Sixpence None The Richer
Sixpence None The Richer emerged from the early 1990s alternative Christian music scene to achieve mainstream pop success, becoming one of the defining "one-hit wonder" acts of the late 1990s with their ubiquitous single "Kiss Me." Formed in New Braunfels, Texas in 1992, the band's core and most recognizable lineup centered on the creative partnership of vocalist Leigh Nash and guitarist Matt Slocum. Their name, an allusion to a passage from C.S. Lewis's book "Mere Christianity," hinted at the spiritual undercurrents in their early work. They released their independent debut, "The Fatherless and the Widow," in 1994, which established their signature blend of ethereal pop and introspective lyricism.
The band's major breakthrough arrived with their self-titled second album, released in 1997 on the Squint Entertainment label. The album's lead single, "Kiss Me," became a slow-burning sensation throughout 1998. Its whimsical, romantic charm and Nash's distinctive, breathy vocals made it an inescapable fixture on radio and MTV, and it was prominently featured in the hit teen romantic comedy She's All That and on the television series Dawson's Creek. The song propelled the album to platinum status and turned Sixpence None The Richer into international stars. A follow-up single, a cover of The La's "There She Goes," also became a top 40 hit, further cementing their place in the pop landscape.
Despite this commercial peak, internal and label struggles led to a long hiatus after the release of their 2002 album "Divine Discontent," which included the modest hit "Breathe Your Name." The band officially disbanded in 2004, with Leigh Nash embarking on a solo career and Matt Slocum focusing on other projects. However, the pull of their collaboration proved strong, and the core duo reunited in 2008, releasing a new album, "Lost in Transition," in 2012. They continued to tour periodically, celebrating the legacy of "Kiss Me" while introducing their broader catalog to new audiences. The band's journey, marked by a sudden, intense flash of pop fame and a more enduring commitment to their artistic partnership, solidified their status as a beloved act whose influence extended far beyond their one massive hit.