Tag: Sue Foley

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

🎸💙🔥

Video

Thank You

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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. 🎸💗🔥

Pink Telecaster, Red-Hot Blues: How Sue Foley Became My Guitar Heroine

I can still picture it—Sue Foley strutting across the stage in a bright red dress, her signature pink Telecaster slung low, and a look on her face that said, “I came here to play.” And play she did—fierce, fluid, and with that razor-sharp tone that slices straight to the soul.

That was the first time I saw her live, and I swear I didn’t blink for 90 minutes. It wasn’t just the guitar—it was the attitude, the soul, the swagger. I’d been a blues fan for years, but Sue Foley opened a new door. She brought the fire of Texas blues and fused it with style and grace that only she could deliver.

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From Canada to Austin: The Road to the Blues

Born in Ottawa, Canada, Sue Foley fell in love with the blues as a teenager and never looked back. She cut her teeth listening to the legends—Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Memphis Minnie—but it was the raw, electric sound of Texas blues that truly captured her.

In the early ’90s, she moved to Austin, TX—a city that welcomed her like one of its own. There, she signed to Antone’s Records (yeah, that Antone’s—the home of Stevie Ray Vaughan) and started carving out a place for herself in the boys’ club of blues guitar. And guess what? She didn’t just belong—she stood out.

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Her Style: Bold, Biting, and Blues Through and Through

Let’s talk guitar. Sue’s playing is sharp, stinging, and stripped-down—no fluff, no filler. Her tone is pure Telecaster bite, and her phrasing? Killer. She channels the snarl of Albert Collins, the finesse of Jimmie Vaughan, and the confidence of someone who knows exactly what she’s doing.

And when she sings? It’s low and smoky, full of soul and sly humor. She doesn’t overpower you—she pulls you in, line by line, until you’re hanging on every word.

She also writes with depth and wit, crafting songs about heartbreak, desire, grit, and survival. And she does it without losing that cool-headed, no-nonsense edge that makes her so unforgettable.

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Albums That Turned Me Into a Superfan

If you’re new to Sue Foley, you’ve got a lot of good listening ahead. Here are the albums that sealed the deal for me:

• 🎸 Young Girl Blues (1992) – Her debut, and still one of the best. Full of raw energy and confidence beyond her years.
• 🔥 Back to the Blues (1999) – A straight-ahead blues banger. Tough, tight, and totally authentic.
• 💄 The Ice Queen (2018) – A personal favorite. Features guest spots from Billy Gibbons and Jimmie Vaughan, but it’s all Sue. Smoldering and sharp.
• 🎤 Pinky’s Blues (2021) – Named after her iconic pink Telecaster. This one is Texas blues to the bone. Groovy, gritty, and full of swagger.
• 🧨 Live in Austin, Vol. 1 – Captures her energy like nothing else. A must-listen if you want the real deal.

She doesn’t make filler albums—every track she records is honest and road-tested.

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Seeing Her Live: A Master at Work

I’ve seen Sue Foley live three times now, and each show leaves me grinning like a fool. She steps onstage cool and calm, and by the second song she’s lighting the place up. She doesn’t need theatrics—just a Telecaster, a mic, and that confident swagger.

There’s something powerful about watching a woman absolutely own the blues stage—especially when she’s sharing it with the big names and outplaying half of them. She’s all feel, no flash. And when she rips into a slow blues or a Collins-style burner, time just stops.

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Why Sue Foley Matters So Much

Let’s be real: the blues world still doesn’t give enough credit to women guitarists. Sue Foley doesn’t just prove she belongs—she reminds us why we need her. She brings a unique voice to the tradition: one that respects the roots but doesn’t get stuck in them.

She’s fierce, feminine, and fearless—a rare combo in blues, or anywhere.

She’s also a teacher, a writer, a collaborator, and a relentless road warrior. She’s out there keeping the blues alive every single night, one scorching solo at a time.

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Where to Start If You’re New

Let me help you catch the Foley fire:

• 🎧 Pinky’s Blues – Start here. It’s everything that makes her great, wrapped in Texas swagger.
• 💿 The Ice Queen – A masterclass in tone and control.
• 🎸 Young Girl Blues – Her debut, full of raw brilliance.
• 🎥 YouTube: Search “Sue Foley live Austin” or “Sue Foley Pinky’s Blues” to see her command the stage.

More at suefoley.com

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Sue Foley is the real deal—no hype, no gimmicks. Just killer tone, fearless solos, and the kind of blues that gets in your bones and stays there. She doesn’t play to impress—she plays to connect. And for this longtime blues fan, that connection runs deep.

