Home
My new album “Just Say Yes” will be out on Aug 28th on Sun Records! Listen to 1st single “Thank You” and pre-order/pre-save the album now
Home
My new album “Just Say Yes” will be out on Aug 28th on Sun Records! Listen to 1st single “Thank You” and pre-order/pre-save the album now
About
About
Ruthie Foster still remembers sitting in front of the TV in the Seventies, trying to convince her brother and sister to watch the Grammy Awards. On the screen, formative heroes like Janis Ian and Roberta Flack would take the stage, teaching Foster what was possible.
“I’m amazed at how I got to this place,” Foster says. Just last year, the blues legend took home her first-ever Grammy, winning Best Contemporary Blues Album for her album Mileage. The award was a long time coming for the star, who has been hustling to make a life as an artist possible for over three decades. Foster was first signed to a major label after completing her tour of duty as part of the US Navy. She then abandoned music in 1993 to help take care of her mom who had fallen ill. Shortly after her mother’s death, the singer decided to find a path back to music as an independent artist.
“I wrote this thing on a sticky note and it just said ‘Just say yes,’” she recalls. That little note-to-self stuck with Foster as she re-pursued her dream. She has that sticky note to thank for all that’s come after, so she’s honoring it with her latest album Just Say Yes (out August 28 via Sun Records).
Just Say Yes follows Foster in another moment of transition. Last year, she blew out her meniscus while running to catch a flight and needed to get knee surgery in December. The injury and subsequent recovery have put much of Foster’s life into perspective; she’s made adjustments to her live show to make sure she doesn’t put too much strain on her body.
“It’s not just about age. It’s really about the miles I’ve put on,” she says. “Every step matters.”
Foster decided to take advantage of her winter break from touring by planning a week in Nashville to record before getting her knee surgery. She reunited with her Mileage collaborators Tyler Bryant and his wife Rebecca Lovell (of Larkin Poe) in Nashville, staying at an AirBnB near their house so she could work out of Bryant’s new studio.
“I consider them my people,” Foster says of the pair, beaming every time she talks about them. Foster first discovered Bryant through a random YouTube video of him giving a tour of his home studio. When she found out he was married to Lovell, whom Foster had met before, she decided to call them up. This time around, it became a larger family affair: Lovell’s sister and Larkin Poe collaborator Megan Lovell joined them in the studio as well as Megan’s husband Mike Seal.
“They take my memories, my words, my experiences and just lift it,” she says. “They put a cloud under it.”
Just Say Yes started the same way Mileage had: Foster talked through her life and experiences as Bryant listened. “I come from a family of preachers and talkers, so I was just talking about being on the road and how I got here and being amazed at how I got to this place,” she recalls.
Bryant would pace around the room with his guitar, grabbing ideas and bursts of musical inspiration the whole time.
“Every last one of these songs are about some aspect of my life,” Foster explains. She ruminated on the transitions of this moment, both physical and emotional. As she was enduring her injury, she was also going through a separation with her partner at the time. She felt like both her body and her defenses were breaking down simultaneously, forcing her to peel away the layers and re-discover herself at the core.
“This was my way of being true to who I am and knowing that I’m in yet another transition in my life, which is how these albums tend to happen,” she continues.
The discomfort Foster was enduring was softened by the warm energy of Bryant, the Lovell sisters and Seal. One day, after she had a difficult conversation with her partner at the time, Bryant cooked up something special for Foster – literally.
“He made a soup that made me feel so comforted,” she recalls. “We just sat, ate soup and wrote ‘Tangled Up.’ I didn’t know I needed that.”
On “Sitting Still,” the typically guitar-wielding Foster shows off her piano skills. The song directly addresses her knee injury but also about the type of life and tour adjustments she’s made that have forced her to slow down. “There’s something about being in the quiet that’s good for you,” she reflects.
Title track “Just Say Yes” reflects on her previous life transition. Inspired by the sticky note, Foster remembered how hungry she had been when she decided to give music another shot. She would take two hour trips from her home in Bryan-College Station, Texas to Austin to perform with any band that would have her. “It’s like this little spark and it grew from there,” she says.
The song “Thank You” was first written back in September when Foster was in Nashville for Americana Fest. She reflects on feeling of imposter syndrome and being questioned of her authenticity as a blues performer, even as she has racked up awards for said blues performances, including the Best Contemporary Blues Album Grammy in 2025 for Mileage. Foster has always seen herself as a mix of many genres and influencers, including folk, gospel and country. Many of those can be heard in the album.
“There’s a front door but there’s also a window and back door. There are ways to get in,” Foster says. “I never put any kind of constraints on myself. I’m showing up with all of this.”
News
News
News
News
Mileage wins “Best Blues Record” at the 2025 Libera Awards
Deluxe Edition of Mileage - Out Now on AlL Digital Platforms!
Ruthie’s New Album, Mileage, wins Grammy Award for BEst Contemporary Blues Album!
New Album Announcement: ‘Mileage’ Out 8/23. New Song ‘Rainbow’ Out now!
I've been a busy bee getting new music ready for you all! I had the wonderful opportunity to write with the very talented couple Rebecca Lovell (of Larkin Poe) and Tyler Bryant (of The Shakedown). The song "Rainbow" started from a conversation and ended up recorded in their studio soon after! The song organically moved into asking the question, "what is love?" Rainbow is not just another song about love but seeing love through. It's also about what love looks like to me without having to apologize or explain. Hopefully this song rings sweet and true for all of you!
Rainbow is OUT NOW! This is the first single from my upcoming album Mileage, which will be released on Sun Records on August 23rd. You can pre-save or pre-order the album now! Check my official store for vinyl, CDs & shirts!
Listen to the song “Rainbow”, watch the "Rainbow" Lyric Video, or pre-order the album "Mileage” here: https://linktr.ee/ruthiefoster
Enjoy!
new album “healing time” out now
Order or listen to the new album “Healing Time” HERE
Check Ruthie’s Official Store for signed CDs and other new merch
New song “soul searching” & new album “healing time” announcement
ruthie will receive star outside paramount theatre
Ruthie Foster will get a star on the sidewalk outside the Paramount Theatre in Austin, TX on Nov. 19, with a concert in the historic venue to follow that evening. A 6 p.m. unveiling ceremony will be free and open to the public.
Foster is just the sixth artist to be honored on the Paramount sidewalk. Musicians Jerry Jeff Walker, Lyle Lovett and Delbert McClinton have stars, along with "Greater Tuna" creators Jaston Williams and Joe Sears.
grammy nomination for live at the paramount
Ruthie Foster has been nominated for her 4th Grammy, this time with the Big Band! "Live at the Paramount” is up for Best Contemporary Blues Album.
Live at the paramount album out now
Ruthie's new Big Band album "Live at The Paramount" is out now, and it hit #1 on the Billboard Blues charts! Listen to the album on Spotify, Apple or Amazon, or order a physical CD from Ruthie's online store orcd.co/ruthiefosterbigband
You can also watch the videos of each song performed at the Paramount: geni.us/RuthieBigBandVideos
Live at The Paramount” Album Featuring the Ruthie Foster Big Band - Out May 15
Ruthie Foster has announced a new album "Live at the Paramount" that will be coming out on May 15th. Ruthie and the Big Band recorded and filmed it from her hometown of Austin, TX. Pre-save the album on Spotify, or pre-order on iTunes or Amazon and get the first 2 songs “Phenomenal Woman” and “Mack the Knife” instantly! Watch the show online as Ruthie releases each song.
Ruthie Nominated for Living Blues Award for “Best Live Performer”
Cast Your Vote Now!
Living Blues Magazine has nominated Ruthie for another award - this year in the category of Best Live Performer. Voting is open until July 15. Click here to cast your vote for Ruthie!
LEVITT AT THE FALLS SET TO FEATURE RUTHIE AT INAUGURAL CONCERT
Ruthie is very excited to be featured as the inaugural performance at the brand new Levitt Sioux Falls! The performance is a part of the grand opening on June 14, and will be followed by several other free performances for the remainder of the summer. To read more about Ruthie’s performance click here, and to read more about the opening of the new venue, click here.
Ruthie WIns BLUES MUSIC AWARD
Ruthie is the winner of The Blues Foundation's 'Koko Taylor Award' for Traditional Blues Female Artist! She has now won or been nominated for the award for 4 straight years. Click this link for the full list of winners.
Ruthie Spans the Globe Throughout April and may: From the US to Australia to Europe to canada
Throughout the course of just a few weeks, Ruthie is making trips across three different continents! With a busy summer ahead, click here to find a show near you.
