Born into a life of poverty in Timmins, Ontario, Shania Twain faced immense hardships as her family struggled financially. With her stepfather working a low-paying job and her mother battling depression, hope for a brighter future seemed distant. As one of five siblings, Shania learned early on about the harsh realities of life, finding solace in her singing.
Starting her performances in bars at a young age, Shania briefly escaped her difficult circumstances. However, she soon became the primary caregiver for her younger siblings, deepening her understanding of the struggles of low-income living, often going without basic necessities like food and heat.
Attending school without lunch highlighted the stark contrast between her life and that of her classmates. To avoid embarrassment, she would claim her lunch was in her locker. Music became her refuge, and she often retreated to the woods with her guitar to find comfort in her melodies.
Recognizing her talent, Shania’s mother began taking her to local bars to perform when she was eight, usually late at night when patrons were already drinking. By eleven, she had a special permit to sing earlier, and at fourteen, she started earning money, coinciding with a job at McDonald’s, which she called her “saving grace” for providing both income and regular meals. Balancing school, work, and performances was exhausting, but her passion for music kept her going. As her siblings gained independence, Shania focused on her musical career, recording a demo and seeking record deals. Her persistence paid off when Mercury Nashville signed her, launching her debut album and expanding her reach.
Soon after, she met a renowned music producer who became both her collaborator and husband. Their partnership significantly shaped her sound and propelled her career to new heights, allowing her music to resonate with a broader audience.
Despite her rising success, Shania faced a major challenge when she began to lose her voice, eventually being diagnosed with Lyme disease a decade later, which had affected her vocal cords. After taking a long break and undergoing surgery, she returned to music with a new, raspy voice, grateful to have it back despite the changes.