Justin Vernon is an American indie folk singer-songwriter who founded the band Bon Iver. He was born in 1981 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and studied Religious Studies and Women's Studies in college. Bon Iver was founded in 2007 in Medford, Wisconsin, taking its name from the French phrase "bon hiver" meaning "good winter." The band has released several successful albums including For Emma, Forever Ago in 2008 featuring the popular song "Skinny Love." Vernon has received several Grammy nominations for his work with Bon Iver.