Ruthie Foster

Ruthie Foster's musical journey is as eclectic and vibrant as her soulful voice. Born into a family steeped in gospel tradition, Foster's earliest influences were the voices of her mother, grandmother, and the gospel singers she grew up listening to — artists like the Gospel Keynotes and the Blind Boys of Alabama.

As a young girl, Foster stood out as a black girl with a guitar in a choir scene dominated by pianos, but with her grandmother’s vocal coaching and encouragement from her mother and the church community, she recognized her own power — as a songwriter, a musician, and as a captivating singer.

Throughout her years of performing, writing, and studying music, and serving in the United States Navy, Foster found her own authentic voice as she gained world-wide fans.

After five Grammy nominations, Foster won a 2025 Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album.