Gillian Welch is a revered figure in American folk music, acclaimed for her starkly poetic songwriting and deep roots in the bluegrass and Americana traditions. Born on October 2, 1967, in New York City and adopted into a musical family, she attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, before moving to Boston to attend the Berklee College of Music. It was there she met her long-time musical partner, guitarist David Rawlings. Together, they have forged a distinct musical path, characterized by their intimate harmonies and a timeless sound that honors traditional music while infusing it with a modern sensibility.

Welch's career took off with her 1996 debut album, "Revival," produced by the legendary T Bone Burnett, and quickly established her as a new voice with an old soul. Over the years, she has released a series of critically lauded albums, including "Hell Among the Yearlings" and the Grammy Award-winning "Time (The Revelator)." Her influence spread beyond the folk and bluegrass scenes, notably with her contributions to the soundtrack of the Coen Brothers’ film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" which brought traditional American music to a broader audience.

In recent years, Welch has delved into her archives with the "Boots No. 2" series, releasing a trove of previously recorded but unreleased songs that reinforce her status as a guardian of American roots music. Her collaboration with Rawlings remains central to her work, evident in the stripped-down renditions of "All The Good Times," a collection of covers and traditional songs recorded at home, showcasing the warmth and depth of their partnership. Unadorned and profoundly connected to the rich tapestry of American music, Gillian Welch's artistry resonates with an authenticity and earnestness that continues to captivate listeners around the world.

Genres

Alternative Country

Canadian Singer-songwriter

Folk

Melancholia

Nashville Singer-songwriter

New Americana

Progressive Bluegrass

Singer-songwriter

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David Rawlings

Latest Release

Woodland

Gillian Welch•

David Rawlings

Album - 10 Tracks - Released August 23, 2024