Thank You

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Sue Foley: Canada’s Queen of the Blues

Few artists embody the soul and fire of the blues quite like Sue Foley. The Canadian blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter has spent decades honing her craft, earning international acclaim for her blistering guitar work, distinctive voice, and deep connection to the blues tradition. With numerous awards, chart-topping albums, and an unshakable commitment to keeping the blues alive, Foley has secured her place among the genre’s greats.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born on March 29, 1968, in Ottawa, Ontario, Sue Foley picked up the guitar at an early age. Inspired by legendary bluesmen such as B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf, and, most notably, Freddie King, she developed a love for the blues that would shape her musical journey. By her late teens, she was already performing professionally, cutting her teeth in the clubs of Canada before heading south to the United States.

Breakthrough and Rise to Fame

Foley’s big break came in the early 1990s when she signed with Antone’s Records, the label founded by Clifford Antone, the legendary blues club owner in Austin, Texas. Her debut album, Young Girl Blues (1992), showcased her raw talent and deep understanding of traditional blues styles. The album was well received, and it marked the beginning of a career that would see her become one of the most respected blues guitarists of her generation.

Signature Style and Influences

Sue Foley’s guitar work is characterized by crisp, clean tones, fiery licks, and a deep respect for blues traditions. Playing her signature pink paisley Fender Telecaster, she has mastered the Texas blues style while infusing it with her own unique energy. She often cites Albert Collins, Gatemouth Brown, and Memphis Minnie as key influences, blending their techniques with her own powerful vocals and expressive songwriting.

Awards and Accomplishments

Foley has earned multiple awards throughout her career, including numerous Maple Blues Awards and Juno Awards, which recognize the best in Canadian music. She has also been honored with the prestigious Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist, solidifying her reputation as one of the leading blues musicians in the world.

Her 2018 album The Ice Queen received widespread acclaim and featured collaborations with blues legends like Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Jimmie Vaughan, and Charlie Sexton. The album highlighted Foley’s ability to seamlessly mix traditional blues with contemporary elements, further cementing her place in blues history.

Keeping the Blues Alive

Beyond her work as a performer, Sue Foley is also dedicated to preserving and promoting the blues. She has worked on projects that celebrate women in blues, including her research on female blues guitarists, which has helped bring recognition to often-overlooked artists who paved the way for today’s musicians.

Recent Work and Legacy

In 2021, Foley released Pinky’s Blues, an album that once again showcased her impeccable guitar skills and deep-rooted blues sensibility. The album, named after her beloved pink paisley Telecaster, was met with critical praise and demonstrated her continued evolution as an artist.

With a career spanning over three decades, Sue Foley remains a force in the blues world. Whether on stage delivering electrifying performances or in the studio crafting deeply authentic blues records, she continues to inspire new generations of musicians and blues lovers alike.

For fans of blues guitar and powerful storytelling, Sue Foley is an artist not to be missed. Her journey, passion, and undeniable talent ensure that her place in blues history is not just secured—but celebrated.

Thank You

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

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.

Video

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

 

 

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.

🎸💙🔥

Video

Thank You

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

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.

Thank You

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Sue Foley

Sue Foley is a Canadian-born guitarist and singer who has lived in Austin, Texas since the age of 21. She learned to play guitar at age 13, became interested in blues music from listening to the Rolling Stones, and played her first gig at age 16. After high school graduation, she formed The Sue Foley Band and toured Canada.

In 1988–1989, the Sue Foley Band teamed with Mark Hummel to tour across the United States, Canada and Europe as well as recording an album. The collaboration lasted a little over a year with 300 dates on the road in 1989. Clifford Antone saw Foley sitting in with Duke Robillard while the band was in Memphis for the Handy Awards that year.

Her first release was “Young Girl Blues” which she recorded for Antone’s, the blues label and historic nightclub. Foley has toured steadily with her band, toting her signature pink paisley Fender Telecaster. In 2001, she won the Juno Award for her CD, Love Coming Down. Foley has also earned seventeen Maple Blues Awards and three Trophees de Blues de France. She has also garnered several nominations at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tennessee.

2018 marked Foley’s return as a solo artist with her latest album, The Ice Queen, which featured guest appearances by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Jimmie Vaughan.

In May 2020, Foley won a Blues Music Award in the ‘Koko Taylor Award (Traditional Blues Female)’ category.

Foley’s the adorable guitar slinger who can sing the blues like nobody’s business and play some mean lead like Bonnie Raitt. She uses thumb & finger picks in a unique claw hammer style. No guitar effects and a Fender Telecaster instead of the Stratocaster or Les Paul one would expect. Unique and entertaining.

Thank You

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.