Sam Phillips (Musician)

The Turning helped Phillips secure a secular record deal. Continuing to work with Burnett, whom she later married, she recorded the psychedelic pop album The Indescribable Wow under her childhood nickname, Sam. The album received widespread critical acclaim but weak sales, a problem that would follow her throughout her career. Nearly all of her albums have been considered excellent, but she has never managed to break through commercially. She is a beloved cult artist, counting TV producer Amy Sherman-Palladino among her fans, who has employed Phillips to score shows like The Gilmore Girls, Bunheads, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Phillips also had a prominent non-speaking role in Die Hard With a Vengeance, playing Katya, the girlfriend and henchwoman of villain Simon Gruber. Her critically acclaimed albums include Martinis & Bikinis (1994) and Fan Dance (2001). She continues to be an influential figure in music and television scoring, with a career spanning decades. At 64, she remains a distinctive voice in the industry, known for her slim build and blonde hair, and her work continues to resonate with a dedicated audience.