Sarah Ann McLachlan OC OBC (born January 28, 1968) is a Canadian singer-songwriter celebrated for her emotive vocals, piano-driven pop-rock music, and philanthropic work. With a career spanning more than three decades, she has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and earned multiple Grammy and Juno Awards. Beyond her music, she founded the Lilith Fair tour, promoting female musicians and raising millions for charity.
Quick Facts About Sarah McLachlan
| Full Name | Sarah Ann McLachlan |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 28, 1968 |
| Age | 57 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Years Active | 1987–present |
| Genres | Pop-rock |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano, guitar, ukulele, harp |
| Website | sarahmclachlan.com |
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, McLachlan was adopted by Jack and Dorice McLachlan. She began music at a very young age, starting with the ukulele at four, then studying classical piano, guitar, and voice. While attending Queen Elizabeth High School, she fronted a short-lived rock band called The October Game, which led to a recording contract offer from Nettwerk.
Career Milestones
1987–1992: Touch and Solace
- Debut album Touch (1987) marked her entry into the music industry.
- Solace (1991) brought her mainstream recognition in Canada with hits like “The Path of Thorns (Terms)” and “Into the Fire.”
1993–2002: International Breakthrough
- Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (1993) established her global reputation.
- Surfacing (1997) became her best-selling album, earning two Grammys and four Junos, featuring hits like “Building a Mystery” and “Angel.”
- Founded Lilith Fair in 1997, an all-female music festival that raised over $7 million for charities.
- Released live album Mirrorball (1999), including the Grammy-winning live version of “I Will Remember You.”
2003–2006: Afterglow and Wintersong
- Afterglow (2003) debuted at No. 2 in the US and topped the Canadian charts.
- Wintersong (2006), a Christmas album, achieved Platinum status in the US and 3× Platinum in Canada.
2014–2020: Shine On and Wonderland
- Shine On (2014) inspired by the death of her father, earned a Juno for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year.
- Released second holiday album, Wonderland (2016), and promoted it through televised performances and holiday specials.
2023–Present: Better Broken and 30th Anniversary of Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
- Released her tenth studio album, Better Broken (2025), and announced the supporting Better Broken Tour.
- Celebrated the 30th anniversary of Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, highlighting her enduring influence in music.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Sarah McLachlan School of Music
- Founded in 2011, this free music school in Vancouver provides lessons to at-risk youth, later expanding to Edmonton in 2016.
Animal Welfare
- McLachlan is known for her iconic ASPCA commercials featuring “Angel”, raising over $30 million.
- Advocated for animal rights, including writing to the Canadian Prime Minister protesting the annual seal hunt.
Other Charitable Contributions
- Supported disaster relief, AIDS benefit albums, and youth arts programs.
- Participated in Live 8 and other high-profile charitable performances.
Awards and Achievements
- 3 Grammy Awards, 12 Juno Awards, Order of Canada, Order of British Columbia, and inductions into Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
- Honorary degrees from Simon Fraser University and University of Alberta.
- Recognized for contributions to music education and advocacy for women in music.
Discography (Studio Albums)
- Touch (1988)
- Solace (1991)
- Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (1993)
- Surfacing (1997)
- Afterglow (2003)
- Wintersong (2006)
- Laws of Illusion (2010)
- Shine On (2014)
- Wonderland (2016)
- Better Broken (2025)
Sarah McLachlan remains an enduring figure in music, combining artistic excellence with philanthropic impact. Her influence spans decades of recordings, live performances, and charitable initiatives, making her one of Canada’s most celebrated cultural icons.
