Biography
Cowboy Junkies are a Canadian alternative country and folk rock band formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 1985 by siblings Michael Timmins (guitar, songwriting), Margo Timmins (vocals), and Peter Timmins (drums), alongside bassist Alan Anton. The group emerged from Toronto’s vibrant Queen Street West music scene, initially performing in small clubs and developing a signature sound characterized by slow tempos, hushed vocals, and a blend of blues, country, folk, rock, and jazz influences. Their debut album, 'Whites Off Earth Now!!' (1986), was recorded in their family garage using a single ambisonic microphone, a necessity that shaped their understated style.[1][2][3]
The band achieved international recognition with their second album, 'The Trinity Session' (1988), recorded live in Toronto’s Church of the Holy Trinity. The album’s sparse arrangements and haunting interpretations of both original songs and covers earned critical acclaim, with the Los Angeles Times naming it one of the ten best albums of 1988. Over the decades, Cowboy Junkies have released more than a dozen studio albums, including the ambitious 'Nomad Series' (2010–2012), and have maintained a dedicated fanbase through their introspective lyrics, atmospheric sound, and commitment to independent production, including founding their own label, Latent Recordings.[1][2][3]
Cowboy Junkies are recognized for their influence on the alt-country and Americana genres, blending traditional roots music with modern sensibilities. Their legacy includes a reputation for artistic integrity, innovative recording techniques, and a unique approach to live performance, often marked by improvisation and subtle dynamics. The band continues to tour and record, remaining a distinctive voice in North American music.[1][2][3]
Fun Facts
- The three Timmins siblings and Alan Anton have remained the core lineup since the band's inception, making Cowboy Junkies one of the longest-running original lineups in alternative music.[1][8]
- Their breakthrough album, 'The Trinity Session,' was recorded in a single day using just one microphone in a church, capturing the natural acoustics and ambiance.[1][2]
- Margo Timmins was initially reluctant to join the band and had no prior experience as a lead singer; she was persuaded by her brother Michael to try singing with the group.[1]
- The band's name, 'Cowboy Junkies,' was chosen spontaneously before their first gig, after considering several other names.[8]
Members
- Alan Anton
- Margo Timmins
- Michael Timmins
- Peter Timmins
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Blues and Folk Traditions - Stylistic influences from classic blues, country, and folk artists, reflected in their repertoire and arrangements. (Covers of songs by Hank Williams, Robert Johnson, and others on 'The Trinity Session' and subsequent albums.) [1985–present]
Key Collaborators
- Peter Moore - Producer and engineer, known for pioneering the band's signature recording style using a single ambisonic microphone. ('Whites Off Earth Now!!', 'The Trinity Session', and multiple later albums.) [1986–present]
- Jeff Bird - Multi-instrumentalist and frequent guest musician, contributing mandolin, harmonica, and other instruments. (Performed on every album except the debut.) [1987–present]
Artists Influenced
- Norah Jones - Cited Cowboy Junkies as an influence for their atmospheric, understated approach to blending genres. (General stylistic influence on her early albums.) [2000s]
- The Handsome Family - Inspired by Cowboy Junkies’ minimalist arrangements and narrative songwriting. (General influence on their alt-country output.) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Trinity Session | 1988-11-02 | Album |
| Lay It Down | 1996-01-01 | Album |
| The Caution Horses | 1990-03-01 | Album |
| Black Eyed Man | 1992-02-07 | Album |
| Songs of the Recollection | 2022-03-25 | Album |
| Miles From Our Home | 1998 | Album |
| Pale Sun Crescent Moon | 1993-03-12 | Album |
| Rarities, B-Sides and Slow, Sad Waltzes | 1999-10-12 | Album |
| The Trinity Session | 1988-11-03 | Album |
| The Trinity Session | 1989-02-06 | Album |
| Such Ferocious Beauty | 2023-06-02 | Album |
| Pale Sun Crescent Moon | 1993-11-23 | Album |
| The Wilderness - The Nomad Series, Vol.4 | 2012-03-27 | Album |
| One Soul Now | 2004 | Album |
| All That Reckoning | 2018-07-13 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Sweet Jane (The Trinity Session)
- Blue Moon Revisited (Song For Elvis) (The Trinity Session)
- Angel Mine (Lay It Down)
- A Common Disaster (Lay It Down)
- Misguided Angel (The Trinity Session)
- Dreaming My Dreams With You (The Trinity Session)
- Bea's Song (River Song Trilogy (Lay It Down)
- Sun Comes Up, It's Tuesday Morning (The Caution Horses)
- Anniversary Song (Pale Sun Crescent Moon)
- Sweet Jane
External Links
Tags: #alternative-country, #contemporary-folk, #folk
References
Heard on WWOZ
COWBOY JUNKIES has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 27, 2025 | 14:40 | Me and the Devilfrom WHITES OFF EARTH NOW | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe |