Sheryl Crow, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, is scaling back her music career to focus on her two sons. In a Variety cover story published April 30, the 63-year-old artist shared why she refuses to return to full-time work while her children are still at home.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Crow, mother to adopted sons Wyatt, 18, and Levi, 15, emphasized her commitment to family. "I'm too selfish to want to miss any time with them," she told Variety. With Wyatt set to leave for college next year, Crow feels time is fleeting. "My 18-year-old was just born," she said.
She plans to resume full-time work once Levi also leaves home. For now, Crow balances selective performances with parenting.
In September, she will join Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan for select dates on the Outlaw Music Festival. She declined a full tour, noting her sons "don't want to go on the road."
Balancing Music and Motherhood
Crow's love for music remains strong. "I have an acute connection to joy when I'm playing," she said. Yet, her sons' needs come first. In a March 2023 appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Crow revealed her teenagers find her "cringey" at times, especially on platforms like TikTok. Still, they enjoy her music.
She shared that her song "Alarm Clock" from her latest record resonated with Levi, inspired by their shared aversion to mornings.
However, another track, "Broken Record," drew vetoes from her sons. "They were like, 'Mom, you can not put that on your record,'" Crow recounted.
Nurturing Musical Talents
Both Wyatt and Levi are musically gifted, Crow told PEOPLE at the 2023 MusiCares Gala. She encourages their talents, insisting on piano lessons despite their protests. Levi, in particular, has a "great ear" and plays well, she noted. However, he aspires to become a marine biologist, a goal Crow supports. "I'm happy for him to go save the reefs," she said.
Wyatt, meanwhile, is more energetic, leaping out of bed each morning, unlike his mother and brother. Crow's pride in her sons' individuality shines through, even as she navigates their teenage critiques.
As she prepares for her upcoming festival performances, her focus remains clear: family first, music second. Fans can expect Crow's triumphant return to the stage once her nest is empty.
