Sue Foley : The Queen of Blues Guitar
Sue Foley is a name that resonates deeply with blues guitar fans across the world. Born in Ottawa, Canada, and now based in Austin, Texas, Foley has become one of the most respected and celebrated figures in modern blues. She’s not just a guitarist—she’s a force of nature on stage, wielding her iconic pink paisley Fender Telecaster with a mix of grace and raw power that’s captivated audiences for decades.
Foley picked up her first guitar at age 13, drawn to the instrument by the sounds of bands like The Rolling Stones, who famously incorporated blues into their rock music. From there, her passion for blues only deepened, influenced by legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and B.B. King. By the time she was 16, she had already played her first gig, and it became clear that music was not just a hobby, but her calling.
Right after high school, Foley wasted no time in forming The Sue Foley Band, hitting the road to tour across Canada. Her fierce dedication to her craft led her to take bigger leaps. In 1988, she teamed up with harmonica player Mark Hummel, joining him for a grueling 300-show tour that took them through the U.S., Canada, and Europe. It was during this time that Foley’s talent started to catch the attention of blues aficionados. In Memphis, while playing a set with Duke Robillard at the prestigious Handy Awards, Foley’s remarkable skills were noticed by Clifford Antone, the legendary founder of Antone’s, a renowned blues label and historic nightclub in Austin. This moment became pivotal in her career.
Soon after, Foley signed with Antone’s label, and in 1992 she released her debut album, Young Girl Blues. The album made waves in the blues community and established her as a fresh, formidable voice in the genre. Since then, she has consistently toured and recorded, building a loyal fanbase across the globe. Always seen with her signature Telecaster, Foley’s performances are known for their intensity, emotion, and technical brilliance. She eschews the use of flashy effects, opting for a raw and stripped-down sound that amplifies the authenticity of her playing. Fans often compare her claw hammer picking style to the technique of folk musicians, yet Foley brings a distinctive edge to it, proving that she can stand toe-to-toe with the best guitarists in the world.
Her accolades are plentiful. In 2001, Foley won the Juno Award for her album Love Coming Down, further solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in blues music. Over the years, she has earned an incredible seventeen Maple Blues Awards, three Trophees de Blues de France, and has been nominated numerous times for Blues Music Awards in Memphis. These honors reflect not only her musicianship but also her deep connection to the blues tradition.
One of the highlights of Foley’s career came in 2018 with the release of The Ice Queen, a stunning solo album that marked her triumphant return to the studio. The album featured collaborations with blues legends such as Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Jimmie Vaughan, showcasing her ability to hold her own alongside some of the greatest names in the genre. The Ice Queen was met with critical acclaim, and it reminded the world that Foley was not only back but perhaps better than ever.
Her contributions to the blues didn’t go unnoticed. In May 2020, Foley won the prestigious Koko Taylor Award at the Blues Music Awards for Traditional Blues Female Artist, a testament to her enduring influence and her powerful performances. To her fans, this was no surprise—Foley has long been known for channeling the energy of blues matriarchs like Koko Taylor and Bonnie Raitt, while carving out her own distinctive space in the blues world.
What makes Sue Foley truly special is not just her technical prowess, but her ability to infuse every note with emotion. Whether she’s playing a fiery lead or singing a heart-wrenching ballad, Foley pours herself into her music. Her performances are a masterclass in storytelling, pulling listeners into the soul of the blues with every song. It’s no wonder she’s often called “the guitar slinger who can sing the blues like nobody’s business.”
For blues guitar enthusiasts, Foley’s dedication to her instrument and her craft is nothing short of inspiring. She’s stayed true to her roots while continuing to evolve as an artist, and her live shows are something every blues fan should experience. As she continues to tour and record, fans can be sure that Sue Foley will keep delivering the blues with the same passion and fire that have defined her career from the very beginning.
In a world where trends come and go, Sue Foley remains a steadfast beacon of the blues—a guitarist and singer whose love for the genre continues to shine bright. For those who appreciate the art of the guitar and the deep, soulful tradition of the blues, Foley’s music is an experience that should not be missed.
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