For over three decades, Kate Rusby has stood as one of the most influential and beloved figures in British music. Frequently described as ‘one of the most defining voices of contemporary folk’ and affectionately hailed as ‘British Folk Royalty’, she has carved a singular place in the UK’s musical landscape. Rusby hails from Barnsley, Yorkshire in the north of England and she has earned her place as a true icon: a Mercury Prize winner (hugely rare for a folk artist), a six-time BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards winner, a recipient of a prestigious BASCA (British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors) Award, an esteemed Gold Badge Award from the English Folk Dance and Song Society and the list goes on. She has also been awarded an impressive 3 Honorary Doctorates from 3 separate universities in the UK, all for her service to music, the arts and the preservation of folk song.
Her influence on the music scene is profound. Rusby has brought traditional English ballads and original songs to new audiences, helping to shape and modernise folk music. Rusby remains one of the only British female folk artists to attract the attention of the mainstream — effortlessly bridging the old and the new, while maintaining the soul of her folk roots. With a legacy defined by authenticity, innovation, and one of the most distinctive voices of her generation, Kate Rusby stands as a rare artist whose music resonates deeply across borders. As she continues touring and releasing new work, she remains a powerful ambassador for British folk on the world stage — an artist of genuine warmth, originality, and lasting impact.
23 albums later, Rusby’s discography is both expansive and diverse. Her 2020 album ‘Hand Me Down’, a collection of reimagined covers, became her highest-charting record to date, reaching the UK Charts Official Top 12 and introducing her artistry to a wave of new listeners. Always experimenting with new sounds and instrumentation, across her catalogue, Rusby seamlessly bridges traditional folk, original songwriting, and creative reinterpretations, solidifying her reputation as a boundary-breaking, genre-crossing artist.
Rusby has performed on major stages around the world, including iconic festivals such as Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival, Celtic Connections, Edmonton Folk Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Vancouver Folk Festival and numerous other international festivals, captivating audiences with her warm stage presence, effortless vocals, and deeply human approach to storytelling. Her live performances — often marked by charm, humour, and emotional clarity — have earned her devoted followers across continents. In addition, she has appeared on many TV shows and film as well as radio stations across the globe including Garrison Keillor’s ‘A Prairie Home Companion,’ Live from New York Town Hall.
Her work has attracted admiration from a wide range of celebrity fans including Ricky Gervais, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders and she has collaborated with music icons such as Paul Weller, Alison Krauss and even Westlife’s Ronan Keating. From her roots in the English folk tradition to her modern, innovative productions, Kate Rusby continues to shape and elevate the global folk scene.
All told, Kate Rusby is more than just a folk singer — she’s a defining artist whose talent, authenticity, and enduring appeal literally set a benchmark for the genre. Few artists maintain such consistent artistic integrity across decades, and fewer still do it with such grace, humour, and unmistakable voice.
Kate Rusby continues to shape the landscape of British music — a treasure whose influence will be felt for generations to come.
KATE RUSBY QUOTES:
“Kate Rusby is a superstar of the British acoustic scene. Warm, timeless and utterly enchanting” — The Telegraph
“Folk royalty.” — Daily Mail
“Kate Rusby is the undisputed queen of English folk music. Her soulful vocals and exquisite songwriting have set a benchmark in the genre, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide.” — BBC Music
“Kate Rusby’s artistry is a masterclass in folk music” – Mojo Magazine
“a ‘phenomenon’ whose voice retains an absolute purity” – BBC Radio 2
