Biography
Eilen Jewell, born April 6, 1979, in Boise, Idaho, is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter known for her evocative blend of Americana, alt-country, and blues. Raised in Boise, she attended St. John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she began her musical journey busking on the streets. After stints performing in Los Angeles and Boston, Jewell established herself in the Massachusetts roots scene before returning to her hometown in 2015—a move that inspired her album 'Sundown Over Ghost Town.'[1][2]
Jewell's career is marked by a relentless touring ethic and a series of critically lauded albums, including 'Boundary County,' 'Letters from Sinners & Strangers,' and 'Queen of the Minor Key.' Her music is characterized by a 'vintage roots-noir' sound, often drawing comparisons to artists like Neko Case and Billie Holiday for her clear, expressive voice and clever songwriting. Jewell's stylistic range encompasses early rock, rockabilly, country, and soul, with her 2023 album 'Get Behind the Wheel' exploring more psychedelic territory and themes of grief, resilience, and personal rebirth following a period of profound personal upheaval.[1][2][3]
Over nearly two decades, Jewell has built a devoted following through her dynamic live performances and her ability to transform heartache into creative expression. She has shared stages with legends such as Lucinda Williams, Loretta Lynn, and Mavis Staples, and is recognized as one of America's most intriguing and idiosyncratic voices in contemporary roots music.[2]
Fun Facts
- Jewell began her career busking on the streets of Santa Fe and Venice Beach before gaining wider recognition.
- Her 2010 album 'Butcher Holler' is a tribute to country legend Loretta Lynn, reflecting Jewell's deep admiration for classic country.
- After a period of personal crisis—including divorce and band upheaval—Jewell retreated to a remote Idaho cabin, where she practiced meditation and experimented with psychedelics, experiences that shaped her 2023 album.
- Jewell has performed at major festivals and shared bills with icons like Emmylou Harris, Wanda Jackson, and The Blind Boys of Alabama.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Loretta Lynn - Major stylistic influence; Jewell recorded a tribute album of Lynn's songs. (Butcher Holler: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn (2010)) [2010]
Key Collaborators
- Jason Beek - Drummer, former husband, and frequent collaborator; performed and recorded extensively with Jewell. (Boundary County, multiple albums, touring band) [2005–2020]
- Will Kimbrough - Co-producer and multi-instrumentalist on 'Get Behind the Wheel.' (Get Behind the Wheel (2023)) [2023]
- Daniel Kellar, Jerry Glenn Miller, Johnny Sciascia - Core band members on early recordings and tours. (Boundary County, Letters from Sinners & Strangers) [2006–2011]
- The Sacred Shakers - Roots gospel side project with Boston musicians. (The Sacred Shakers (2008), Live (2014)) [2008–2014]
Artists Influenced
- No widely documented direct proteges - Jewell's influence is noted in the Americana and alt-country scenes, inspiring emerging artists with her blend of vintage styles and personal songwriting. (N/A) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Gypsy | 2019-08-16 | Album |
| Sundown Over Ghost Town | 2015-05-19 | Album |
| Down Hearted Blues | 2017-09-22 | Album |
| Sea of Tears | 2009-04-21 | Album |
| Queen of the Minor Key | 2011-06-28 | Album |
| Letters from Sinners and Strangers | 2007-06-15 | Album |
| Get Behind the Wheel | 2023-05-05 | Album |
| Butcher Holler | 2024-11-15 | Album |
| Boundary County | 2006-01-01 | Album |
| Live At the Narrows | 2014-11-11 | Album |
| Sea Of Tears | 2009 | Album |
| Gypsy | 2019-08-16 | Album |
| Down Hearted Blues | 2017-09-22 | Album |
| Down Hearted Blues | 2017-09-22 | Album |
| Sundown Over Ghost Town | 2015-05-26 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Green River
- Witness (Gypsy)
- Worried Mind (Sundown Over Ghost Town)
- Miles to Go (Gypsy)
- Summertime
- Another Night to Cry (Down Hearted Blues)
- Here With Me (Sundown Over Ghost Town)
- Half-Broke Horse (Sundown Over Ghost Town)
- I Remember You (Queen of the Minor Key)
- Crawl (Gypsy)
External Links
Tags: #alt-country, #americana, #country
References
Heard on WWOZ
eilen jewell has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 10, 2025 | 20:38 | it's your voodoo working | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Oct 19, 2025 | 23:49 | Who Will Save Your Soul (Live) | What's Neww/ Duane Williams | |
| Sep 29, 2025 | 21:37 | where they never say your name | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. |