Lynette Diaz (born 1969) is an American-born singer-songwriter living in

Wellington Wellington ( mi, Te Whanganui-a-Tara or ) is the capital city of New Zealand. It is located at the south-western tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range. Wellington is the second-largest city in New Zealand by m ...

, New Zealand. Her song "Living Before Dying" was awarded an Honorable Mention at the 2008 Peacedriven Songwriting Contest and also at the 12th Annual Unisong Songwriting Competition.

Early life

Diaz, who is of Mexican descent, was born in

Colorado Colorado (, other variants) is a state in the Mountain states, Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It encompasses most of the Southern Rocky Mountains, as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the wes ...

, United States. She subsequently attended school in

New Mexico ) , population_demonym = New Mexican ( es, Neomexicano, Neomejicano, Nuevo Mexicano) , seat = Santa Fe, New Mexico, Santa Fe , LargestCity = Albuquerque, New Mexico, Albuquerque , LargestMetro = Albuquerque metropolitan area, Tiguex , Offi ...

where she graduated in 1987.

Career in music

Diaz released her first CD ''Lyrics in My Head'' in 2008. The album received critical acclaim and was added to radio playlists. Diaz performed and promoted the album in New Zealand, and also in the United States. One song, "Living Before Dying", was lifted from the album and entered in the 2008 Peacedriven Songwriting Contest. Facing more than 400 entrants, Diaz was awarded an Honorable Mention. The same song was also entered in the social/political song category at the 12th Annual Unisong Songwriting Contest. Once again, "Living Before Dying" was awarded an Honorable Mention. Diaz also took time out from recording her album to perform at a charity event to raise funds for the

RSPCA The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is a charity operating in England and Wales that promotes animal welfare. The RSPCA is funded primarily by voluntary donations. Founded in 1824, it is the oldest and largest a ...

. Among her many influences, Diaz cites

Patty Griffin Patricia Jean Griffin (born March 16, 1964) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician.Griffin, Patrici She is a vocalist and plays guitar and piano. She is known for her stripped-down songwriting style in the folk music genre. Her songs ha ...

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Carole King Carole King Klein (born Carol Joan Klein; February 9, 1942) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who has been active since 1958, initially as one of the staff songwriters at 1650 Broadway and later as a solo artist. Regarded as one o ...

and

Brandi Carlile Brandi Marie Carlile ( ; born June 1, 1981) is an American singer-songwriter and producer whose music spans many genres, including folk rock, alternative country, Americana, and classic rock. , Carlile has released seven studio albums. She has ...

. Her next release will include a tribute to American poet

Emily Dickinson Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (December 10, 1830 – May 15, 1886) was an American poet. Little-known during her life, she has since been regarded as one of the most important figures in American poetry. Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massac ...

. Diaz previously hosted the New Zealand radio programme FemAcoustica on Plains FM 96.9. In 2019, Diaz was awarded an inaugural Women's Fund Award by the Christchurch Foundation, in recognition of her fostering of women empowerment.

Videography

"Ticket to Ride" / "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away""Natural Thing To Do""Easier That Way""Once Again – Original (Manuka Hunnies)""Heartbreak and Hurt (Be Damned)"

References

External links

Lynette Diaz
at Facebook {{DEFAULTSORT:Diaz, Lynette 1969 births Living people American women singers American musicians of Mexican descent Hispanic and Latino American musicians New Zealand women singer-songwriters New Zealand singer-songwriters Singers from New Mexico Musicians from Wellington 21st-century New Zealand women singers 21st-century American women