Biography
Shannon McNally is an acclaimed Americana and alt-country singer-songwriter, born and raised in Long Island, New York. Her early exposure to music came from her parents' extensive record collection, which fostered a deep appreciation for blues and roots music. After picking up the guitar at age twelve, she began developing her own style, eventually busking on the streets of Paris following college. Her journey led her to Los Angeles, where she gained national attention in the early 2000s with her Capitol Records debut, 'Jukebox Sparrows,' recorded alongside renowned studio musicians. The album's release was delayed for several years but ultimately received widespread acclaim, earning her spots on major television programs and tours with artists like Stevie Nicks and John Mellencamp.[2][4]
McNally's career has spanned over two decades and fourteen albums, including collaborations and tributes such as 'The Waylon Sessions,' which honors country legend Waylon Jennings. She is celebrated for her soulful twang, honest lyricism, and genre-defying approach, blending folk, country, blues, and rock influences. Her work is marked by a timeless effortlessness and emotional depth, often drawing on her Irish heritage and the storytelling traditions of American roots music. McNally has lived in various music-rich locales, including New Orleans, Nashville, and Holly Springs, Mississippi, which have each shaped her sound and perspective.[1][2][3][4]
Her legacy is defined by her ability to reinterpret classic songs with authenticity and conviction, her collaborations with a wide array of respected musicians, and her influence on the evolving Americana scene. As a divorced single mother, McNally’s music frequently explores themes of resilience and self-discovery, resonating with audiences across generations. She remains a vibrant, spellbinding performer, equally at home in intimate honky-tonks or on prestigious stages like Lincoln Center.[2][3][4]
Fun Facts
- McNally began her professional music journey after seeing Los Lobos perform just after college, which inspired her to pursue a career as a musician.[1]
- She has busked on the streets of Paris and lived in several music-rich cities, including Los Angeles, New Orleans, Nashville, and Holly Springs, Mississippi.[4]
- Her debut album, 'Jukebox Sparrows,' was recorded in 1997 but not released until 2002 due to label delays.[4]
- McNally is an exceptional electric guitar player and has her own label, Queen Maeve Records, for self-releases.[3]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Waylon Jennings - Jennings' music and spirit deeply influenced McNally, inspiring her tribute album 'The Waylon Sessions.' (The Waylon Sessions) [2021]
- Bobby Charles - McNally's passion for southern soul and Charles' songwriting led her to move to New Orleans. (Influence on songwriting and style) [Early 2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Kenny Vaughan - AMA-winning guitarist who helped assemble the band for 'The Waylon Sessions.' (The Waylon Sessions) [2021]
- Rodney Crowell - Frequent collaborator in writing and recording. (Various recordings and live performances) [2010s–2020s]
- Buddy Miller - Special guest on 'The Waylon Sessions.' (The Waylon Sessions) [2021]
- Derek Trucks - Early live performances on the jam band circuit. (Live shows) [1990s]
- Railroad Earth - Early live performances on the jam band circuit. (Live shows) [1990s]
- Tara MacLean, Kendall Payne, Amy Correla - Collaborated on 'The Girls Room' album and tour. (The Girls Room) [2002]
- Dave Alvin & the Guilty Women - Touring and recording collaborations. (Live performances) [2010s]
- Charlie Sexton - Touring and recording collaborations. (Live performances) [2010s]
- Neal Casal - Touring and recording collaborations. (Live performances) [2010s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Geronimo | 2005-01-01 | Album |
| Black Irish | 2017-06-09 | Album |
| Don't Ya Take It Too Bad | 2025-07-07 | Album |
| The Waylon Sessions | 2021-05-28 | Album |
| Ran on Pure Lightning | 2002-01-01 | Album |
| Jukebox Sparrows | 2002-01-01 | Album |
| Coldwater | 2009-09-15 | Album |
| Live at Dee's | 2023-09-29 | Album |
| Small Town Talk | 2013-04-16 | Album |
| Run For Cover | 2009-09-22 | Album |
| Run for Cover | 2004-11-09 | Album |
| The Waylon Sessions | 2021-05-28 | Album |
| North American Ghost Music | 2006-01-01 | Album |
| Live at the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival | 2025-07-07 | Album |
| Shannon McNally Live At Dee's (Live) | 2023-09-29 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Banshee Moan (Black Irish)
- Pale Moon (Geronimo)
- Geronimo (Geronimo)
- Lovin' In My Baby's Eyes (Geronimo)
- It's Gonna Be a Long Night
- Prayer in Open D (Black Irish)
- It Makes No Difference (Black Irish)
- The Worst Part Of A Broken Heart (Geronimo)
- Wasted Time
- Bohemian Wedding Song (Coldwater)
External Links
Tags: #folk, #singer-songwriter
References
Heard on WWOZ
Shannon McNally has been played 12 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 8, 2026 | 12:50 | Only Daddy That`ll Walk the Linefrom The Waylon Sessions | New Orleans Music Showw/ Michael Dominici | |
| Jan 7, 2026 | 22:55 | Nature Smiles On It Allfrom New World Rising | Kitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A. | |
| Dec 29, 2025 | 19:45 | HELP ME MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHTfrom THE WAYLON SESSIONS | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Dec 15, 2025 | 19:57 | HELP ME MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Dec 1, 2025 | 20:20 | HOMEMADE SONGS | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Dec 1, 2025 | 20:17 | AFTER MIDNIGHT | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Nov 24, 2025 | 20:17 | out among the stars | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Nov 21, 2025 | 11:36 | Small Town Talkfrom Small Town Talk | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Nov 20, 2025 | 13:56 | Street Peoplefrom Small Town Talk | New Orleans Music Showw/ Michael Dominici | |
| Nov 10, 2025 | 23:07 | AFTER MIDNIGHT | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman |