Sue Foley – Texas Blues with a Pink Telecaster and a Whole Lot of Soul
The first time I heard Sue Foley, I did a double take.
I was listening to a blues radio stream, half-distracted, when this searing, sharp, TEXAS TONE cut through the mix.
My ears perked up. It was gritty, soulful, and full of swagger. And then came the voice—smooth and smoky, with just the right amount of edge.
I checked the screen:
Sue Foley – “Queen Bee.”
That was it. I was hooked. That song kicked open the door, and I’ve been a fan ever since.
From Canada to Austin – A Blueswoman’s Journey
Born in Ottawa, Canada, Sue Foley might not be from Texas by birth—but she earned her Lone Star stripes.
She moved to Austin in her early 20s, got signed to Clifford Antone’s legendary label, and quickly became a fixture in the Texas blues scene.
And she didn’t just hang with the big boys—she played toe-to-toe with them.
Albert Collins. Jimmie Vaughan. Billy F Gibbons. She held her own, every time.
With her signature pink paisley Telecaster and a fire in her fingers, Sue Foley has become one of the fiercest and most respected blues guitarists alive today.
The Sound: Texas Blues with Class and Bite
Sue Foley’s sound is pure electric blues, with a heavy Texas influence and her own unique voice.
- 🎸 Guitar tone that bites like Albert Collins and grooves like Jimmie Vaughan.
- 🎤 Vocals that are smoky, feminine, and totally in control.
- 🎶 Songs that are smart, tough, and often deeply personal.
She doesn’t shred for the sake of showing off. She lets the notes breathe, and every solo tells a story.
Albums That Made Me a Believer
If you’re new to Sue Foley, start with these albums. They blew me away:
- 💿 Young Girl Blues (1992) – Her breakout debut. A statement right out of the gate.
- 🎧 Love Comin’ Down (2000) – Bluesy, intimate, and full of emotion.
- 🎙️ The Ice Queen (2018) – A modern masterpiece with guests like Jimmie Vaughan and Billy Gibbons.
- 🔥 Pinky’s Blues (2021) – A stripped-down, raw, and absolutely ferocious Texas blues record.
- 🎸 Live in Austin Vol. 1 (2023) – Proof that Sue Foley live is just as powerful as in the studio—maybe more.
That Pinky’s Blues album? I spun it on repeat for a week. Just her, a guitar, and a groove. Perfect.
Seeing Sue Foley Live – Tone, Technique, and Pure Fire
I caught Sue Foley at a blues festival in the South a few years back, and I still talk about it.
She walked onstage in boots and a black dress, slung that pink Tele over her shoulder, and ripped into a version of “Howlin’ for My Darlin’” that shook the trees.
No fuss. No overplaying. Just pure blues phrasing, the kind you only get from someone who feels the music deep down.
She doesn’t imitate the masters. She joins them.
Why Sue Foley Still Matters
In a genre that still leans heavily male, Sue Foley stands tall—and plays even taller.
She’s not just one of the best female blues guitarists—she’s one of the best, period.
She plays with tone, class, swing, and fire. She writes honest songs. She gives back to the blues community.
She’s earned the respect of her heroes and brought a whole new generation of fans along with her.
And she’s still out there night after night, showing the world what blues guitar should sound like.
Where to Start If You’re New
Your Sue Foley starter kit:
- 🎧 Pinky’s Blues – Pure Texas tone and swagger.
- 💿 The Ice Queen – For big production and killer guest spots.
- 🎙️ Young Girl Blues – Her fiery debut.
- 📺 YouTube: Search “Sue Foley live guitar solo” or “Sue Foley Pinky’s Blues” for a taste of the fire.
More at suefoley.com
Sue Foley isn’t just keeping the blues alive—she’s playing it like she was born into it.
And every time I hear her, I remember why I fell in love with the blues in the first place.
🎸💙🔥
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