Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival in the early 1980s, performing original contemporary folk songs in Greenwich Village clubs while accompanying herself on acoustic guitar. After her self-titled debut album was released in 1985 on A&M Records, following rejections from every major label. It sold one million copies worldwide, establishing her as a significant songwriter of her generation. Her 1987 album Solitude Standing achieved platinum status and included the hit "Luka," which reached number three on the American pop charts and earned three Grammy nominations. Throughout the 1990s, Vega collaborated with producer Mitchell Froom on experimental albums including 99.9F and Nine Objects of Desire. She is also recognized as the "Mother of the MP3" after her recording of "Tom's Diner" was used to develop the MP3 compression algorithm. Known for emotionally direct performances, Vega has maintained an active recording and touring career spanning decades.