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Musician's Spotlight: Ruthie Foster

Ruthie Foster
Riccardo Piccirillo
Ruthie Foster

Multiple Grammy Award nominee and multiple winner of several Blues Music Award Awards, singer songwriter Ruthie Foster visits with host John Floridis to discuss the evolution of her unique career. Ruthie's musical path includes a heavy dose of gospel from her early church days, a tour of duty in the US Navy band Pride and a multi-genre solo career for over three decades. In the tightknit musical community of Austin, Texas, it’s tough to get away with posturing. You either bring it, or you don’t. The small rural town of Gause, TX had no chance of keeping the vocal powerhouse known as Ruthie Foster to itself. Described by Rolling Stone as “pure magic to watch and hear,” her vocal talent was elevated in worship services at her community church. Drawing influence from legendary acts like Mavis Staples and Aretha Franklin, Foster developed a unique sound unable to be contained within a single genre. That uniqueness echoes a common theme in Ruthie’s life and career - marching to the beat of her own drum.

John Floridis, the host and producer of Musician's Spotlight, has been with Montana Public Radio since 1997. He has interviewed over 200 musicians during that time. He is also an independent recording and performing artist in his own right and a former registered music therapist.
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