Biography
Anders Osborne, born in 1966 in Uddevalla, Sweden, displayed a passion for music and poetry from an early age, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists including Vivaldi, Chopin, Black Sabbath, Robert Johnson, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, John Coltrane, and Bob Marley. His early musical explorations led him to experiment with open D tuning, a technique he first encountered on Joni Mitchell's 'Blue,' which became a signature element of his guitar style. In his late teens, Osborne traveled throughout Europe, and at nineteen, he visited New Orleans—a city whose vibrant musical culture captivated him so deeply that he decided to stay permanently[1][2][3].
Osborne released his debut album 'Doin’ Fine' in 1989, writing nearly all of his material and quickly establishing himself as a prolific songwriter. Over the decades, he became a fixture in the New Orleans music scene, celebrated for his blend of modern blues, blues rock, folk, and singer-songwriter traditions. His songs have been recorded by a wide array of artists, including Keb' Mo', Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Aaron Neville, and Trombone Shorty. Osborne's live performances are renowned for their emotional intensity and dynamic range, balancing heavy, rock-influenced sounds with introspective, lyrical songwriting. He has been honored as Entertainer of the Year by Gambit Weekly, named Best Guitarist three times and Best Songwriter twice by OffBeat, and has performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for over 35 years[1][2][3].
Osborne's legacy is deeply intertwined with the New Orleans musical community, where he is regarded as a 'poet laureate' of Louisiana's roots music. Beyond his solo work, he has collaborated with a host of notable musicians and bands, and his influence extends to both peers and younger generations of artists. His personal journey, including his commitment to sobriety and meditation, has also shaped his music and public persona, making him a respected figure both on and off the stage[1][3].
Fun Facts
- Osborne is also a prolific painter, and his visual art often parallels themes in his music[1].
- He has maintained sobriety for over fifteen years, crediting meditation and prayer as central to his well-being and creativity[1].
- Osborne appeared as himself in an episode of the HBO series 'Treme,' which is set in post-Katrina New Orleans[1].
- He has taught a course on art and the music business at Tulane University[1].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Joni Mitchell - Inspired Osborne's use of open D tuning and songwriting approach (Blue (album)) [Early career, 1980s]
- Dr. John - Friend and influential New Orleans musician; subject of Osborne's tribute 'Le Grand Zombie' (Le Grand Zombie (song)) [1990s–2019]
Key Collaborators
- North Mississippi All Stars - Recorded and toured together (Freedom and Dreams (2015 album)) [2015]
- Keb' Mo' - Co-wrote songs for Keb' Mo's Grammy-winning album (Slow Down (album)) [1998]
- Tim McGraw - Co-wrote the hit 'Watch The Wind Blow By' (Watch The Wind Blow By (song)) [2004]
- Steve Earle - Songwriting collaboration and teaching at Camp Copperhead (Camp Copperhead songwriting camp) [2019–present]
- Waddy Wachtel, Chad Cromwell, Bob Glaub - Session musicians on Osborne's albums (Picasso’s Villa (album)) [2020s]
- Toots and the Maytals, John Scofield, The Meters, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Stanton Moore, Phil Lesh, Jackie Greene, Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal - Live and studio collaborations (Various performances and recordings) [1990s–present]
Artists Influenced
- Trombone Shorty - Recorded Osborne's songs; part of New Orleans music community shaped by Osborne (Various recordings) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| American Patchwork | 2010-04-27 | Album |
| Peace | 2013-10-01 | Album |
| Black Eye Galaxy | 2012-01-05 | Album |
| Spacedust & Ocean Views | 2016-03-18 | Album |
| Freedom & Dreams | 2015-02-17 | Album |
| Flower Box | 2016-07-22 | Album |
| Coming Down | 2007-09-25 | Album |
| Living Room | 1999-05-18 | Album |
| Picasso's Villa | 2024-04-26 | Album |
| Ash Wednesday Blues | 2001-03-13 | Album |
| Buddha and the Blues | 2019-04-26 | Album |
| Bury The Hatchet | 2002-09-10 | Album |
| Orpheus and the Mermaids | 2021-02-19 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Marmalade
- Life Don't Last That Long (Spacedust & Ocean Views)
- Got Your Heart (American Patchwork)
- I'm Ready (Peace)
- Lean On Me/Believe In You (Black Eye Galaxy)
- Meet Me In New Mexico (American Patchwork)
- Fools Gold (Flower Box)
- Windows (Peace)
- Mind Of A Junkie (Black Eye Galaxy)
- Echoes Of My Sins (American Patchwork)
External Links
Tags: #blues, #rhythm-and-blues, #rock
References
Heard on WWOZ
Anders Osborne has been played 13 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2025 | 12:51 | Boxes, Bills and Painfrom Living Room | New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen | |
| Dec 25, 2025 | 12:50 | RUN RUDOLPH RUN | New Orleans Music Showw/ Michael Dominici | |
| Dec 20, 2025 | 11:42 | Strongfrom Flower Box | New Orleans Music Show - Saturday | |
| Dec 20, 2025 | 11:27 | Dark Decatur Lovefrom Bewildered | New Orleans Music Show - Saturday | |
| Dec 19, 2025 | 14:52 | Dyin' Daysfrom Freedom & Dreams | The Blues Breakdown | |
| Dec 8, 2025 | 13:28 | Life Don`t Last That Longfrom Spacedust & Ocean Views | New Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves | |
| Nov 5, 2025 | 12:45 | Boxes, Bills and Painfrom Living Room | New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen | |
| Oct 22, 2025 | 15:10 | Cowgirl In The Sandfrom Cowgirl In The Sand | Sittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D | |
| Oct 18, 2025 | 19:36 | Dark Decatur Lovefrom Bewildered | Block Partyw/ Brice Nice | |
| Oct 6, 2025 | 11:48 | Back On Dumainefrom NOJHF Jazz Fest (D5) | New Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves |