Ruthie Foster
Born in Gause, Texas, Foster grew up singing in her hometown choir and surrounded by her parents’ gospel music. Joining the Navy to experience the world led her to sing in their Pride band, which performs across the southeastern US at various recruiting events. After discharging from the Navy, she continued to expand her career in New York City. There she caught the eye of Atlantic records and was offered a pop music record. Foster was more interested in exploring American roots music such as folk and blues and decided against the deal.
Foster returned to Texas when her mother fell ill and began to perform in College Station. Following her mother’s death in 1996, Foster partnered with Blue Corn Music to produce her first of many albums, Full Circle. Foster’s acclaim grew with each album. She went on to win several Blues Music and Living Blues Awards and was nominated for several Grammies. In addition to her albums she has recorded two live shows, which she dubs “hallelujah time.”
For Foster, music is more than just creativity, it can also include love and loss. Her latest album, Joy Comes Back, was a therapeutic release and her way to cope with a divorce while raising her 5-year-old-daughter. The album drops March 24, 2017 and will be available for purchase during the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival and on iTunes.
Written in the comforting atmosphere of former neighbor Daniel Barrett’s studio, Foster crafted an album unlike any of her previous recordings. This album features drummer Joe Vitale and bassist Willie Weeks and includes tracks written by Chris Stapleton, Mississippi John Hurt, and Black Sabbath (in a reimagining of “War Pigs”). It also features a cover of “Loving You is Sweeter Than Ever.” Barrett, the guitarist and drummer for Joy Comes Back, described the album as a mix of blues, folk, soul, rock and gospel, but all exclusively Ruthie Foster music.
The 25th Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival will be held May 19-21, 2017 in Richardson, Texas and tickets go on sale April 1st. The full line-up of entertainment and up-to-date event information for #WAMFest2017 is available at www.wildflowerfestival.com.
The mission of the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is to advance our state economically and culturally by investing in a creative Texas. TCA supports a diverse and innovative arts community in Texas, throughout the nation and internationally by providing resources to enhance economic development, arts education, cultural tourism and artist sustainability initiatives. The Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival appreciates their grant in support of Ruthie Foster’s 2017 performances. More information about the TCA: http://www.arts.texas.gov/