Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile, born June 1, 1981, in Ravensdale, Washington, is a spell-binding, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and activist whose voice has defined modern Americana and folk-rock while inspiring a generation. From her early days in the Seattle music scene, Carlile’s talent was evident, and she quickly emerged as a force in music, forming a lifelong collaboration with twins Tim and Phil Hanseroth and releasing her self-titled debut in 2005, showcasing raw, emotive vocals on tracks like “What Can I Say” and “Throw It All Away.” Her breakthrough arrived with 2007’s The Story, where the title track became an anthem of resilience and self-discovery, earning Carlile late-night appearances and an opening slot for Elton John. She continued to evolve with albums such as Give Up the Ghost (2009), Bear Creek (2012), and The Firewatcher’s Daughter (2015), blending rock, pop, and Americana with signature storytelling that connects deeply with listeners. Beyond her music, Carlile is a dedicated activist, co-founding the Looking Out Foundation with the Hanseroth twins to support causes ranging from LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice to education and disaster relief, donating $2 from every ticket sale to the foundation. Openly lesbian, she has used her platform to advocate for equality, often reflecting personal experience in songs like “The Mother” from 2018’s By the Way, I Forgive You, which earned six Grammy nominations, including wins for Best American Roots Performance and Best Americana Album. Carlile has collaborated widely, including as part of supergroup The Highwomen, authored the No. 1 New York Times bestseller Broken Horses: A Memoir, and performed alongside legends like Joni Mitchell. Her artistry, activism, and extraordinary connection with fans continue to make Brandi Carlile a trailblazing, transformative force in music and culture.