Newcomer as one of the 50 most significant singer-songwriters of folk music for the last 50 years.<ref name =ChicagoTribune1>{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2010/07/folkies.html|title=Change of Subject: Top 50 folkies of the last 50 years, one man's list|website=Blogs.chicagotribune.com}}</ref> Warren also selected ''Geography of Light'' as one of his 13 favorite CDs for 2008. He said "Newcomer is philosopher, sage, mystic, and poet, with an alto voice that I would follow to the ends of the earth. She also finally reached the perfect balance of accompaniment/production with her voice. The thoroughly engrossing songs require several listenings to see all the light (and dark) within them. Newcomer improves with every CD and her poetry grows more complex and luminous."<ref name = MidnightSpecial1>{{Cite web|url=http://www.midnightspecial.org/pastfaves3.htm#11|title=The Midnight Special | WFMT|website=Midnightspecial.org}}</ref>
In 2008, Boston's WUMB radio station, included her on their list of the Top Most Influential Artists of the past 25 years.<ref name="official webpage">{{cite web|title=official webpage |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url=http://www.carrienewcomer.com/carrie-newcomer-workshops.html |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708122243/http://www.carrienewcomer.com/carrie-newcomer-workshops.html |archive-date=July 8, 2011 }}</ref> In 2010 Chicago's WBEZ radio and ''The Chicago Tribune'' included her on their list of Top 50 folk artists of the last 50 years.<ref name="official webpage" /> In 2007, her album ''The Geography of Light'' won Album of the Year and she won Artist of the Year from ''Folk Wax Magazine''. In 2003, ''The Gathering of Spirits'' received the Artist of the Year and Album of the Year awards from ''Folk Wax Magazine''. That year she wrote the national theme song for the YMCA<ref>{{cite news |title=About the YMCA |url=http://www.ymca.net/about_the_ymca/ |access-date=April 6, 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306151107/http://www.ymca.net/about_the_ymca/ |archive-date=March 6, 2008 }}</ref> and collaborated with Scott Russell Sanders and folk songwriters Krista Detor, Tim Grimm, Michael White, and Tom Roznoski on an album and theatrical production entitled ''Wilderness Plots''.<ref>{{cite news | title = Wilderness Plots | url = https://musicroad.blogspot.com/2007/05/now-playing-wilderness-plots.html|website=Musicroad.blogspot.com | access-date = April 6, 2008 }}</ref> The author, cast members and director of Wilderness Plots were honored by the Indiana House of Representatives and Senate in a joint resolution which described it as "a musical tribute to the early pioneer settlement of the Midwest and embodies the rich history and artistic excellence of the State of Indiana."<ref name="IndianaHouseSenate">{{Cite web |date=2010-03-01 |title=Search Results for "wilderness plots" |url=https://insendems.wordpress.com/?s=wilderness+plots |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Indiana Senate Democrats: The Briefing Room |language=en}}</ref> ''Wilderness Plots'' received a 2012 CINE award for the professional telecast non-fiction division.<ref name="CineAward2012">[http://www.cine.org/winners/golden-eagle-award-recipients/spring-2012/telecast-non-fiction/#5] {{dead link|date=April 2019|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>
In 2003, Newcomer was named Woman of the Year by the City of Bloomington's Commission on the Status of Women.<ref name="Bloomington2003">{{Cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en&fromgroups#!topic/blgtn.government/WnTJ-fjqSoI|title=Redirecting to Google Groups|website=Groups.google.com}}</ref> "The 2003 Woman of the Year, Carrie Newcomer, is best known as a singer/songwriter; however, Jennifer Bass, nominator, says Newcomer's significant contributions go beyond her music. Nine years ago, Newcomer and her husband Robert Meitus organized Bloomington's first Soup Bowl Benefit and they continue to assist with the benefit. What is less known is Carrie's dedication to community and her generous support of local and national organizations, said Bass. She has donated money from sales of her cds to the Nature Conservancy and she has participated in benefit concerts in St. Louis and Tucson."<ref name = Bloomington2003 /> Newcomer's "I Wish I May, I Wish I Might" was chosen as the official song of the two year Food For Thought campaign by The Indiana Humanities Department.<ref name=IndianaHumanitiesDept>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianahumanities.org/news/food-for-thought-has-an-official-song|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415011540/http://www.indianahumanities.org/news/food-for-thought-has-an-official-song|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-04-15|title=Food for Thought has an official song!|website=Indianhumanities.org|access-date=May 25, 2024}}</ref> Newcomer added, {{"'}}I Wish I May, I Wish I Might' was inspired by the essays 'Carnival' and 'Bill and Bunny' by celebrated Indiana author Philip Gulley."<ref name = IndianaHumanitiesDept />
Rolling Stone magazine said that Newcomer's work "asks all the right questions and refuses to settle for easy answers".<ref name = rollingstonemagazine4>''Rolling Stone'' magazine Issue 683 June 2, 1994</ref>
In 2016 Newcomer was presented an honorary degree by Goshen College in ''Music for Social Change''. The same year she presented the commencement address for the Goshen College class of 2016.<ref name="goshen1">{{Cite web |date=2017-08-18 |title=Carrie Newcomer Archives |url=https://www.goshen.edu/news/tag/carrie-newcomer/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Goshen.edu|language=en}}</ref>
In 2003 her song "I Should Have Known Better" was recorded by Nickel Creek on their Grammy-winning Best Contemporary Folk Album ''This Side''.<ref name="Indianapolis Star" />
== Collaborations == Newcomer has collaborated with a range of musicians in performances and recordings. She also has collaborated on performances, presentations and efforts with authors, academics, activists, and organizations.
Newcomer has collaborated with author Parker J. Palmer on a number of projects including a song-and-spoken-word event called ''Healing the Heart of Democracy: A Gathering of Spirits for the Common Good'' and ''We Need it Here: Hope, Hard Times and Human Possibility''. In 2017 Newcomer and Palmer created a collaboration called ''The Growing Edge'' which includes retreats and ''The Growing Edge'' podcast.
In 1989, she wrote ''Sounds of the Morning'' for The Battle of Tippecanoe Outdoor Drama, about the land conflict between Tecumseh and William Henry Harrison. Her song was played as a prologue and as patrons left the amphitheater. Her music was woven into the NEA-funded sound design by theatre sound designer Richard K. Thomas.<ref>Technical Staff, Battle of Tippecanoe Outdoor Drama 1990 Souvenir program, Summer 1990.</ref> Newcomer collaborated with author Parker J. Palmer to create the presentation "Healing the Heart of Democracy."<ref name =GreenBiography>{{Cite web|url=https://mikegreenassociates.com/bio/43f/|title=Mike Green and Associates|website=Mikegreenassociates.com}}</ref><ref name="Palmer1">{{Cite web|url=https://fumc.org/event/2012-04-27-carrie-newcomerparker-palmer-concert-7-pm/|title=Carrie Newcomer/Parker Palmer Concert - 7 p.m.|website=First United Methodist Church | Madison}}</ref>
"Transforming Stories" was a presentation by Newcomer and Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor a neuroanatomist and author of the book ''My Stroke of Insight''.<ref>{{cite web | title=Jill Bolte Taylor and Carrie Newcomer Transformative Stories | website=Drjilltaylor.com | access-date=March 31, 2010 | url=http://drjilltaylor.com/resources/Transformative+Stories.pdf | archive-date=April 14, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414191817/http://drjilltaylor.com/resources/Transformative+Stories.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=Taylor>{{cite web|url=http://www.theacademioflife.com/event_taylor.php |title=The ACADEMI of Life |access-date=August 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917174625/http://www.theacademioflife.com/event_taylor.php |archive-date=September 17, 2011 }} ''Transformative Stories; an Evening in Conversation and Music with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor'' The Academi of Life website Retrieved August 5, 2012</ref>
Newcomer also collaborated with authors Scott Russell Sanders, Philip Gulley and J. Brent Bill for the PBS special ''Festival of Friends: An Offering in 4 Quaker Voices''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Festival of Friends |website=Wfyi.org|url=http://www.wfyi.org/festivaloffriends.asp |access-date=April 6, 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080402113037/http://www.wfyi.org/festivaloffriends.asp |archive-date=April 2, 2008 }}</ref>
Newcomer has collaborated with Jim Wallis.<ref name = Wallis /> Jim Wallis is the author of the New York Times best-selling book ''God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It'',<ref name=Wallis>{{cite web|url=https://blog.sojo.net/press/gods-politics-author-jim-wallis-speak-benefit-concert-featuring-carrie-newcomer|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121220230431/https://blog.sojo.net/press/gods-politics-author-jim-wallis-speak-benefit-concert-featuring-carrie-newcomer|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-12-20|title=God's Politics Author Jim Wallis Speak Benefit Concert Featuring Carrie Newcomer|website=Archive.today|access-date=May 25, 2024}}</ref>
Newcomer has toured the United States, Europe, Africa and India including performances with Alison Krauss, Mary Chapin Carpenter,<ref name = Carpenter>{{cite web |url=http://morristowngreen.com/2010/06/23/mary-chapin-carpenter-at-morristowns-community-theatre-what-took-you-so-long/ |title=Mary Chapin Carpenter at Morristown's Community Theatre: What took you so long? | Morristown Green |website=Morristowngreen.com |date=June 23, 2010 |access-date=August 4, 2012}}</ref> American singer-songwriter David Wilcox in shows based on spiritual story, Amjad Ali Khan, Barbara Kingsolver, Parker J. Palmer, Jill Bolte Taylor, Scott Russell Sanders and Philip Gulley.<ref>{{cite web |title=official biography |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url=http://www.carrienewcomer.com/Bloom-Magazine-Feature-and-Cover.html#carrie-newcomer-biography.html |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121160752/http://www.carrienewcomer.com/Bloom-Magazine-Feature-and-Cover.html#carrie-newcomer-biography.html |archive-date=January 21, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="KraussScotland">{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12321488.alison-krauss-union-station-glasgow-royal-concert-hall/|title=Alison Krauss & Union Station, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall|date=June 5, 1997|website=The Herald}}</ref>
In September 2012, the collaboration ''An Evening of Reflection, Conversation & Song: Taylor, Newcomer, and Sasso'' was hosted by the Athenaeum Foundation. It included Newcomer, Sandy Sasso and Jill Bolte Taylor with the objective of providing stories and music exploring the ideas in Parker J. Palmer's book "Healing the Heart of Democracy' for those in search of ideas on how to "Reclaim our capacity for civility and community".<ref name = Athenaeum>{{cite web |url=http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4150895440 |title=An Evening of Reflection, Conversation & Song: Taylor, Newcomer, and Sasso |website=Eventbrite.com |access-date=October 6, 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>
Her albums also contain collaborations with a range of other musicians.
== Organizations and causes == Newcomer is a member of the National Advisory board of the Beuchner institute of King college.<ref name=Beuchner>{{cite web |url=http://buechnerinstitute.org/national-advisory-board/ |title=King College: NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD |access-date=August 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513013346/http://buechnerinstitute.org/national-advisory-board/ |archive-date=May 13, 2012 }} Buechner Institute National Advisory Board member listing, King College website retrieved August 3, 2012</ref>
Newcomer gives a percentage of her album sales to charitable organizations including the Interfaith Hunger Initiative American Friends Service Committee, America's Second Harvest, The Center for Courage and Renewal, and Literacy Volunteers of America.<ref>{{cite web | title=Official webpage| access-date = March 31, 2010| url=http://www.carrienewcomer.com/#community-carrie-newcomer-activism-links.html|website=Carrienewcomer.com}}</ref>
== Personal life == Though she was raised in a Protestant-Methodist Church, she is now a Quaker.<ref name="On Being with Krista Tippett">{{cite web|url= http://www.onbeing.org/program/transcript/7053|title= Carrie Newcomer – A Conversation With Music|website= On Being with Krista Tippett|access-date= September 3, 2015}}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> She is married to Robert Shannon Meitus, an entertainment and intellectual property lawyer.<ref name = Meitus>{{Cite web|url=http://mgrfirm.com/personal-profiles/robert-meitus/|title=Robert S. Meitus | Meitus Gelbert Rose LLP|date=December 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226112739/http://mgrfirm.com/personal-profiles/robert-meitus/ |archive-date=December 26, 2013 }}</ref> When she met him he was a guitar player and songwriter in the band Dorkestra. She has a daughter.<ref name = PureMusic2004 /> Newcomer's musical development, approach and themes have been influenced by her evolution in spiritual, philosophical and humanitarian areas and endeavors.<ref name="Indianapolis Star" />
== Published works == === Solo CDs === * 2023 ''A Great Wild Mercy''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Apice |first=John |date=2023-10-09 |title=REVIEW: Carrie Newcomer “A Great Wild Mercy” • Americana Highways |url=https://americanahighways.org/2023/10/09/review-carrie-newcomer-a-great-wild-mercy/ |access-date=2025-07-17 |website=Americana Highways |language=en-US}}</ref> * 2021 ''Until Now'' * 2019 ''The Point of Arrival'' * 2017 ''Live at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater'' * 2016 ''The Beautiful Not Yet''<ref name="NewcomerSiteHome" /> * 2014 ''A Permeable Life''<ref name = NewcomerSiteHome /><ref name = MTV>{{cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/carrie-newcomer/discography/3200023/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407135428/http://www.mtv.com/artists/carrie-newcomer/discography/3200023/ | archive-date=April 7, 2014 | title=MTV Shows | website=MTV }}</ref><ref name="ThisWeekNewspaper">[https://web.archive.org/web/20140407093618/http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/2014/03/13/newcomer-focuses-on-being-present-with-record.html]</ref> * 2012 ''Kindred Spirits: A collection''<ref name = NewcomerSiteHome /> * 2011 ''Everything Is Everywhere'' Available Light Records AL 1001 * 2010 ''Before & After'' – Philo PH 1259 * 2008 ''The Geography of Light'' – Philo PH 1253 * 2005 ''Regulars and Refugees'' – Philo PH 1247 * 2004 ''Betty's Diner: The Best of Carrie Newcomer'' – Philo PH 1245 * 2002 ''The Gathering of Spirits'' – Philo PH 1243 * 2000 ''The Age of Possibility'' – Philo PH 1226 * 1999 ''Bare to the Bone'' [Live] – Philo CD 9901 * 1998 ''My True Name'' – Philo PH 1223 * 1996 ''My Father's Only Son'' – Philo PH 1203 * 1995 ''The Bird or the Wing'' – Philo PH 1183 * 1994 ''An Angel at My Shoulder'' – Philo PH 1163 * 1991 ''Visions and Dreams'' – Philo PH 1193 [1995 reissue]
=== Collaboration CDs === *2008 Kyser Klassics (Partial Capo) *2007 Wilderness Plots Rosehill Records *2003 Song Mania (More Songs About Love and Despair) *2002 The Singer Songwriter Collection Rounder Records *2001 Rounder Records: Celebrating 30 Colorful Years [Compilation, Limited Edition] *1998 Kerrville Folk Festival: 25th Anniversary *1996 One More Song:An Album For Club Passim Rounder Records *1993 Shelter: The Best Of Contemporary Singer-Songwriters Putumayo Presents Series
=== DVDs === *2016 An Evening with Carrie Newcomer WFYI Public Television Broadcast *2008 Wilderness Plots Songs and Stories of the Prairie *2006 Bernice Johnson Reagon/Holly Near/Carrie Newcomer : Light of Change DVD *2005 A Festival of Friends WFYI Public Television Broadcast
=== Books === * 2021 ''Until Now:New Poems'' by Carrie Newcomer {{ISBN|978-1-7375335-0-4}} * 2016 ''Carrie Newcomer the beautiful not yet Poems, Essays and Lyrics'' {{ISBN|978-0-692-76090-1}}<ref name = BookNotYet>Book ''Carrie Newcomer the beautiful not yet Poems, Essays and Lyrics'' by Carrie Newcomer Copyright 2016 Available Light Publishing {{ISBN|978-0-692-76090-1}}</ref> * 2014 ''A Permeable Life'' by Carrie Newcomer {{ISBN|978-0-615-90275-3}}<ref name = NewcomerSiteHome /><ref name = BookPermrable>Book ''A Permeable Life'' by Carrie Newcomer</ref>
=== LPs With Stone Soup === * 1987 ''October Nights'' – Windchime RC-102 * 1984 ''Long Fields'' – Windchime RC-101/S
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == *[http://www.carrienewcomer.com/ Official website] *[https://www.pbs.org/video/religion-and-ethics-newsweekly-carrie-newcomer/ Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly | Carrie Newcomer | Season 17 | PBS] PBS documentary
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Newcomer, Carrie}} Category:1958 births Category:Living people Category:American women singers Category:Songwriters from Michigan Category:American feminist musicians Category:American folk musicians Category:American folk guitarists Category:People from Elkhart, Indiana Category:Purdue University alumni Category:People from Dowagiac, Michigan Category:American Quakers Category:Songwriters from Indiana Category:Singers from Michigan Category:Guitarists from Indiana Category:Guitarists from Michigan Category:20th-century American guitarists Category:Stockfisch Records artists Category:Rounder Records artists Category:20th-century American women guitarists Category:21st-century American women Category:Musicians from Bloomington, Indiana