Biography
Allison Russell is a Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and activist whose music blends southern gothic, folk, roots, and Americana influences. Born in Montreal to a Grenadian father and a Scottish-Canadian mother, Russell's early life was marked by trauma, including years of abuse and time in foster care. At age 15, she ran away and eventually settled in Vancouver, where she immersed herself in the city's vibrant folk scene, teaching herself guitar and banjo and finding community among other musicians.[1][2][4]
Russell's career began with the Celtic folk band Fear of Drinking, but she rose to prominence as a founding member of Po' Girl, collaborating with Trish Klein and touring internationally. She later formed Birds of Chicago with JT Nero, her musical and life partner, further expanding her reach in the Americana and roots music world. In 2018, Russell joined the acclaimed collective Our Native Daughters, alongside Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Amythyst Kiah, using music to explore Black women's histories and resilience. Her solo debut, 'Outside Child' (2021), drew critical acclaim for its deeply personal storytelling and was nominated for a Grammy. Her follow-up, 'The Returner' (2023), marked a joyful evolution in her sound and won the Grammy for Best American Roots Performance.[1][3][4]
Russell's music is celebrated for its emotional depth, poetic lyricism, and fusion of folk, jazz, blues, and roots traditions. She is recognized not only for her artistry but also for her activism and advocacy for survivors of trauma. Her legacy includes breaking barriers as a Black roots artist in Canada, receiving multiple Grammy and Juno nominations and awards, and inspiring a new generation of musicians with her courage and creativity.[1][3][6]
Fun Facts
- Russell is largely self-taught on guitar and banjo, having learned through busking and jam circles in Vancouver.[2]
- She was the first Black artist in Canada to win a Juno award for Contemporary Roots Album.[3]
- Her song 'Quasheba, Quasheba' was inspired by reconnecting with her Grenadian father and learning about her enslaved ancestor.[3][4]
- Russell once made $2,000 busking in Amsterdam in just 90 minutes with Po' Girl, more than they had ever earned at a gig.[2]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Trish Klein - Encouraged Russell's songwriting and introduced her to the banjo, becoming a formative influence during her early Vancouver years. (Po' Girl albums) [2003-2010]
Key Collaborators
- Trish Klein - Co-founded Po' Girl and toured extensively together. (Po' Girl albums (2003-2010)) [2003-2010]
- JT Nero - Musical and life partner; co-founded Birds of Chicago. (Birds of Chicago albums (2012-2018)) [2012-present]
- Rhiannon Giddens - Collaborated in Our Native Daughters, exploring Black women's history through music. (Songs of Our Native Daughters (2019)) [2018-present]
- Leyla McCalla - Member of Our Native Daughters. (Songs of Our Native Daughters (2019)) [2018-present]
- Amythyst Kiah - Member of Our Native Daughters. (Songs of Our Native Daughters (2019)) [2018-present]
Artists Influenced
- Emerging Black roots artists - Russell's success and advocacy have inspired a new wave of Black folk and Americana musicians, though specific proteges are not documented in available sources. (Artists citing 'Outside Child' and 'Songs of Our Native Daughters' as influences) [2021-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Unreal Unearth: Unaired | 2024-08-19 | Album |
| Unreal Unearth: Unending | 2024-12-06 | Album |
| Outside Child | 2021-05-21 | Album |
| The Returner | 2023-09-08 | Album |
| Love In Wartime | 2018-05-04 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Wildflower and Barley (feat. Allison Russell) (Unreal Unearth: Unaired)
- Wildflower and Barley (Unreal Unearth: Unaired)
- Nightflyer (Outside Child)
- Wildflower and Barley (feat. Allison Russell)
- Wildflower and Barley (feat. Allison Russell) (Unreal Unearth: Unending)
- Wildflower and Barley (Unreal Unearth: Unending)
- Wildflower and Barley
- Persephone (Outside Child)
- The Returner (The Returner)
- You're Not Alone [Feat. Brandi Carlile]
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Allison Russell has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25, 2025 | 22:34 | Nightflyer | Awake and Willingw/ Peggy Lou |