Picture a small-town dreamer strumming her way from Nashville’s dive bars to global stages—meet Margo Price! This country and Americana star burst onto the scene with her raw, soulful 2016 debut, Midwest Farmer’s Daughter, blending old-school honky-tonk with unflinching storytelling. With four albums, a Grammy nod, and a heart-wrenching memoir, Price’s journey is as captivating as her music.
The Making of Margo Price
Born April 15, 1983, in Aledo, Illinois, Margo Rae Price grew up in a tight-knit farming community. Her family lost their farm during the 1980s farm crisis, a hardship that shaped her gritty perspective. She sang in church choirs and played piano, but it was Nashville’s pull that drew her at 20. Dropping out of Northern Illinois University, she dove into Music City’s vibrant scene, busking, waitressing, and even teaching dance at the YMCA to make ends meet.
Price’s early years were a hustle—playing open mics and forming bands with her husband, Jeremy Ivey. Heartbreak, including the loss of her newborn son Ezra, fueled her songwriting, turning personal pain into universal anthems. Her persistence paid off when Jack White’s Third Man Records signed her, a turning point that launched her into the spotlight.
Margo Price’s Unforgettable Music
Price’s debut, Midwest Farmer’s Daughter (2016), is a love letter to classic country, recorded in three days at Memphis’s Sun Studio. Songs like “Hands of Time” weave tales of loss and resilience, earning comparisons to Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. Its Top 10 debut on Billboard’s Country Albums chart was historic for a solo female artist.
Her follow-up, All American Made (2017), expanded her sound with funk and Tex-Mex vibes, tackling social issues like inequality. That’s How Rumors Get Started (2020), produced by Sturgill Simpson, leaned into rock, while Strays (2023) explored psychedelic influences, reflecting her fearless evolution. Her 2022 memoir, Maybe We’ll Make It, chronicles her decade-long grind, motherhood, and triumphs, earning praise for its raw honesty.
Price’s style is a blend of vintage twang and modern defiance, with lyrics that confront sexism, addiction, and rural struggles. Backed by her band, The Pricetags, she delivers performances that are both tender and electrifying, often hopping on a second drum kit for a fiery jam.
Why Margo Price Matters
Margo Price is more than a country star—she’s a trailblazer who’s reshaped Americana with her authenticity. Her music gives voice to the marginalized, challenging Nashville’s polished norms. From Saturday Night Live to Farm Aid’s board, her influence spans stages and advocacy, inspiring artists to stay true to their roots.
Her memoir and music resonate with anyone chasing a dream against the odds, making her a beacon for outsiders. Price’s ability to turn pain into art has cemented her as a vital voice in modern music, with a legacy that’s only growing.
About Margo Price
- Born: April 15, 1983, Aledo, Illinois
- Key Works: Midwest Farmer’s Daughter (2016), All American Made (2017), That’s How Rumors Get Started (2020), Strays (2023), Maybe We’ll Make It (2022)
- Awards: Grammy nomination for Best New Artist (2018), Americana Music Awards nominations
Ready to feel the twang of Margo Price’s soulful sound? Grab Midwest Farmer’s Daughter or dive into Maybe We’ll Make It for a front-row seat to her incredible journey!