Ruthie Foster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruthie Foster
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Foster performing at The Living Room in New York City; January 24, 2007
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| Background information | |
| Born | February 10, 1964 Gause, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres | Blues, folk, gospel blues |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Labels | Blue Corn Music, M.O.D. Records |
| Associated acts | The Blind Boys of Alabama, Warren Haynes Band |
Ruthie Cecelia Foster (born February 10, 1964) is an American singer and songwriter. She is known for her blues and folk music. Ruthie mixes many American music styles, like gospel, blues, jazz, folk, and soul. People often compare her to famous singers like Bonnie Raitt and Aretha Franklin. Ruthie Foster has been nominated for several Grammy Awards for her amazing albums.
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Ruthie Foster's Early Life and Music Journey
Ruthie Foster grew up in Gause, Texas. Her family was full of gospel singers. When she was just fourteen, Ruthie was a soloist in her hometown choir. She knew then that music would be her future.
After high school, Ruthie moved to Waco, Texas. She studied music and audio engineering at McLennan Community College. There, she started singing in a blues band. This helped her learn how to perform on stage in Texas bars.
Ruthie wanted to travel and see more of the world. So, she joined the United States Navy. She sang in the Navy band called Pride. They played pop and funk songs at events to encourage people to join the Navy.
After her time in the Navy, Ruthie moved to New York City. She often performed at local folk music places. A record company, Atlantic Records, noticed her talent. They offered her a deal to become a pop star. But Ruthie was more interested in American roots music, which she loved since childhood.
In 1993, Ruthie's mother became ill. Ruthie left New York and her record deal. She went back to Texas to be with her family. She worked at a TV station while caring for her mother. Her mother passed away in 1996.
Ruthie Foster's Music Career
In 1997, Ruthie Foster released her first album, Full Circle. It was a success and led to her working with the record label Blue Corn Music.
Blue Corn Music released many of her albums. These include Crossover (1999), Runaway Soul (2002), and Stages (2004), which had live songs. She then released Heal Yourself in 2006. Her album The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster came out in 2008.
Grammy Nominations and Awards
In 2009, Blue Corn released The Truth According to Ruthie Foster. This album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album.
Another live album, Live At Antone's, came out in 2011. In 2012, she released Let It Burn. This album featured special guests like The Blind Boys of Alabama. Let It Burn earned Ruthie her second Grammy nomination, this time for Best Blues Album. It also helped her win many Blues Music Awards.
Ruthie has won many awards over the years. She has been nominated for three Grammy Awards in total. She has won the Blues Music Awards multiple times for Best Female Vocalist. She also won DVD of the Year for Live At Antone's. In 2013, she was named Best Female Vocalist at the Austin Music Awards. In 2016, she won the Koko Taylor Award for Best Traditional Female Blues Artist.
Performances and Collaborations
In 2012, Ruthie performed with the Allman Brothers Band at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. She sang on four songs, including "The Weight". She has also toured with The Blind Boys of Alabama and Warren Haynes. She appeared on Warren Haynes' album Man In Motion.
Ruthie performed at the Texas State Society's Presidential Inauguration Ball in January 2013. She continues to tour all over the world. Her shows have taken her across the U.S., Italy, Germany, Spain, and Cuba.
In 2017, Ruthie released her album Joy Comes Back. It included songs with other artists, like Derek Trucks. After Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, Ruthie helped in a benefit concert. Famous artists like Bonnie Raitt and Willie Nelson were also there. In 2018, Ruthie performed at Carnegie Hall. She also received a US Artists' fellowship award, which came with $50,000 to support her music.
Ruthie Foster's album Mileage was nominated for a 2025 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album.
Ruthie Foster's Albums
- Full Circle (1997)
- Crossover (1999)
- Runaway Soul (2002)
- Stages (2004)
- The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster (2007)
- The Truth According to Ruthie Foster (2009)
- Live at Antone's (2011)
- Let It Burn (2012)
- Promise of a Brand New Day (2014)
- Joy Comes Back (2017)
- Live at the Paramount (2020)
- Healing Time (2022)
- Mileage (2024)
Awards and Honors for Ruthie Foster
- 2010 Blues Music Awards Winner – Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year
- 2010 Living Blues Critics' Poll Winner – Blues Artist of the Year (Female)
- 2011 Blues Music Awards Winner – Koko Taylor Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year
- 2012 Blues Music Awards Winner – Koko Taylor Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year
- 2012 Blues Music Awards Winner – DVD of the Year for Live at Antone's
- 2013 Blues Music Awards Winner – Koko Taylor Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year
- 2015 Blues Music Awards Winner – Koko Taylor Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year
- 2016 Blues Music Awards Winner – Koko Taylor Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year
- 2018 US Artists Fellowship Award
- 2018 Blues Music Award Winner – Koko Taylor Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year
- 2019 Texas Music Hall of Fame Inductee (Austin Music Awards)
- 2019 Blues Music Award Winner – Koko Taylor Award (Traditional Blues Female)
- 2023 Blues Music Award Winner – Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year
See also
In Spanish: Ruthie Foster para niños
