Biography
Maria Muldaur, born Maria Grazia Rosa Domenica D'Amato on September 12, 1942, in New York City, emerged from the vibrant Greenwich Village folk scene of the early 1960s. She began her career with the Even Dozen Jug Band, alongside future luminaries like David Grisman and John Sebastian, before gaining prominence as the featured vocalist and occasional fiddle player in the Jim Kweskin Jug Band. After marrying fellow band member Geoff Muldaur, the duo released two albums together, further cementing her reputation in the American roots and folk revival movement.
Muldaur's solo career took off with her 1973 self-titled debut, featuring the sultry hit "Midnight at the Oasis," which reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered several Grammy nominations. While initially associated with pop and soft rock, Muldaur's musical explorations have spanned blues, gospel, jazz, R&B, and Americana. Over five decades, she has released more than 40 albums, consistently championing traditional American roots music and especially the blues, earning multiple Grammy nominations and a Lifetime Achievement Americana Trailblazer Award. Her expressive, warm vocal style and dedication to reviving classic blues—particularly the work of early female blues artists—have made her a beloved and influential figure in American music.
Fun Facts
- Maria Muldaur's hit 'Midnight at the Oasis' was nominated for several Grammy Awards and remains a signature song of the 1970s.
- She was mentored by blues legend Victoria Spivey, who also gave Bob Dylan his first recording opportunity.
- Muldaur has been nominated for six Grammy Awards and received the Americana Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Trailblazer Award in 2019.
- She has recorded over 40 solo albums, including several award-winning children's albums and tributes to female blues pioneers.
Associated Acts
- Jim Kweskin & The Jug Band - original
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Victoria Spivey - Blues singer and entrepreneur who mentored Muldaur in blues performance and recording, offering her first recording opportunity and guidance in the early 1960s. (Early blues recordings on Spivey Records, later tribute albums to Spivey) [Early 1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Geoff Muldaur - Husband and musical partner; collaborated in Jim Kweskin Jug Band and as a duo after the band's breakup. (Jim Kweskin Jug Band albums, 'Pottery Pie' (1969), 'Sweet Potatoes' (1972)) [1960s–early 1970s]
- Jim Kweskin - Band leader of Jim Kweskin Jug Band, where Maria was featured vocalist and instrumentalist. (Jim Kweskin Jug Band albums) [1960s]
- John Kahn - Bassist for Jerry Garcia Band; collaborated with Muldaur during her association with the Grateful Dead. (Live performances, late 1970s collaborations) [1970s]
- Peter Rowan - Bluegrass musician and close friend; Muldaur is godmother to his daughter and has performed and recorded with him. (Super Jam (1989)) [1970s–1980s]
Artists Influenced
- Bonnie Raitt - Cited Muldaur as an inspiration for blending blues, folk, and roots music with a strong female perspective. (Raitt's blues and roots albums) [1970s–present]
- Contemporary female blues and Americana artists - Muldaur's advocacy for early female blues singers and her own career longevity have inspired a new generation of roots musicians. (Tribute albums, festival performances) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Maria Muldaur | 1973 | Album |
| Sisters & Brothers | 2004-02-24 | Album |
| Don't You Feel My Leg (The Naughty Bawdy Blues of Blue Lu Barker) | 2018-09-28 | Album |
| Let's Get Happy Together | 2021-05-07 | Album |
| What Is Hip-Remix Project Vol. 1 | 2004-11-02 | Album |
| Waitress In A Donut Shop | 1974 | Album |
| Richland Woman Blues | 2001-03-06 | Album |
| Sweet Harmony | 1976 | Album |
| Midnight at the Oasis: The Collection | 2019-03-08 | Album |
| Live At Sweetwater | 2004-01-01 | Album |
| Heart Of Mine: Maria Muldaur Sings Love Songs Of Bob Dylan | 2006-08-15 | Album |
| Maria Muldaur | 1973 | Album |
| Richland Woman Blues | 2001-03-06 | Album |
| Swingin' In The Rain | 1998-04-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Midnight at the Oasis (Maria Muldaur)
- Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down (Sisters & Brothers)
- Bessie's Advice (Sisters & Brothers)
- Funny Feathers
- I Like You Best of All
- Midnight at the Oasis
- Long Hard Climb (Maria Muldaur)
- I Like You Best of All (Let's Get Happy Together)
- Good Stuff (Sisters & Brothers)
- Any Old Time (Maria Muldaur)
External Links
Tags: #blues, #classic-pop-and-rock, #contemporary-folk
References
Heard on WWOZ
Maria Muldaur has been played 5 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 24, 2025 | 21:02 | One Hour Mama | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Oct 22, 2025 | 14:57 | One Hour Mamafrom One Hour Mama: The Blues of Victoria Spivey | Sittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D | |
| Oct 8, 2025 | 23:58 | Midnight At The Oasisfrom Maria Muldaur | Kitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A. | |
| Oct 8, 2025 | 22:30 | Cajun Moonfrom Way Past Midnight | Kitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A. | |
| Sep 25, 2025 | 08:37 | Power In Musicfrom Meet Me At Midnight | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne |