Biography
Born into a household steeped in music, Patti Witten developed her skills as a musician, singer, and songwriter through natural inheritance. She augmented this foundation with classical training that began at age nine with violin and flute lessons extending through her late teens. Guitar followed, and she completed a music degree at Ithaca College in New York while pursuing further growth through workshops and accumulated practical experience.
Professional work began in the late 1970s with an initial engagement as flutist in a jazz ensemble. She subsequently performed with multiple pop and folk groups as well as an R&B dance band. In 1988, after supplementing performing income through positions that included deli work and research, Witten set aside music to pursue graphic art.
Selection in 1997 for a songwriting workshop led by Rosanne Cash drew her back to music and ignited a sustained commitment to songwriting. That same year marked the start of consistent recognition, as she earned top placements in several contests, among them the Great American Song Contest and the 16th Mid-Atlantic Song Contest.
Her self-released debut album, Land of Souvenirs, appeared in 1999 and presented folk-rock and folk-pop material such as “Winners and Losers,” “Ask Me About Your Dad,” and “Second Longest Day of the Year.” The Orchard Records label reissued the album in 2000. Also completed that year was the six-track EP Prairie Doll, which included “How Long ’Til It’s Over,” “Level Green Boys,” and “Call the Angels.”
Witten is a charter member of Indiegirl and appears at clubs, concert halls, and coffeehouses throughout the United States, at times supported by the Prairie Doll band featuring drummer Bill King, bassist Doug Robinson, and guitarist Rich DePaolo.
Professional work began in the late 1970s with an initial engagement as flutist in a jazz ensemble. She subsequently performed with multiple pop and folk groups as well as an R&B dance band. In 1988, after supplementing performing income through positions that included deli work and research, Witten set aside music to pursue graphic art.
Selection in 1997 for a songwriting workshop led by Rosanne Cash drew her back to music and ignited a sustained commitment to songwriting. That same year marked the start of consistent recognition, as she earned top placements in several contests, among them the Great American Song Contest and the 16th Mid-Atlantic Song Contest.
Her self-released debut album, Land of Souvenirs, appeared in 1999 and presented folk-rock and folk-pop material such as “Winners and Losers,” “Ask Me About Your Dad,” and “Second Longest Day of the Year.” The Orchard Records label reissued the album in 2000. Also completed that year was the six-track EP Prairie Doll, which included “How Long ’Til It’s Over,” “Level Green Boys,” and “Call the Angels.”
Witten is a charter member of Indiegirl and appears at clubs, concert halls, and coffeehouses throughout the United States, at times supported by the Prairie Doll band featuring drummer Bill King, bassist Doug Robinson, and guitarist Rich DePaolo.
Albums
