Biography
Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, collectively known as the Indigo Girls, are a pioneering folk-rock duo whose partnership began in childhood in Decatur, Georgia. Ray, born April 12, 1964, in Atlanta, and Saliers, born July 22, 1963, in New Haven, Connecticut, met at Laurel Ridge Elementary School and began performing together in high school talent shows. After attending separate colleges—Ray at Vanderbilt and Saliers at Tulane—they reunited at Emory University, where they solidified their musical aspirations and began performing in Atlanta clubs under various names before settling on 'Indigo Girls.'[3][4][6]
Their career took off in the mid-1980s with the release of their independent single 'Crazy Game' and the EP 'Strange Fire.' Signing with Epic Records in 1988, their eponymous major-label debut featured the hit 'Closer to Fine' and propelled them to national prominence. Over four decades, the Indigo Girls have released 16 studio albums, earned a Grammy Award, and sold over 15 million records. Their signature sound blends Appalachian folk, pop, and rock influences, characterized by intricate harmonies and introspective, socially conscious lyrics. Beyond their music, Ray and Saliers are celebrated for their activism, particularly in LGBTQ+ rights, environmental causes, and social justice, cementing their legacy as both musical and cultural icons.[1][4][6][7]
Their enduring partnership and willingness to address personal and political themes have inspired generations of artists and fans. Both have also pursued solo projects—Ray with a series of solo albums and the founding of Daemon Records, and Saliers with her own solo album and collaborations—while maintaining the Indigo Girls as a vital force in American music.[2][3][7]
Fun Facts
- Amy Ray founded the independent label Daemon Records in 1990 to support grassroots artists and activism.
- The duo's name, 'Indigo Girls,' was chosen after Amy Ray found the word 'indigo' in the dictionary and thought it sounded cool.
- Emily Saliers and her father, Don Saliers, co-authored a book together and have performed music as a duo.
- Despite their fame, the Indigo Girls often refer to themselves as 'a bar band at heart,' emphasizing their grassroots beginnings.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Don Saliers - Emily Saliers' father, a theologian and musician, influenced her musical and intellectual development; they have performed together publicly. (Performance at Washington National Cathedral) [2007]
Key Collaborators
- Lyris Hung - Violinist and longtime friend, producer of Emily Saliers' solo album. (Murmuration Nation (Emily Saliers solo album)) [2017]
- Epic Records - Major label that signed the Indigo Girls and released their breakthrough albums. (Indigo Girls (1989), subsequent albums) [1988–present]
- Various Atlanta musicians - Part of the supportive Atlanta alternative music scene in the 1980s. (Atlanta club performances, early recordings) [1980s]
Artists Influenced
- Brandi Carlile - Cites Indigo Girls as a major influence on her songwriting and activism. (Multiple interviews and performances) [2000s–present]
- Queer folk and rock artists - Indigo Girls' visibility and activism paved the way for LGBTQ+ artists in mainstream music. (Broader genre impact) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Hope (Fragrance vanille)
- Fragrance vanille (Fragrance vanille)
- I told you lies (Fragrance vanille)
- If you're leaving (Fragrance vanille)
- I met this girl in Montreal (Fragrance vanille)
External Links
Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #aln-sh, #blues
References
Heard on WWOZ
Amy Ray, Emily Saliers has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19, 2025 | 23:36 | Part Of My Heart | What's Neww/ Duane Williams |