There isn't much scope for musicians to come from Alaska; it's an unforgiving and cold terrain for much of its expanse, and has a population of considerably below one million. Out of that number came the singer Jewel. She was actually born in Utah, but she moved to Homer, Alaska, with her father after her parents separated. Her father was also a musician, and the two would often play together in local bars and clubs.
Growing up wasn't easy for Jewel - life as a jobbing musician didn't pay the bills, and her family home was often without water, heating, or electricity. A scholarship to go to an art academy in Michigan changed her life, and allowed her to experiment with her musical style, while being taught new techniques. By the time she emerged as a finely-polished graduate, she was ready to begin a career which has seen her sell more than forty million records.