Susan Tedeschi

Biography

Susan Tedeschi, born November 9, 1970, in Boston, Massachusetts, is a celebrated American blues and soul singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Raised in Norwell, Massachusetts, in a family of Italian heritage, Tedeschi was immersed in music from an early age, influenced by her father’s blues record collection and her experiences singing in local choirs and theater. She pursued formal music education at Berklee College of Music, earning a Bachelor of Music in composition and performance, and deepened her connection to gospel and blues through participation in gospel choirs and the vibrant Boston music scene.

Tedeschi formed the Susan Tedeschi Band in 1993, quickly gaining a reputation for her powerful vocals and expressive guitar work. Her debut album, 'Better Days' (1995), set the stage for her breakthrough with 'Just Won’t Burn' (1998), which achieved Gold status—a rare feat for a blues artist. Over the next decade, she released acclaimed albums such as 'Wait for Me,' 'Hope and Desire,' and 'Back to the River,' and became known for her dynamic live performances. In 2010, she co-founded the Tedeschi Trucks Band with her husband, renowned guitarist Derek Trucks. Their debut album, 'Revelator,' won the Grammy Award for Best Blues Album in 2012, cementing her legacy as a leading force in modern blues.

Tedeschi’s musical style blends classic blues, rock, R&B, and gospel, marked by her soulful voice and emotive guitar playing. She is recognized for revitalizing the blues genre and inspiring a new generation of musicians, earning multiple Grammy nominations and a place among the most influential blues artists of her era.

Fun Facts

• Susan Tedeschi made her public debut at age five as an understudy in a Broadway musical.
• She was the first artist to play at Michele Clark's inaugural Sunset Sessions event in 1998.
• Tedeschi opened for legendary acts such as The Rolling Stones, B.B. King, and Bob Dylan early in her career.
• She is listed among Rolling Stone’s 'The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Tim Gearan - Taught Tedeschi fundamentals of blues guitar in Boston (Early blues guitar training) [early 1990s]
• Toni Lynn Washington - Boston-area blues singer; Tedeschi used Washington's backing band and booked gigs on their off nights (Live performances, Boston blues scene) [early 1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Derek Trucks - Husband and musical partner; co-leader of Tedeschi Trucks Band (Tedeschi Trucks Band albums ('Revelator', 'Made Up Mind', etc.)) [2010–present]
• Sean Costello - Guitarist featured on 'Just Won’t Burn' ('Just Won’t Burn' (1998)) [late 1990s]
• Adrienne Hayes - Guitarist and early bandmate in Susan Tedeschi Band (Susan Tedeschi Band ('Better Days')) [1993–mid 1990s]
• Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon - Members of Double Trouble; collaborated on recordings (Tracks for Double Trouble's album) [late 1990s]

Artists Influenced

• Contemporary blues and roots musicians - Tedeschi’s success and style have inspired a new generation of blues artists, especially women in blues and roots music (Notable influence on modern blues festival lineups and younger blues artists) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Mixed Drinks About Feelings (Mr. Misunderstood)
2. Will The Circle Be Unbroken - Live
3. You Got The Silver (Hope And Desire)
4. It Hurt So Bad (Just Won't Burn (25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition))
5. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right - Live (Live From Austin, TX)
6. Angel from Montgomery - Live (Live From Austin, TX)
7. Angel From Montgomery (Just Won't Burn (25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition))
8. Color of the Blues (For Better, Or Worse)
9. You Need To Be With Me (Just Won't Burn (25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition))
10. Little By Little (Just Won't Burn (25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia