DeMENT, IRIS
(*1961)
DeMENT, IRIS (b. Paragould, Ark., 1961) A kind of backwoods NANCI GRIFFITH, DeMent is another folk-styled SINGER/SONGWRITER who has been lumped into the new country category. DeMent was born in rural Arkansas, to a farm family who moved to southern California when she was just three. Both parents were deeply religious, singing in the church choir and allowing only GOSPEL music to be played around the house. DeMent recalls, My parents pretty much stuck to gospel music. If JOHNNY CASH did a…