Biography
Carrie Rodriguez is an acclaimed composer, violinist, and singer from Austin, Texas, celebrated for her dynamic fusion of Americana, alt-country, and Latin influences. Raised in a musically rich family—her father, David Rodriguez, was a noted Texas songwriter, and her great-aunt was the renowned Chicana singer Eva Garza—Carrie began playing violin at age five and made her first recording appearance on her father's 1992 album. Initially trained in classical violin, she attended Oberlin Conservatory before transferring to Berklee College of Music, where she embraced her Texas roots and developed her signature fiddle style.
Rodriguez's career took off after a pivotal collaboration with songwriter Chip Taylor, leading to several duet albums and launching her as a solo artist. She has released five solo studio albums, including the bilingual 'Lola,' which was praised as 'the perfect bicultural album' by NPR and Rolling Stone. Her music, often described as 'Ameri-Chicana,' blends fiery fiddle, emotive vocals, and a cross-pollination of genres. Beyond recording and touring internationally, Rodriguez has contributed to musical theater as the composer and lyricist for the off-Broadway musical '¡Americano!,' earning a 2022 Drama Desk Award nomination. She continues to champion Latinx culture through projects like her Laboratorio concert series in Austin.
Fun Facts
- Carrie Rodriguez performed at Carnegie Hall at age 10 as part of a group.
- Her album 'Lola' was inspired by 1940s recordings of her great-aunt Eva Garza and features songs in English, Spanish, and Spanglish.
- She was nominated for a 2022 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music for her work on the musical '¡Americano!'.
- Rodriguez founded 'Laboratorio,' a concert series in Austin celebrating Latinx culture and its influence on American music.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- David Rodriguez - Her father, a celebrated Texas songwriter, introduced her to music and brought her onstage as a child. (1992 recording appearance on his album) [childhood–1990s]
- Andrea Zonn - Fiddler for Lyle Lovett's Large Band; inspired Carrie to pursue improvisational fiddle. (Live performances with Lovett's band) [mid-1990s]
- Eva Garza - Great-aunt and influential Chicana singer; Rodriguez has covered her songs. (Covers of Garza's songs on 'Lola' and other albums) [career-long influence]
Key Collaborators
- Chip Taylor - Frequent duet partner and co-writer; launched her recording career. (Albums: 'Let's Leave This Town', 'The Trouble With Humans', 'Red Dog Tracks') [2002–2006]
- Luke Jacobs - Husband and musical collaborator; performs and records with Rodriguez. (Live performances, collaborative recordings) [2010s–present]
- Lucinda Williams - Guest contributor on Rodriguez's solo album. ('She Ain't Me' (2008)) [2008]
- Gary Louris - Guest contributor on Rodriguez's solo album. ('She Ain't Me' (2008)) [2008]
Artists Influenced
- Emerging Latinx and Americana artists - Rodriguez's Ameri-Chicana style and advocacy for Latinx culture have inspired a new generation of musicians exploring bicultural identity. (Laboratorio concert series, 'Lola' album) [2017–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Red Dog Tracks | 2015-09-29 | Album |
| Still the King: Celebrating the Music of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys | 2015-03-03 | Album |
| Let's Leave This Town | 2002-09-03 | Album |
| The Trouble With Humans | 2003-09-23 | Album |
| Red Dog Tracks | 2005 | Album |
| We Still Love Our Country | 2013-01-08 | Album |
| Let's Leave This Town | 2002 | Album |
| The Trouble With Humans | 2003 | Album |
| Lola | 2016-02-19 | Album |
| iAmericano!: The Musical | 2020-01-24 | Album |
| Give Me All You Got | 2013-01-22 | Album |
| Love and Circumstance | 2010 | Album |
| She Ain't Me | 2008-01-01 | Album |
| Angel of the Morning + Bonus Tracks | 2002 | Album |
| Seven Angels on a Bicycle | 2006-08-15 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Must Be the Whiskey (Red Dog Tracks)
- Private Thoughts (Red Dog Tracks)
- Don't Speak in English (The Trouble With Humans)
- Keep Your Hat on Jenny (Red Dog Tracks)
- Sweet Tequila Blues (Let's Leave This Town)
- The Wonder of You (Red Dog Tracks)
- Let's Leave This Town (Let's Leave This Town)
- Big Moon Shinin' (Red Dog Tracks)
- Red Dog Tracks (Red Dog Tracks)
- Oh Set a Light (Red Dog Tracks)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
carrie rodriguez has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 10, 2025 | 20:31 | he ain't jesus | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. |