AUSTIN MUSIC AWARDS INDUCTS RUTHIE INTO THE TEXAS MUSIC HALL OF FAME
On February 27th, Ruthie was inducted into the Austin Music Awards’ Texas Music Hall of Fame. She was unable to attend as she was on the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea cruise, but her label manager and friend Denby Auble accepted on her behalf. Ruthie’s drummer, Brannen Temple won the drums/percussion category as well. Click here for the full awards list.
30A SONGWRITER’S FESTIVAL RELEASES 2018 FEATURED VIDEOS
30A released their Folk Alley Sessions from the 2018 edition of the festival in January. “Joy Comes Back” can be viewed above, and click here to view the other feature, “Runaway Soul.”
Ruthie Nominated for another Blues Foundation Koko Taylor Award (Best Traditional Blues Female Artist)
Ruthie is very honored to be nominated again for The Blues Foundation's Koko Taylor Award (Best Traditional Blues Female Artist). If you are a Blues Foundation member and would like to vote for Ruthie, voting closes at the end of February. Click here to vote.
RUTHIE PERFORMS “GEORGIA ON MY MIND” ON THE AUSTIN CITY LIMITS NYE TV PROGRAM
Ruthie Foster brought the house down with her take on Ray Charles' classic "Georgia on My Mind" at the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame New Year's Special 2018 on PBS. Click the video above to enjoy!
PBS to feature Ruthie alongside Gary Clark Jr. on special New Years Eve Program
Be sure to tune into PBS on New Years Eve to catch Ruthie alongside Gary Clark Jr. on a special Austin City Limits program! For more info, check out the Rolling Stone’s preview of the show here.
Ruthie Nominated for the Texas Hall of Fame
Ruthie has been nominated for the Texas Music Hall of Fame, alongside many other great Texan acts. For more info click the image above, and to cast your vote, click HERE.
Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Features ruthie at 2018 induction ceremony
Ruthie is honored to be included as a featured performer at this year's Austin City Limits Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which includes inductions for Marcia Ball, Ray Charles, and Los Lobos. For more info, click here.
Ruthie INCLUDED in bric celebrate brooklyn’s ‘on the lawn #atthebandshell’ series
Ruthie is featured in BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Festival’s artist interview series, where she talks a bit about her craft and some of her favorite things. Click here to watch!
Ruthie Featured on Austin's 'Notes in Time'
Take a look as Ruthie performs and talks through several aspects of her career dating back to the very beginning.
spend a week with ruthie in havana - february 2019
Join Ruthie, Eric Nadel, and Seth Walker in Havana for the trip of a lifetime, February 6-12, 2019! For a full look at the itinerary for this action-packed trip, including the perfect blend of music, sports, and tourism, click here!
Vote for Ruthie in the Living Blues Awards!
Ruthie is honored to be nominated yet again for TWO Living Blues awards! Make sure to get your votes in for 'Female Blues Artist of the Year' and 'Best Live Performer' before the deadline on July 15th. Click here to vote.
a festival-packed summer for ruthie
Join Ruthie at one of the many festivals she's playing this summer! The festival season kicked off in New Orleans at Jazz Fest (pictured above). Looking forward into June, you can see Ruthie at Quebec's Festival Des Guitares Du Monde or on the west coast at Waterfront Blues Fest and High Sierra Music Fest. Later in the summer, Ruthie makes her way to several festivals across Europe and Canada! Find the full list of dates here.
Blues Foundation awards 'Koko Taylor Award' to Ruthie
Once again, Ruthie is the winner of The Blues Foundation's 'Koko Taylor Award' for Traditional Blues Female Artist! This is Ruthie's seventh Blues Foundation award, several of which have been the Koko Taylor Award. For more info, click here, or on the picture above.
US Artists fellowship awarded to ruthie
Ruthie has been awarded a fellowship via US Artists, recognizing her for her contribution to the field of music. Fellowships are $50,000 unrestricted awards which allow them to decide how to best support their lives. Read more about the fellowship by clicking here.
Ruthie Emcees Folk Alliance
The 2018 International Folk Music Awards show at the Folly Theater, presented in partnership with Folk Music Canada, featured Ruthie as a host, along with performances and appearances from John Oates, Guy Davis, Giri and Uma Peters, and The Kingston Trio.
Ruthie's performance at carnegie hall leaves critics saying she "can’t come back soon enough"
Following a very successful show with the North Mississippi Allstars at Carnegie Hall's 'Zankel Hall,' ZealNYC writer Christopher Johnson highlights Ruthie's performance where "she commands a stage as completely as Judy Garland or Janis Joplin did, but with unfailing grace and good cheer." Click here to read the full article.
Foster NOMINATED FOR THE BLUES FOUNDATION'S 'Traditional Blues Female Artist' of 2017
For consecutive years, Ruthie Foster has been nominated for multiple Blues Music awards. This year, she is nominated alongside artists Annika Chambers, Diunna Greenleaf, Janiva Magness, and Miss Freddye for both the 'Traditional Blues Female Artist' award and the Koko Taylor Award. The winners will be announced on May 10th in Memphis at the 39th annual ceremony. To see all of the nominations, click the image above.
'Joy Comes Back' selected as one of No Depression staff's 'Best Albums of 2017'
No Depression's staff narrowed down their top picks from 2017 to a shortlist - which includes Ruthie's Joy Comes Back! Here's what they had to say about the album: "Ruthie Foster sings joyously of love, healing, and hope in this collection of down-to-the-bone soul songs" - for the full article, click HERE.
'No Depression' looks aT ruthie's career development and reviews 'joy comes back'
Gary Stoller, writer for 'No Depression,' takes a look at the connections and collaborations that led to Ruthie's most recent album, 'Joy Comes Back.' He mentions that the songs are "creative, warm, and flow smoothly from track to track." Take a look at this insightful article by clicking HERE.
Ruthie featured with bonnie raitt at the 'Harvey Can't Mess with Texas' benefit concert
The 'Harvey Can't Mess with Texas' benefit concert raised millions of dollars to support relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Ruthie was featured, alongside Bonnie Raitt, in the show which was headlined by acts such as Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Leon Bridges, and Lyle Lovett. Ruthie's performance was mentioned as one of the "greatest moments" of the evening in THIS article.
amazon's "open road" playlist features ruthie's cover of Smokey robinson's CRUISIN'
As a part of Amazon's original playlist series, the playlist Open Road is intended for those looking to "hit the road with new takes on classic tunes." Check out Ruthie's cover - Smokey Robinson's Cruisin' - from the playlist HERE.
Ruthie nominated for 2 living blues awards
Ruthie is ecstatic to be nominated for two Living Blues Magazine awards this year. Be sure to vote for Ruthie for both "Best Female Blues Artist" and "Best Live Performer." CLICK HERE or on the picture to vote! Voting closes July 15.
Ruthie Stops by the Relix Studio while in NYC
You can watch her live performance HERE.
Check out Ruthie's performance ofWhat Are You Listening to? live from McCabe's
The Chris Stapleton cover can be found on Ruthie's new album Joy Comes Back.
Watch: Ruthie Foster on NPR's Mountain Stage
In case you missed it, you can watch Ruthie's Mountain Stage performance here.
Texas MONTHLY Exclusive Video Premiere: Ruthie Foster Raises a Glass to the Working Woman
War Pigs Video premieres on Pop Matters
WATCH THE PREMIERE OF RUTHIE'S NEW VIDEO FOR JOY COMES BACK, EXCLUSIVELY ON NPR
Make sure to check out the interview for NPR's Songs We Love here.
RUTHIE WILL PUT OUT NEW Album, JOY COMES BACK, ON MARCH 24TH
Three-time Grammy Nominee, Ruthie Foster, transforms sorrow into career-defining soul/blues/gospel/rock opus, Joy Comes Back, releasing March 24th on Blue Corn Records.
RUTHIE'S SONG "BRAND NEW DAY" IS FEATURED IN OUR FAMILY TABLE'S EVENT VIDEO
To find out more about The Door and how they help the youth of NYC, click here.
Ruthie Is Off To Cuba
At the end of August Ruthie will go on a musical adventure through Cuba with Seth Walker and YOU can be a part of it. There aren't many spots left but if you want to grab one of the last ones available, click here.
Ruthie Has Successful Run Through The West
Ruthie recently played the Strawberry Festival in Jamestown, CA along with the the Triple Door in Seattle, WA and Sisters Folk Fest in Sisters, OR. She also has some exciting dates in the Northeast coming up, including: Naked Soul in NYC, FreshGrass outside of Boston, MA, and Levon Helm's Studio in upstate New York! Check out the tour dates page to see if she's coming to a town near you soon.
