Margo Price is an American singer-songwriter hailing from Aledo, Illinois. Born on April 15, 1983, Price grew up surrounded by music, with both her parents being musicians themselves.
Her father played guitar and her mother sang in a band, which led to Price performing in their band at a young age.
After moving to Nashville, Tennessee in the early 2000s, Price began pursuing a career in music, honing her skills as a singer-songwriter.
She gained recognition for her unique blend of traditional country sounds with contemporary lyrics that tackled topics such as addiction, heartbreak, and societal issues.
With her soulful voice and emotive songwriting, Price has become a prominent figure in the country music scene, earning critical acclaim and industry recognition for her work.
This article will explore Price’s life and career, including her early influences, the making of her debut album, collaborations and side projects, personal life, musical style and evolution, live performances and touring, upcoming album release, and her impact and legacy in country music.
Key Takeaways
- Margo Price is an American singer-songwriter known for blending traditional country sounds with contemporary lyrics.
- She has received critical acclaim and commercial success for her debut album ‘Midwest Farmer’s Daughter’ and has collaborated with Jack White and formed the supergroup The Highwomen.
- Price is open about her struggles with alcoholism and personal impact, and is involved in political activism and advocacy.
- Her upcoming album ‘That’s How Rumors Get Started’ showcases a blend of traditional country and rock influences, and Price desires to continue exploring new musical directions in the future while using her platform to uplift and support underrepresented artists.
Early Life and Musical Influences
Margo Price’s early life and musical influences are rooted in her upbringing in Aledo, Illinois, where she was exposed to country music through her family’s love of classic artists such as Hank Williams and Loretta Lynn. Price’s parents owned a family farm where she spent much of her childhood, and it was there that she first picked up a guitar and began playing and singing. She credits her mother, who was a singer herself, for encouraging her to pursue music and helping her develop her own unique sound.
Price’s musical influences extend beyond just classic country, though. She also cites rock and roll legends such as Janis Joplin and The Rolling Stones as inspirations for her sound. Additionally, she has mentioned the impact that gospel music had on her, specifically the music of Mahalia Jackson.
These diverse influences helped shape Price’s sound, which blends traditional country with rock and roll, gospel, and blues influences.
The Making of ‘Midwest Farmer’s Daughter’
The debut album ‘Midwest Farmer’s Daughter’ was a significant milestone in Margo Price’s career, as it garnered critical acclaim and helped establish her as a prominent figure in the country music scene.
The album was recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis, which is famous for being the birthplace of rock and roll music. The studio’s vintage equipment and analog recording techniques lent an authentic and raw quality to the album’s sound, which was a departure from the polished and glossy production styles of mainstream country music.
Alex Munoz and Matt Ross-Spang produced ‘Midwest Farmer’s Daughter,’ and their collaboration with Price resulted in a cohesive and well-crafted album. The songs on the album touched upon themes of heartbreak, addiction, and economic hardship, drawing inspiration from Price’s personal experiences.
The album’s standout tracks, such as ‘Hands of Time’ and ‘Tennessee Song,’ showcased Price’s skill as a songwriter and her ability to convey poignant emotions through her music. Overall, ‘Midwest Farmer’s Daughter’ was a remarkable debut album that marked the beginning of Margo Price’s journey as a compelling and authentic voice in country music.
Critical Acclaim and Industry Recognition
The critical acclaim and industry recognition that followed the release of ‘Midwest Farmer’s Daughter’ propelled Margo Price into the spotlight as a notable and authentic voice in the country music genre. Price’s debut album received glowing reviews from various music critics, who praised her heartfelt lyrics, raw vocals, and traditional country sound. The album was also a commercial success, debuting at number ten on the Billboard Country Albums chart and peaking at number five on the Heatseekers Albums chart.
Price’s talent and authenticity did not go unnoticed by the industry, as she garnered several award nominations and invitations to perform on prestigious stages. In 2017, she was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards and performed at the ceremony alongside Sturgill Simpson and Willie Nelson. She was also invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, an honor that has been bestowed upon some of the most iconic country musicians in history.
Price’s critical acclaim and industry recognition not only validated her talent but also established her as a force to be reckoned with in the country music industry.
Collaborations and Side Projects
Collaborations and side projects have allowed Margo Price to explore different musical genres and collaborate with other musicians. Price has worked with Jack White, who produced her album ‘All American Made,’and has also collaborated with the likes of Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, and Sturgill Simpson.
In 2018, Price formed a supergroup called The Highwomen with Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, and Natalie Hemby. The group released their debut self-titled album in 2019, which received critical acclaim for its feminist themes and country-rock sound.
Price’s side projects have also allowed her to showcase her songwriting abilities. In 2020, she released a duet with Jeremy Ivey called ‘Someone Else’s Problem.’She has also written songs for other artists, including ‘Hands of Time,’which was recorded by the late Chris Cornell.
Price’s collaborations and side projects have not only expanded her musical range but have also solidified her place as one of the most influential voices in country music today.
Personal Life and Family
Throughout her career, Price has been open about her struggles with alcoholism and the impact it has had on her personal life and family. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she revealed that she had been drinking heavily since the age of 15 and that it had led to a number of personal and professional issues. She spoke about the challenges of balancing her music career with her addiction and the toll it had taken on her relationships, including her marriage.
Despite these struggles, Price has been able to find support and strength in her family. She has spoken about the importance of her husband, musician Jeremy Ivey, and their two children in helping her to overcome her addiction. In an interview with The Guardian, she stated that her family had been a ‘huge part’of her recovery and that they had been ‘very patient and loving’throughout the process.
Price’s openness about her personal life and struggles has helped to break down the stigma surrounding addiction and has inspired many fans to seek help for their own issues.
Political Activism and Advocacy
One notable aspect of Price’s career is her involvement in political activism and advocacy. She has used her platform as a musician to speak out about important social and political issues. Some of the causes that she has been particularly vocal about include gun control, equal rights for women, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Price has been a vocal advocate for gun control, particularly in the wake of the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas in 2017. She has been open about her own experiences with gun violence and has called for stricter gun laws to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
Additionally, she has been a strong supporter of women’s rights and has spoken out against sexism and gender discrimination in the music industry.
Finally, Price has been a vocal ally of the LGBTQ+ community and has used her platform to promote acceptance and equality for all.
Musical Style and Evolution
Price’s musical style has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of country, rock, and soul to create a unique sound that is both nostalgic and modern.
Her debut album, ‘Midwest Farmer’s Daughter,’was heavily influenced by traditional country music, with a focus on storytelling and raw emotion. The album was produced by Jack White and recorded at his Third Man Records in Nashville, Tennessee, adding a rock edge to the traditional country sound.
With her second album, ‘All American Made,’Price expanded her musical style to incorporate more rock and soul influences. The album features a wider range of instruments, including horns and keyboards, and explores themes such as political activism, feminism, and the struggles of working-class Americans.
Price’s musical evolution has been praised by critics for its authenticity and honesty, as she continues to push the boundaries of genre and create music that resonates with a diverse audience.
Live Performances and Touring
During her live performances, the audience is transported to a world of raw emotion and storytelling, as Margo Price’s unique blend of country, rock, and soul come to life on stage. Price’s live shows are known for their high-energy performances, with Price and her band delivering powerful renditions of her songs that showcase her impressive vocal range and impeccable musicianship.
Her shows are also marked by her ability to connect with her audience, often sharing personal stories and anecdotes between songs.
In addition to her own headlining shows, Price has also been a sought-after opening act for artists such as Chris Stapleton, Willie Nelson, and John Prine. Her performances have received critical acclaim, with many describing her as a captivating performer who leaves audiences wanting more.
With her commitment to delivering authentic and emotionally charged performances, it is no wonder that Price has become a beloved figure in the world of country music.
Upcoming Album Release and Future Plans
Anticipated by fans and critics alike, Margo Price’s upcoming album release and future plans have been the subject of much speculation within the country music community.
The album, titled ‘That’s How Rumors Get Started,’is set to be released on July 10, 2020, and features 10 tracks that showcase Price’s unique blend of traditional country and rock influences.
The lead single, ‘Twinkle Twinkle,’has already been released and has received critical acclaim for its catchy melody and introspective lyrics.
In addition to the album release, Price has also announced plans for a North American tour in support of the album.
The tour, which includes stops in major cities across the United States and Canada, is set to kick off in September 2020 and will run through November 2020.
Price has also expressed her desire to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new musical directions in the future, stating that she is always looking for ways to challenge herself as an artist.
With her upcoming album and touring plans, it is clear that Margo Price is poised to continue making a significant impact on the country music scene for years to come.
Impact and Legacy in Country Music
Country music enthusiasts cannot deny the profound impact and lasting legacy that Margo Price has already established in the music genre. Price is a unique artist who has created her own niche in the industry through her authentic storytelling and raw vulnerability. Her music is a reflection of her personal struggles, including the loss of her son and financial difficulties, which has resonated with many listeners and cemented her place as a voice for the working class.
Price’s legacy extends beyond her music, as she has also been a vocal advocate for gender and racial equality in the music industry. She has called out the lack of representation and opportunities for women and people of color, and has used her platform to uplift and support underrepresented artists.
Price’s impact on the industry has already been recognized, as she has received numerous award nominations and has been named to multiple ‘best of’lists. It is clear that Price’s music and advocacy will continue to leave a lasting impact on country music and beyond.