Allison Russell

Allison Russell is a Montreal-born, Nashville-based Canadian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actress, and activist whose work spans roots, folk, Americana, and soul. Before launching her solo music career, Russell performed with groups including Po' Girl, Birds of Chicago, Our Native Daughters, and Sisters of the Strawberry Moon. As a member of Our Native Daughters, alongside Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Amythyst Kiah, Russell developed her craft and established a presence in contemporary roots music.

Russell's solo debut, "Outside Child," released by Fantasy Records, explores her experiences of childhood trauma and recovery. The album features banjo, clarinet, acoustic guitar, and harmonies supporting her expressive vocals. "Outside Child" has received critical acclaim, earning multiple Grammy Award nominations, the Juno Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year, the Americana Music Association's Album of the Year Award, International Folk Music Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and UK Americana Music Awards. Russell performed "Nightflyer" with Brandi Carlile and Brittney Spencer on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and has appeared at the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Her second solo album, "The Returner," received four Grammy Award nominations, including Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song, and Best Americana Performance for the title track. The single "Eve Was Black" won the Grammy Award for Best American Roots Performance. "The Returner" was also a finalist for the Polaris Music Prize. Russell has accumulated eight Grammy nominations and one win, along with honors from the Americana Awards, Juno Awards, International Folk Music Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and UK Americana Awards. She joined Hozier's Unreal Unearth tour in the United States and Europe, and their duet "Wildflower & Barley" marked her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

Russell's work extends beyond music. She provided the voice of Teddi Barra in the Country Bear Musical Jamboree at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom and made her Broadway debut as Persephone in Anaïs Mitchell's "Hadestown." She has performed with the Kronos Quartet, including a rendition of Bob Dylan's "A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall" at The University of Chicago.

As an activist, Russell advocates for inclusion and social justice. She curated the Once and Future Sounds set at Newport Folk Festival and co-founded Love Rising, which has raised significant funds for LGBTQIA+ communities. Russell is also working on a memoir chronicling her personal history and artistic journey. Russell is recognized for her contributions to roots music, activism, and storytelling.