Cory Branan

A sharp-witted singer and songwriter whose literate approach and narrative skill set him apart, Cory Branan developed into a defining voice within today’s folk and roots scenes. Memphis, Tennessee, served as his birthplace, while the nearby suburb of Southaven became his childhood home, where music filled the household from the start. Father Dallas kept time on drums in local groups whenever work allowed, grandfather handled guitar with notable ability, and great-grandfather performed on violin. During adolescence Branan immersed himself in death metal and later fronted a Black Sabbath cover outfit. Only after earning a University of Memphis degree in his early twenties did he discover John Prine’s catalog, prompting him to pick up the guitar again and begin composing original material. Before issuing any recordings, the Memphis NARAS chapter presented him with the Phillips Award for Newcomer of the Year in 2000.

Those early honors led Branan to issue his debut, The Hell You Say, on his own imprint in 2001. He soon signed with Madjack Records, which re-released the album the following year. Early 2006 saw the arrival of 12 Songs, again through Madjack. After leaving that label, he aligned with the independent insurgent-country imprint Bloodshot Records for his third album, Mutt, whose 2012 release title reflected the eclectic blend of styles and influences woven through his writing. A comparatively quick follow-up arrived in 2014 with the fourth LP, The No-Hit Wonder, featuring contributions from Craig Finn and Steve Selvidge of the Hold Steady along with Jason Isbell. Critics responded favorably; Rolling Stone named it among the 40 best country albums of the year. Branan’s fifth studio effort, Adios, appeared in 2017 and was characterized by the songwriter himself as a “loser’s survival kit,” addressing loss and setback with a blend of wit and pointed observation.