Allison Russell, a Grammy-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, and activist, has made an indelible mark on the music industry. Her journey began as a member of various music groups, including Po’ Girl, Birds of Chicago, Our Native Daughters, and Sisters of the Strawberry Moon. However, it was her solo career that truly set her apart.
In May 2021, Russell released her debut solo album, Outside Child, under Fantasy Records. The album delves into her traumatic childhood experiences and her path to healing. Outside Child received widespread acclaim, earning Russell three Grammy nominations, including Best Americana Album. The single “Nightflyer” was nominated for Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song, co-written with Jeremy Lindsay. The album’s success also garnered her four Canadian Folk Music Awards and long-list recognition for the Polaris Music Prize.
Russell’s second album, The Returner, released in September 2023, further solidified her status as a musical force. The album, celebrated for its exploration of Black liberation and soulful expression, received four Grammy nominations. The title track was nominated for Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song, and Best Americana Performance, while the single “Eve Was Black” won the Grammy Award for Best American Roots Performance. The Returner was also shortlisted for the 2024 Polaris Music Prize.
Russell’s artistry extends beyond her solo work. She formed Po’ Girl in 2003 with Trish Klein, releasing seven albums, including Po’ Girl (2003) and Follow Your Bliss (2010). In 2012, she co-founded Birds of Chicago with JT Nero, releasing albums such as Real Midnight (2016) and Love in Wartime (2018). In 2018, she joined Our Native Daughters, alongside Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Amythyst Kiah, releasing the acclaimed album Songs of Our Native Daughters in 2019.
Russell’s collaborations and performances have been equally noteworthy. She performed her song “Nightflyer” with Brandi Carlile and Brittney Spencer on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and made her Grand Ole Opry debut in May 2021. Russell also organized Love Rising, an all-star benefit concert in Nashville, in response to Tennessee’s anti-LGBT+ legislation.
Her music continues to garner accolades. Alongside her Grammy win and nominations, Russell has won two Juno Awards, four Canadian Folk Music Awards, and multiple Americana Music Association honors, including the 2023 Spirit of Americana Award and the 2022 Album of the Year Award. She has also received two International Folk Music Awards and four UK Americana Music Awards.
Russell’s dedication to activism and her message of the “Beloved Community” shine through her work with the Rainbow Coalition Band. This ensemble, comprised of Black, POC, queer, and historically marginalized musicians from across the U.S., amplifies her mission to use music as a force for social change.
Songs like “Take Flight,” “Persephone,” and “Montreal” from Outside Child, as well as “The Returner” and “Eve Was Black” from The Returner, showcase Russell’s ability to weave personal stories with universal themes of resilience and liberation. Her voice, both as a musician and activist, continues to resonate, making her one of the most vital artists of her generation.
