Gillian Welch & David Rawlings Tucson, March 2025
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings have built a remarkable career over more than two decades as one of the most influential and respected duos in modern American folk music. Known for their deep roots in traditional music and their ability to craft emotionally resonant songs, they’ve earned accolades from critics and fans alike, including being hailed as “modern masters” by Pitchfork and “protectors of the American folk song” by Rolling Stone.
Welch first gained attention after moving to Nashville in the early '90s, with Emmylou Harris covering her song “Orphan Girl.” Her debut album Revival (1996), produced by T Bone Burnett, was a critical success and established her as a prominent figure in the Americana and roots music scenes. Alongside Rawlings, she followed up with Hell Among the Yearlings (1998), further cementing their legacy as a powerhouse folk duo.
Their involvement in the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack (2000) led to a GRAMMY win for Album of the Year and further recognition. Welch’s Time (The Revelator) (2001), released on their own label Acony Records, became an iconic album of the 2000s, widely regarded as one of the best of the decade.
After experimenting with a more electric sound on Soul Journey (2003) and Rawlings’ solo project A Friend of A Friend (2009), Welch and Rawlings returned to their acoustic roots with The Harrow and The Harvest (2011), which earned multiple GRAMMY nominations and topped year-end lists.
Celebrating 20 years of collaboration, the duo launched an archival branch of Acony Records, releasing rare demos and live recordings. Welch's 2018 Thomas Wolfe Prize for Literature highlighted her lyrical prowess, while their 2019 Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song marked another milestone in their illustrious career. Their 2020 album All the Good Times earned the GRAMMY for Best Folk Album.
Still performing and recording, Welch and Rawlings continue to influence the world of folk music, with a commitment to independent artistry and preserving the highest-quality versions of their iconic catalog.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2748044-0
