Forgotten 1970s Folk Singer Shira Small's Song Featured in New A24 Film

After recording just one album as a teenager, Small's music is finally getting recognition decades later.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering gold sequins, capturing the luxurious textures and dramatic lighting of high-end fashion photography to conceptually represent the rediscovery and renewed appreciation for a forgotten musical artist.The rediscovery of Shira Small's forgotten 1970s folk album shines a spotlight on the enduring power of overlooked musical talents.NYC Today

In 1974, Shira Small recorded a folk album called 'The Line of Time and the Plane of Now' when she was just 17 years old. The album, which mixed folk, soul, and jazz, was a one-day recording session funded by her high school. After graduation, Small walked away from music to pursue a career in medicine, but her songs never went away. Now nearly 70, Small is finally getting her moment in the spotlight as her song 'I Want to Lay With You' is featured prominently in the opening of the new A24 film 'The Drama'.

Why it matters

Small's story highlights the challenges faced by many talented but overlooked musicians, especially women, in the 1970s. Despite the acclaim her album has received decades later, Small struggled to find success and recognition in the music industry at the time. Her journey also speaks to the enduring power of music to find its audience, even years or decades later.

The details

Small recorded her album 'The Line of Time and the Plane of Now' in 1974 while attending the private Quaker boarding school George School in Pennsylvania on a full scholarship. The 10 songs, each recorded in a single take, showcase Small's lilting folk-influenced vocals and songwriting. After graduating, Small walked away from music to focus on a medical career, citing debilitating stage fright. But her album never disappeared, gaining new fans decades later when it was included on the 2006 compilation 'Wayfaring Strangers: Ladies From the Canyon' and later reissued digitally and on vinyl.

  • In 1974, Shira Small recorded her album 'The Line of Time and the Plane of Now' at age 17.
  • In 2006, Small's song 'Eternal Life' was included on the 'Wayfaring Strangers: Ladies From the Canyon' compilation.
  • In 2013, the Numero Group put Small's song 'Eternal Life' on Spotify.
  • In 2022, the Numero Group released Small's full album digitally.
  • In 2023, the Numero Group reissued Small's album on vinyl.

The players

Shira Small

A singer-songwriter who recorded a folk album in 1974 at age 17, before walking away from music to pursue a career in medicine. Now nearly 70, Small is finally getting recognition for her music.

Lars Clutterham

Small's music teacher and classical pianist at George School, who worked with her on the songs for her 1974 album.

Ken Shipley

The co-founder of the Numero Group, the record label that first brought attention to Small's music by including her song 'Eternal Life' on their 'Wayfaring Strangers: Ladies From the Canyon' compilation in 2006.

Jemma Burns

The music supervisor for the A24 film 'The Drama', who selected Small's song 'I Want to Lay With You' to play during the opening credits.

Kristoffer Borgli

The writer and director of the A24 film 'The Drama', who chose Small's song to set the tone for the film's opening scene.

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What they’re saying

“I'm cracking up, because I had no idea whatsoever that that movie was coming out until my dear sister informed me via you.”

— Shira Small, Singer-songwriter

“He was trying to set up the rom-com tone, one that would contrast with the modernity of the setting and where the film goes. He wanted something that was from a bygone era, but also something that felt disarmingly charming.”

— Jemma Burns, Music Supervisor, 'The Drama'

“Music finds a way. Music's like water. It's going to get down the creek into the river into the ocean. It's going to find its audience.”

— Ken Shipley, Co-founder, Numero Group

What’s next

Small is currently working on a new album, her first in over 50 years, and has some live performances scheduled as she continues to embrace her musical comeback later in life.

The takeaway

Shira Small's story is a testament to the enduring power of art and the importance of preserving and celebrating overlooked creative voices, even decades after they first emerged. Her journey shows how music can find its way to new audiences over time, and how an artist's core passion and vision can transcend the challenges of their era.