This band's melodic indie pop shot into the mainstream on the back of 1999's bestselling single "Kiss Me'. Sixpence None The Richer, whose name was inspired by a passage of text in C.S. Lewis" Mere Christianity, was founded by vocalist Leigh Nash (b. Leigh Bingham, 27 June 1976, New Braunfels, Texas, USA) and guitarist and songwriter Matt Slocum (b. 27 December 1972, New Braunfels, Texas, USA). Bingham and Slocum first met at a church meeting in their native New Braunfels in the late 80s. They formed Sixpence None The Richer, although Slocum continued to play guitar with another Texas-based band, Love Coma. The duo recorded a four-track demo with bass player T.J. Behling, which led to a contract with REX Music.
Sixpence None The Richer's 1993 debut, The Fatherless And The Widow, was recorded with the help of Behling and Love Coma drummer Chris Dodds, and drew acclaim for Slocum's highly literate, quasi-religious lyrics and Bingham's expressive vocals. The following year the band toured extensively throughout Europe and America with new drummer Dale Baker (b. 29 June 1966) and rhythm guitarist Tess Wiley (ex-Nothing In Return), including a prestigious opening slot for 10,000 Maniacs. Bass player J.J. Plasencio joined in 1995 to help record This Beautiful Messand the EP Tickets For A Prayer Wheel. A move to Nashville followed, although the collapse of REX Music and the departure of Wiley and Plasencio delayed sessions for a new album. Leigh Bingham became Leigh Nash after marrying in May 1996.