Shania Twain, a successful figure in the entertainment industry for over 30 years, has recently opened up about her challenging start as a young singer. Before dominating the charts with hits like “You’re Still the One,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”, Twain faced a difficult childhood performing in bars. In a candid interview, she reveals the trauma of those early years on stage.
By Aubree Ross
Uncomfortable Beginnings
In an interview with “CBS News,” Shania Twain shared her experience of performing in bars from the age of eight to support her family financially. Twain recalls feeling uncomfortable during these performances, especially since minors were not allowed in such adult venues in her native Canada. “I felt very uncomfortable,” she admitted, reflecting on the challenges of performing in environments meant for adults. The memories still bring a visible emotional response from Twain, as she recalls how difficult those times were.
Performing Out of Necessity
Many bars where Twain performed had protective cages to shield performers from objects thrown by patrons. When asked whether she performed out of obligation, Twain’s response was unequivocal: “Absolutely, the adults around me thought I should be a star.” Despite this pressure, she had different dreams for her future, expressing her early ambitions to become either a veterinarian or an engineer. Twain’s talent was evident to those around her, but her aspirations were far from the stage at that time.
Music as Solace
Music was Twain’s passion but not her chosen profession, as she preferred singing in solitude. She recalls singing alone as a refuge from family tensions, often escaping to the garden with her guitar. Twain described those moments as a form of escape, where she could pretend that her family’s problems did not exist. Despite her deep connection to music, it was not her initial career choice, highlighting the complexity of her relationship with her talent during her formative years.
Family Tragedy and Responsibility
In 1987, Twain’s parents, Sharon Morrison and stepfather Jerry Twain, tragically died in a car accident, leaving her to raise her siblings at just 22. Twain took on enormous responsibilities, including chopping wood, washing clothes in a river, and coping with sleep deprivation. These challenges added to the pressure she faced as she navigated her early life and career. Her experiences during this time were transformative, ultimately shaping her resilience and determination.
The turning point in Twain’s life came with her breakthrough in the music industry, which drastically changed her circumstances. She moved from sleeping in cars to traveling first class, marking a complete turnaround in her lifestyle. Today, Twain fully embraces her life and career, reflecting on her journey with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for how far she has come.
Based on content from www.gala.de