Forgotten 1970s Singer Shira Small Finds New Fame After Decades

Her lone 1974 album is now being featured in a new A24 film, introducing her music to a new generation.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:21pm

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Shira Small was just 17 years old when she recorded her only album, 'The Line of Time and the Plane of Now,' in 1974. After struggling with stage fright, she walked away from music to pursue a career in medicine. But decades later, Small's hauntingly beautiful folk songs are finding new life, with her track 'I Want to Lay With You' being featured in the opening credits of the new A24 film 'The Drama.' Now nearly 70, Small is finally getting her moment in the spotlight and is even working on new music of her own.

Why it matters

Shira Small's story is a testament to the enduring power of music and the unpredictable ways in which forgotten artists can find new audiences decades later. Her album, recorded when she was just a teenager, has developed a cult following, with songs like 'Eternal Life' and 'I Want to Lay With You' resonating with listeners today. Small's journey also highlights the challenges many artists face, from stage fright to the difficulty of balancing creative pursuits with practical concerns.

The details

In 1974, the then-17-year-old Shira Small recorded her only album, 'The Line of Time and the Plane of Now,' at a Philadelphia studio in just one day. The 10 folk, soul, and jazz-influenced songs on the album, featuring Small's lilting vocals, were the result of her senior project at the private Quaker boarding school she attended on a full scholarship. After graduation, Small struggled to find her footing, eventually becoming a physician assistant and walking away from music due to debilitating stage fright. But decades later, Small's album has found new life, with her song 'I Want to Lay With You' being featured in the opening credits of the new A24 film 'The Drama.' Small, now nearly 70, is finally getting her moment in the spotlight and has even started working on new music of her own.

  • In 1974, Shira Small recorded her only album, 'The Line of Time and the Plane of Now,' as her senior project at George School.
  • In 2022, the Numero Group reissued Small's album digitally.
  • In 2023, the Numero Group reissued Small's album on vinyl.
  • In 2026, Small's song 'I Want to Lay With You' is featured in the opening credits of the new A24 film 'The Drama'.

The players

Shira Small

A singer-songwriter who recorded one album, 'The Line of Time and the Plane of Now,' in 1974 when she was 17 years old. After struggling with stage fright, she walked away from music to pursue a career in medicine, but decades later her songs are finding new audiences.

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, an archival record label that first brought attention to Small's 1974 album by including her song 'Eternal Life' on a compilation in 2006.

Jemma Burns

The music supervisor for the new A24 film 'The Drama,' who chose to feature Small's song 'I Want to Lay With You' in the opening credits.

Kristoffer Borgli

The writer and director of the new A24 film 'The Drama,' who wanted to use Small's song to set the tone for the film.

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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

“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 now plotting out a new album and has some shows lined up, marking her return to music after decades away. She is also working on figuring out how to hit the higher register from her youth on her old songs.

The takeaway

Shira Small's story is a powerful reminder that great art can endure, even when an artist steps away from their creative pursuits. Her lone 1974 album has found new life decades later, introducing her hauntingly beautiful folk songs to a new generation of listeners and proving that music has a way of finding its audience, no matter how long it takes.