David Gilmour discovered her.
I started listening to her music in college when most of my friends were focused on metal/hair. They didn't know what to think when they heard her sing, but many of them ended up buying her music. She has a truly unique voice and incredible range.
I always like the band Renaissance, and until I heard Kate Bush, Annie Haslam was, by far, my favorite singer. Naturally, my friends at the time were not fans, and referred to the music as "church" music. This opinion lasted only until they had "heightened their awareness" and put the head phones on to listen.
I just ordered a couple CD's of Bush and Haslam from Amazon as a Christmas present to myself. This was a good thread. :^)