Vocalist/guitarist Sue Foley was born in Ottawa, Canada, and lives in Austin, Texas, and she has made fans from North to South. Sadly few women have made it as blazing guitarists. Happily, Foley has managed to buck that sexist trend. Coupled with her powerful voice, her inspired guitar makes her a Blueswoman well worth hearing.
During her Canadian childhood, listened to Blues/Rock like The Rolling Stones, but didn't get excited about the Blues part of that until she heard James Cotton when she was 15. It was the guitar, not Cotton's Blues harp, that attracted her. Natural talent made her welcome, jamming with Ottawa area band when she was a teen and twenty-something.
-dOo
After a move to Vancouver in the 1980s, Foley formed her first band. She sent a demo tape to Antone's Records that earned her a contract and a move to Austin, Texas in 1992. Many albums and several different labels followed. Sue has become known for her collaborations with other top artists like The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Lou Ann Barton, Deborah Coleman, Roxanne Potvin and Peter Karp.
Sue has won many accolades including two Juno Awards (think Canadian Grammy), three Trophees de Blues de France, and a record 17 Maple Blues Awards. Whether alone or teamed up, Foley delivers with both vocals and guitar. Much more success for Sue Foley and more great music for us is my prediction.
