Amy Lynn Hartzler, better known as Amy Lee, was born on December 13, 1981, in Riverside, California. She is an American singer, songwriter, and classically trained pianist, widely recognized as the powerful voice and creative force behind the Grammy Award-winning rock band Evanescence. Growing up in a musical household, Lee began composing music at an early age and was deeply influenced by both classical music and cinematic scores. By her early teens, she had co-founded Evanescence, a band that would go on to become a defining presence in early 2000s alternative rock.
Evanescence’s breakout debut album, Fallen (2003), catapulted Lee to international fame with hits like “Bring Me to Life” and “My Immortal.” The album sold over 17 million copies globally and earned her two Grammy Awards, establishing her haunting mezzo-soprano vocals and gothic aesthetic as iconic within the rock scene. Amy’s talents stretch beyond her band work—she has composed music for independent films such as War Story (2014) and explored a more whimsical side with her 2016 children’s album Dream Too Much. Known for her artistic integrity and emotional depth, Lee also uses her platform to advocate for epilepsy awareness, serving as the American chairperson for the Out of the Shadows campaign. Through her evolving music, visual storytelling, and advocacy, Amy Lee continues to inspire a generation of fans and artists alike.