Dement, Iris (1961–)

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Dement, Iris (1961–)

American singer, songwriter and guitarist. Born Iris Luella DeMent, Jan 5, 1961, in Paragould, Arkansas; youngest of 14 children of Flora Mae DeMent; m. Elmer McCall (firefighter who became her road manager).

Noted for mix of country and folk music, moved to California with family at age 3; grew up singing gospel; attended college in Kansas City; moved to Nashville (1988); released debut album Infamous Angel to rave reviews (1992) and earned even higher praise for 2nd album My Life (1994); made acting debut in film Songcatcher (2001). Other albums include The Way I Should (1996).