Ruthie Has Another Successful Tour Through Europe
Ruthie and the band just got back from another successful run through Europe! They performed in Italy, Spain, and Germany while in Europe and captured some awesome shots along the way.
Ruthie Is Nominated For Two Living Blues Awards
Ruthie has been nominated for TWO Living Blues Awards this year: Blues Artist of the Year (Female) and Best Live Performer. Make sure to vote for her by going to http://www.livingblues.com/ and hitting the "Vote" button!
Ruthie Is Headed Back to Europe In July
Ruthie is gearing up for her summer 2016 European tour, which features some great festivals and has her playing with some great people - Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal and Keb Mo- plus a lot of dates in Italy and the band's first trip ever to the Canary Islands!
Ruthie Wins Koko Taylor Award For Best Traditional Female Blues Artist
Ruthie won the Koko Taylor award for the 6th year in a row. The award is given out at the The Blues Music Awards. Ruthie had the pleasure of performing during the awards (pictured above).
Ruthie To Travel to Cuba With Seth Walker
Ruthie Foster and Seth Walker invite you to accompany them on their historic, first visit to Cuba, with Texas Rangers Hall of Fame radio announcer Eric Nadel as your guide. Join these great young American musicians for a landmark meeting between the people of Havana and this quintessential American blues tradition! Click the photo above to learn more.
Ruthie Nominated for Blues Music Award for 6th Year In A Row!
Ruthie has been nominated for the Koko Taylor Award for Best Traditional Female Blues Artist. This will be her sixth consecutive blues award nomination. To see all of the nominees for the 37th Annual Blues Music Awards click here.
Take A Listen To Ruthie's Holiday Playlist
Ruthie took the time to curate a playlist with all of her favorite holiday tunes. Click the photo above to take a listen on Spotify!
Now Available: Conspirare Featuring Ruthie Foster
Ruthie's performance with Austin's award winning choral group, Conspirare, is now available for download and purchase. Click the picture above to purchase!
Life on the Road
A great shot from the road of Ruthie playing at the City Winery in Napa, CA recently!
Ruthie Foster Headlines the Blues and BBQ Fest in New Orleans
Ruthie Foster joins The Funky Meters in headlining the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Fest in New Orleans, LA. To read more about the festival click here.
Ruthie Takes Spain
Possibly the best photo from Pontedvedra, Spain. It was so beautiful!
Ruthie Wins Blues Music Award
Ruthie was awarded the 2015 Koko Taylor Award (Traditional Blues Female) at the 36th Blues Music Awards. The Blues Music Awards are universally known as the highest honor awarded to blues artists. Read more about the other winners here.
Ruthie Nominated for Blues Music Award!
More good news for Ruthie Foster! Ruthie has received a nomination for the Koko Taylor Award, honoring notable female blues artists, in the Blues Music Awards ceremony to be held May 7, 2014 in Memphis.
Check out the full list of nominations HERE
Ruthie Foster's Song Featured on "Criminal Minds"
Tonight’s episode of the hit CBS show Criminal Minds will feature Ruthie’s version of “Lord, Remember Me” from her album “Let It Burn”! Be sure to tune in at 9pm EST/8pm CST and listen for the song!
Ruthie's "Promise of a Brand New Day" Is Nominated for a Grammy Award!
We are thrilled to announce that Ruthie’s album ‘Promise of a Brand New Day’ has been nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Blues Album category! This is Ruthie’s third Grammy nomination in a row!
Check out the complete list of categories and nominees here
Ruthie is Featured on Amazon's Playlist "All Is Bright"
Ruthie is proud to be a part of “All Is Bright”, an exclusive holiday playlist featuring 43 new songs by various artists presented by Amazon Music! Ruthie has included her rendition of “Amazing Grace”, click HERE to check it out!
Ruthie Foster Stretches Toward A New Day
Check out the article No Depression wrote on Ruthie and her new record! Click HERE to view
Ruthie’s New Album wins French Grand Prix du Disque
The Académie Charles-Cros in France has chosen to honor Ruthie’s album “Promise Of A Brand New Day” with the premier French award for musical recordings – its 2014 Grand Prix du Disque for Blues!
The Académie Charles-Cros is an organization composed of 50 members specializing in music criticism, sound recording, and culture. Each year since 1948, the Académie has awarded prizes in the field of popular song, classical music, jazz, blues and other categories of recorded music.
Past winners of the Blues award include Mavis Staples and Charles Bradley, so Ruthie is in great company!
