Country Pop Bites: Mary Chapin Carpenter – August 16

Did you know that on this day in Country Music History in 2000 Mary Chapin Carpenter sang "Why Walk When You Can Fly" during the Democratic National Convention at the Staples Center in Los Angeles?

It's true! It was  as the party nominated vice president Al Gore for president.

Check out this Mary Chapin Carpenter video!

Here are 5 interesting facts about Mary Chapin Carpenter.

• She grew up listening to The Mamas & the Papas, The Beatles and Judy Collins.
• When she was 16 her parents divorced, an event that affected her and that she wrote about in her song "House of Cards".
• She graduated from Brown University in 1981 with a degree in American Civilization.
• Throughout her career, she has actively supported various charities, including CARE and Habitat for Humanity, and has conducted fundraising concerts for such causes as the elimination of landmines.
• She was the author of a biweekly column in The Washington Times from December 2008 to March 2009 in which she discussed topics related to music and politics.