Fiona Apple (Fiona Apple McAfee Maggart, born September 13, 1977) is an American singer-songwriter. Her albums, Tidal (1996), When the Pawn (1999), and Extraordinary Machine (2005), have sold over five million copies worldwide. Born in Manhattan, New York, United States, Apple made her break into the music industry when a friend, who babysat for a record executive, handed her employer a demo. Apple's husky voice, nimble piano skills, and mature lyrics got the attention of Sony executive Andy Slater, who signed her to a record deal.