Inspired by her father who has also a struggling musician, Murphy first got her musical influences during grade school while singing backup for her dad. Eventually, as the years progressed, the Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen albums became the all time favorites in her collection as would the subject of Philosophy -- so much so that Murphy received a BA in that subject. Deciding that the career of a musician beats the strain of getting a real job any day, Murphy began performing at local gigs in her hometown and released her first record Crooked Mile in 1997 all by herself. With a hefty touring schedule that followed in the same year throughout the United States, Europe, and a week on the acclaimed Lilith Fair, Murphy's storytelling like song structure became internationally known. This lead to her follow-up Rubies on the Lawn in 1999. ~ Mike DaRonco