Elizabeth Clark Phair is an American rock singer-songwriter and musician, born April 17, 1967, in New Haven, Connecticut, and raised near Chicago. After graduating from Oberlin College, she began her music career by self-releasing tapes as Girly-Sound, which led to her signing with Matador Records. Her critically acclaimed 1993 debut album, Exile in Guyville, is frequently listed among the greatest albums in rock history. She went on to release notable albums such as Whip-Smart, which brought her a Grammy nomination, and Whitechocolatespaceegg. Later, she shifted toward a more pop-influenced sound on her self-titled 2003 album, reaching a wider audience with the hit single Why Can't I. Continuing to evolve, she released additional albums including Somebody's Miracle, Funstyle, and Soberish. Phair has sold over three million records worldwide and remains a significant figure in alternative and indie rock.