Biography
Susan Kay Bogguss, born December 30, 1956, in Aledo, Illinois, is an acclaimed American country music singer and songwriter whose career spans over four decades. Encouraged by her parents, Bogguss began singing in her church choir at age five and learned to play piano and drums as a child. She later picked up the guitar and performed in musicals during her high school years. After graduating from Illinois State University with a degree in metalsmithing, she launched her career as a performing musician, playing in local coffeehouses and clubs. In 1985, she moved to Nashville, working as a demo singer and performing at Dollywood before signing with Capitol Records in 1987. Her debut album, 'Somewhere Between,' released in 1989, blended traditional and contemporary country styles and earned critical acclaim. Bogguss rose to prominence in the 1990s with eight Top 10 hits, three gold-certified albums, and one platinum album. Her musical style is rooted in classic country, with influences from folk, jazz, and western swing, and she is known for her clear, luminous voice reminiscent of Emmylou Harris. Bogguss has maintained a strong connection with her fans through regular performances, livestreams, and community events, and she will be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2025, cementing her legacy as a living legend of country music.
Fun Facts
- Suzy Bogguss was named Top New Female Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music in 1988.
- She spent five years traveling the western United States, living in her truck's camper to save money while building a loyal fan base.
- Bogguss credits Ray Benson and his band Asleep at the Wheel with 'saving her life' during a rowdy performance in Montana in 1984.
- She regularly hosts 'soup nights' at her Tennessee home, featuring jam sessions with notable musicians like Tommy Emmanuel and Keb’ Mo’.
Associated Acts
- The Red Hots
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Chet Atkins - Mentor and fellow country musician who hired Bogguss for opening acts and became a lifelong friend (Various live performances and collaborations) [1980s]
- Ray Benson - Mentor and bandleader of Asleep at the Wheel, credited by Bogguss for 'saving her life' during a challenging performance (Live performances with Asleep at the Wheel) [1984]
Key Collaborators
- Doug Crider - Husband, songwriter, and music producer; frequent collaborator on songwriting and production (Multiple albums and songwriting projects) [1985–present]
- Lee Greenwood - Duet partner (Single 'Hopelessly Yours') [1990s]
- Tommy Emmanuel - Frequent guest at Bogguss's 'soup nights' and jam sessions (Informal collaborations and livestreams) [2020s]
Artists Influenced
- Contemporary country artists - Bogguss's blend of traditional and contemporary country has inspired newer generations of country musicians (Various country albums and performances) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Aces | 1991-01-01 | Album |
| Somewhere Between | 1989-01-01 | Album |
| American Folk Songbook | 2011-08-02 | Album |
| Voices In The Wind | 1992-01-01 | Album |
| Simpatico | 1994-01-01 | Album |
| Something Up My Sleeve | 1993-01-01 | Album |
| Praying' for Sunshine | 2023-11-03 | Album |
| Lucky | 2014-02-04 | Album |
| Accomplice One | 2018-01-19 | Album |
| Moment Of Truth | 1990-01-01 | Album |
| Give Me Some Wheels | 1996-01-01 | Album |
| Swing | 2003-06-17 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Someday Soon (Aces)
- Somewhere Between (Somewhere Between)
- Aces (Aces)
- Outbound Plane (Aces)
- Guilty As They Come (Somewhere Between)
- Other Side Of The Hill (Voices In The Wind)
- Two Shades Of Blue (Simpatico)
- Hopelessly Yours (A Perfect 10)
- Red River Valley (American Folk Songbook)
- Hey Cinderella (Something Up My Sleeve)
External Links
Tags: #american, #classic-pop-and-rock, #contemporary-country
References
Heard on WWOZ
suzy bogguss has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 3, 2025 | 20:13 | someday when things are good | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. |