by: Anthony Violanti; Gusto page 26
Natalie Merchant is staying busy since she left Jamestown's 10,000 Maniacs. Merchant collaborated with R.E.M. for the single Photograph on the Born to Choose album. On Feb. 10, Merchant will appear at Carnegie Hall along with Paul Simon, Philip Glass, Richie Havens and others in a benefit for the Tibet House of New York City. Merchant's lead vocal on 10,000 Maniacs' Because the Night has become a huge hit. The song was written by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith and was a hit in 1978. "I was 13 and too young to have my own money to buy Patti Smith records, but my stepsister went out and bought the 45," Merchant told Billboard magazine. "It was intriguing."