Pink Telecaster, Red-Hot Blues: How Sue Foley Schooled Me in Tone, Power, and Pure Class
The first time I saw Sue Foley, she walked onstage in a pair of cowboy boots, slung a pink paisley Telecaster over her shoulder, and then proceeded to absolutely torch the place.
She didn’t say much at first.
She didn’t need to.
Because the moment she hit that first note, you could feel it in your chest. That classic Texas blues tone, sharp as a knife but smooth as aged whiskey, filled the room—and I knew I was watching a master at work.
I’ve been a believer ever since.
Who Is Sue Foley?
If you love the blues, but somehow haven’t crossed paths with Sue Foley yet, let me catch you up:
She’s Canadian-born, but she’s been Texas blues royalty for decades now. She cut her teeth in Austin in the early ’90s and quickly earned the respect of everyone from Jimmie Vaughan to Lazy Lester.
She’s not just one of the best female blues guitarists alive—she’s one of the best, period.
A player’s player, a soulful singer, and a songwriter with heart, Sue Foley is the real deal.
And when that pink Telecaster gets going? Get out of the way.
The Sound: Texas Blues with a Woman’s Touch and a Killer Right Hand
Sue’s playing is unmistakable—sharp, clean, bold, and rooted deep in the Texas blues tradition. Think Albert Collins meets Freddie King, but with her own finesse and flair.
She’s a fingerstyle player, which gives her tone this tactile, percussive attack that stands out.
No pedals. No tricks. Just tone, touch, and taste.
Vocally, she brings a cool, smoky smoothness—never over-sings, always lets the guitar say just as much as the lyrics do.
And lyrically? She tells stories. Of love, of trouble, of life on the road—real blues.
Albums That Made Me a Sue Foley Diehard
If you’re just now diving into her discography, you’re in for a serious treat. Here are the albums that pulled me under her spell:
- 🎸 Young Girl Blues (1992) – Her debut, and still one of the best blues debuts of the ‘90s. Raw, honest, and full of promise.
- 🔥 Walk in the Sun (1996) – Deeper and more soulful, with great songwriting and slick playing.
- 💿 Where the Action Is (2002) – A real turning point. Polished, but still gritty in all the right ways.
- 🎤 The Ice Queen (2018) – Features guests like Billy Gibbons and Jimmie Vaughan. Sue sounds completely in command here.
- 🎶 Pinky’s Blues (2021) – A return to the bare-bones Texas style. Straight-up fire. This one brought it all back for me.
- 🐍 Live in Austin Vol. 1 (2023) – All the swagger, sweat, and tone of a real Sue Foley show. If you love her studio stuff, this will seal the deal.
Seeing Her Live: Cool, Confident, and Cutting Through
I saw Sue Foley live in a small theater in 2022, and I still think about that show.
She didn’t strut. She didn’t scream. She just walked out, nodded to the band, and owned the room with every note.
There’s something about watching her play—you realize you’re seeing a master craftsman. She builds each solo carefully. Nothing is wasted.
She’s having fun, but she’s deadly serious about the music.
And when she dug into “Queen Bee” or tore through “Dallas Man,” the crowd was right there with her—grooving, nodding, soaking it in.
Why Sue Foley Is So Damn Important
Sue Foley has always walked that fine line between tradition and innovation.
She keeps the old-school blues sound alive—but never lets it get stale. She honors the legends, especially her Texas heroes, but she’s always had her own sound, her own identity.
She’s paved the way for countless women in blues.
She’s collaborated with the best.
And she still tours like a lifer—because that’s what she is.
She is the blues.
Not a gimmick. Not a throwback. Not a novelty.
Just one of the most authentic and consistent voices in modern blues.
Where to Start If You’re New
Here’s your primer for falling in love with Sue Foley’s music:
- 🎧 Pinky’s Blues – Modern, raw, Texas to the bone.
- 💿 The Ice Queen – Groovy, polished, and full of heart.
- 🔥 Young Girl Blues – Go back to where it all began.
- 📺 YouTube: Search “Sue Foley live Pinky’s Blues,” “Sue Foley Jimmie Vaughan,” or “Sue Foley Queen Bee” for tone lessons and timeless class.
More at suefoley.com
Sue Foley plays like she’s got something to prove to no one but the blues itself. She brings soul, skill, and swagger—without ever raising her voice. And that pink Telecaster? That’s not a gimmick. That’s a blues weapon. And Sue? She’s a legend with a soft drawl and a sharp edge. 🎸💗🔥
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