Mary Gauthier

From New Orleans to Boston, then taking a curvy track into music, Mary Gauthier's life has been a sleek ride on a fast train. Picking up a guitar and putting down words to help reset her inner turmoil, she creates stories to help her "sort out confusion, untangle powerful emotions, and ward off desperation." Through the pain and dark storms come reflections on the tender aspects of our humanness. With a grainy voice reminiscent of John Prine's eloquence and pacing, she sings open-heartedly about love, and opening her heart to "navigate the powerful emotional weather systems of life.”

Creating 13 albums in the 26 years since she began songwriting at age 35, Gauthier has garnered high acclaim. With some heavy-hitters covering her songs, such as Jimmy Buffett and Little Feat, "Wheel Inside the Wheel," Blake Shelton, "I Drink," Boy George, as well as Kathy Mattea, "Mercy Now," her tunes have hit a wider audience than her folk roots. Gauthier laughs at herself, and her insecurities as a songwriter, which is the burden of all performers. Saying "My work is more of a ministry than a show business venture," her songs show the vulnerability of a seeker, and the wisdom of a sage.

The album Rifles and Rosary Beads was nominated for a Grammy for Best Folk Album, and was awarded the International Folk Music Award for Album of the Year and #1 Best Singer/Songwriter Album of 2018 by the LA Times. She has also been named the International Artist of the Year by the Americana Association UK, and the Best Folk/Singer-Songwriter by the Independent Music Awards.