Allison Russell
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Biography
Allison Russell is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, and activist. Before launching her solo career, she was a member of several groups, including Po’ Girl, Birds of Chicago, Our Native Daughters, and Sisters of the Strawberry Moon.
In 2021, she released her debut solo album, Outside Child, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album. The single "Nightflyer" was also recognized with nominations for Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song.
Her second album, The Returner, arrived in September 2023 and received four Grammy nominations, including Best Americana Album. The title track was nominated for Best Americana Performance and Best American Roots Song, while the single "Eve Was Black" won Best American Roots Performance.
Throughout her career, Russell has received eight Grammy nominations (winning one), four Canadian Folk Music Awards, and two Juno Awards. She was also longlisted for the Polaris Music Prize in 2021 and shortlisted in 2024.
Born in Montreal, Russell had a difficult upbringing, facing foster care and later abuse from her adoptive father. She left home at 15 and eventually relocated to Vancouver in 1998. She later attended Dawson College.