Michelle Jacquet DeSevren Branch (named after the song "Michelle" by The Beatles) was born in Phoenix, Arizona, United States on the 2nd of July, 1983. She is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist.

She received a guitar from her parents for her 14th birthday. Three years later, after sending a demo tape to Hanson and opening for them on tour, had signed a deal with Maverick Records. She subsequently had four top ten hits. The inspiration for writing her own songs can be found by The Beatles and other bands. Songs like "Something to Sleep To" are musically inspired by The Beatles.

She made her debut in 2000 and released the platinum-selling albums The Spirit Room and Hotel Paper in later years.

The Spirit Room was released in 2001. The album, which was produced by John Shanks (Melissa Etheridge, Chris Isaak), was an immediate hit. The Spirit Room sold 2.5 million copies and earned Branch a Grammy and an MTV Viewer’s Choice Award. The album also spawned three top ten hits.

Michelle performed a duet with Carlos Santana on the album Shaman. The single “The Game of Love” became an international hit. On June 23, 2003, Branch released her second album, Hotel Paper.

In 2004 she formed the band The Wreckers with fellow musician Jessica Harp. Their album "Stand Still Look Pretty" was also released on Maverick Records, although the Wreckers' country sound shocked many of Branch's old fans.