Ruthie Foster is a singer-songwriter who explores a wide palette of American song forms—Blues, Gospel, Folk, Soul, and Jazz. She was born in Gause, Texas, where she was raised in a family of gospel singers. These influences, as well as her father’s love of blues and soul music, provided the basis for her all-encompassing approach to art. From her humble beginnings to a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy Band, Foster’s voice has taken her on a journey where, the artist says, “the one consistency in all my music is just the joy [...] that’s why I want you feeling and hearing.”


Foster’s last three albums have each been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Blues Album. She won seven Blues Music Awards, a Living Blues Critics’ Award for Female Blues Artist of the Year, three Austin Music Awards for Best Female Vocalist, and the Grand Prix du Disque award from the Académie Charles-Cros in France.


Portrait photo by John Carrico.