NASHVILLE, TN (November 11, 2024) — Sun Records proudly announces that Ruthie Foster’s latest album, Mileage, has been nominated for the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards in the category of Best Contemporary Blues Album. This nomination celebrates Foster’s unique storytelling and powerful voice, as she weaves a rich tapestry of folk, blues, gospel, and soul in her Sun Records debut. Although Sun founder Sam Phillips was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 1991, this marks the first time an album released by the label has received a nomination.
Produced by Tyler Bryant (Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown), Mileage captures Foster’s journey through personal loss and triumph, rooted in her East Texas heritage and her experiences as a queer Black female artist. The album’s soulful blend of blues, Americana, and gospel echoes the legacy of Sun Records, paying homage to its rich history while bringing Foster’s unique perspective into the spotlight. Foster co-wrote the songs with Bryant and his wife, Rebecca (a singer-songwriter and one half of the duo Larkin Poe).
“This album came together through a series of heartfelt conversations and reflections on my journey,” said Foster. “It’s deeply personal, reflecting both the highs and the hardships of my life, and I’m honored to have it recognized by the GRAMMY® community.”
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The title track, “Mileage,” encapsulates Foster’s own journey in music, while “Rainbow” sends a universal message of love and acceptance. A standout moment on the album is her rendition of Arthur Crudup’s “That’s All Right,” which pays tribute to the original Black blues artist who laid the foundation for rock and roll. Elvis Presley’s version of “That’s All Right,” released 70 years ago in 1954, is best known as the first hit for Sun Records.
“It was a privilege to work with Ruthie Foster on Mileage,” said Bryant. “Ruthie is a once-in-a-lifetime singer who possesses a unique ability to weave her heart and soul into every note she sings. When my wife, Rebecca, and I began writing with Ruthie, we were honored by the trust and vulnerability she placed in us in allowing us into her life story. Mileage is a deeply personal, yet universally relevant body of work, and I am so proud to have joined Ruthie on this musical journey.”
With five previous GRAMMY® nominations, Foster continues to stand as a compelling voice in contemporary blues, collaborating with artists like Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and Larkin Poe. Her commitment to artistic freedom and authenticity has endeared her to fans and critics alike, and this latest nomination further cements her impact on the genre.
“Working with Sun Records has been an incredible journey,” said Foster. “I’m excited to add my voice to the label’s legacy and to continue sharing my truth and honoring the voices that came before me.”
Fans can stream Mileage here. For more information on Ruthie Foster’s upcoming tour dates, visit www.ruthiefoster.com.
Ruthie Foster 2024-2025 Tour Dates
11/13-16 – Luzern, Switzerland – Lucerne Blues Festival 2024
11/16 – Notting Hill, UK – TABERNACLE
11/23 – Austin TX – The Paramount Theatre
1/17 – 20 – Santa Rosa Beach, FL – 30A Songwriters Festival 2025
1/26 – 2/2 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise 2025
3/1 – Lake Jackson, TX – Ruthie Foster with Brazosport Jazz Orchestra
3/6 – St Kilda, Australia – Memo Music Hall
3/7 – Queenscliff, Australia – Queenscliff Town Hall
3/8 – 3/10 – Port Fairy, Australia – Port Fairy Folk Festival 2025
3/13 – Brunswick, Australia – Brunswick Ballroom
3/14 – Castlemaine, Australia – Theatre Royal
3/15 – 3/16 – Katoomba, Australia – Blue Mountains Music Festival 2025
3/19 – Wollongong, Australia – Centro CBD
3/20 – Narrabundah, Australia – Harmonie German Club of Canberra
3/21 – Chatswood, Australia – The Concourse
3/22 – Bowen Hills, Australia – Old Museum Brisbane
3/23 – Edge Hill, Australia – Tanks Arts Centre
3/29 – 4/5 – Coral Jubilee 35th Anniversary Cruise – Fort Lauderdale, FL
4/12 – St. Petersburg, FL – Tampa Bay Blues Festival 2025
4/25 – Lewisburg, PA – Weis Center for the Performing Arts
6/1 – Belle Plaine, KS – Bartlett Arboretum
About Sun Records:
Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is renowned for discovering music legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The label moved to Nashville in 1969 where it continued cultivating acclaimed artists Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups, Linda Martell, and many others. As a member of the newly-formed Sun Label Group under Primary Wave, Sun Records continues to foster musical innovation while honoring its rich history of shaping American music culture.
For more information, visit https://sunrecords.com/.
