Harvey, P(olly) J(ean) (1969- )

English rock singer and songwriter. Known for her original, stark, punk-inspired style, she was influential in the alternative music boom of the 1990s. She released albums as a member of her self-named trio and as a solo artist. In 2001 she became the first female recipient of the UK's prestigious Mercury Prize, for her band's album Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea (2000).

At the age of 21 she formed the band PJ Harvey with bass player Steve Vaughn and drummer Robert Ellis. Their acclaimed debut EP, Dress, released in 1991, led to a contract with indie label Too Pure. Their first full-length album, Dry, was released the following year in the UK and USA. Their second album, Rid of Me (1993), was produced by Nirvana producer Steve Albini. Her solo albums include To Bring You My Love (1995) and Is That Desire (1998), of which the latter was more convoluted and disturbing in tone. After reuniting with former band members, she released Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea, inspired by living in New York City. She released Uh Huh Her in 2004.

She grew up on a sheep farm in Yeovil, Somerset, in England.