Nanci Griffith - 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award (Living) | Folk Alliance International

The Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented each year to honor the cultural impact of legendary folk music figures. As a part of the award process, FAI produces a short documentary to commemorate these great artists and to provide a resource to the community sharing the rich history and lasting cultural influence of folk music.
=-=-=
🎻 FOLLOW FOLK
FACEBOOK / folkalliance
INSTAGRAM / folk_alliance
TWITTER / folkalliance
🪕 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE
Subscribe to our channel for exclusive interviews, performances, and invaluable webinars and lessons from musicians and creatives around the world.
❤️ SUPPORT FOLK ARTISTS IN NEED:
folk.org/thevil...
🪗 SUPPORT US
Folk Alliance International (FAI) is an arts nonprofit and NEA designated National Arts Service Organization. FAI is the leading international voice for folk music with a network of more than 3,000 members: a worldwide community of artists, agents, managers, labels, publicists, arts administrators, venues, festivals, and concert series presenters.
Find out more at www.folk.org

[@jenniferv6949]

Oh, I still love Nanci and all her songs. ❤ I will listen all my life.

[@songpoets-ramcey]

She was, is, and will always be, an American songwriting treasure. Thanks for recognizing her in this way. - Ramcey

[@juliananton7800]

Austin resident! I can't stress how hard it was on this city when she died. You could hear many mourn as I walked UT the next day, imagining her earliest days on that campus and later a memorial for her at Hole in the Wall, where she held many an audience in the palm of her hand.

[@markw4206]

I always think how lucky the small crowd of folks were at that outdoor shindig in Austin where she sang with Lyle Lovett which is found elsewhere on KZbin.

[@japark85]

@@markw4206 I believe the video you’re referring to was recorded just outside of Houston, which is where Lyle Lovett is from.

[@philveness8154]

She was loved in many places far from Austin! Her music has even found his way up here in Winnipeg! You guys should be proud of her! Thank you Austin

[@PKO1963]

Large Statue 🗽....

[@philveness8154]

Are you saying there l is a statue of her or that there ought to be a statue of her? If there is a statue please post it!! Phil from Winnipeg

[@rangerdoe7384]

I love her so much. Wept openly when I heard the news of her passing. Such a light who could sing my heart and soul.

[@michaelaivy9990]

OMG ‼️❤️. Love Nanci always ❤

[@jerapeterson62]

She was, and is one of my favorites❣️ I was so sad when I heard the news she had passed 💔

[@Oldgoaled]

I did too!

[@dennissirman6584]

ICON

[@sharonvyse330]

This artist was so deserving of lifetime achievement award. She was was so ahead of her time and honest to a fault. What a gift!

[@PaulSchuster-yj4zb]

From a Distance, should be our National Anthem.

[@dap9387]

At 67, I have been listening to Nanci since her beginning, and will surely listen to her for the rest of MY life. Love her and always have.

[@arrowroot2199]

I'm also 67, also love Nancy. What a talent!

[@MarkColeman-s1v]

I was a late bloomer to Nanci's music but, oh my what an artist, oh my what a person! Held so highly among her friends fans and peers.

[@marymuller7110]

She was beautiful, I miss her so much. Thank god for the catalogue of music she left for us.

[@helenbeaty4736]

Roseann Cash, you’re doing a wonderful job of narrating this about Nanci Griffith.

[@jon-francis9289]

I've never lived in Nanci's world, or even on the same side of the globe, yet it is beyond astounding to me that I'd never heard of her till after her passing. It was a random story of her death that brought me to her. Since then, I've listened to her songs many times. She really was quite a girl. May she Rest in Peace.

[@michaelknapp8961]

I saw her twice in concert. I’m a huge Nanci fan and I was heartbroken when I heard she passed away. She was phenomenal!!!!!

[@youndyhung9727]

Hard to think of anyone more deserving of this award. Her songs are so precious to so many, myself included. She deserves to be up there with the greatest of the great American songwriters.

[@larryl2459]

I was running the channels one evening and found her singing, my wife was doing the dishes and heard her singing, came into the living room with her mouth open. It was that barefoot little girl in a yellow print dress. She was hooked, as was I.

[@TerraAustralisUnlimited]

My mother cried deeply when Nanci passed. My mother recently passed and I cry when I listen to Nanci,s music....but not tears of sadness.

[@sparkymydog1]

I’m sorry I never got to see her in concert. I grew up listening to Emmy Lou but completely missed out on Nanci until recently. I think there will be many people like me who once discover what a talent she was will be saddened that she is gone. I cherish my CDs of hers. Thank you Nanci.

[@tconnolly9820]

I first saw Nanci playing a most memorable concert in the Nuremor hotel just outside the small town of Carrickmacross in Ireland for her Lone Star State of Mind tour. I loved her as a dear friend I never actually got to meet and the emotions are welling up tonight as I am looking at some old and some new to me videos here on KZbin. Nanci was and always will be a beautiful spirit that soared to great heights but never got the full appreciation she deserved.

[@Marykellyyy]

u were truly blessed to have beenat her concert just wonderingwhat year did that concert take place I have been a fan of Nancy for many years too

[@jeffchastain2977]

As an artist who's work literally saved my life, she is loved by myself and my family. When I have told folks this from time to time, they give me that look that they think I'm a bit ridiculous, but when I put on her records, they, almost to a person, begin to understand what I mean when I tell them how important her music is to me. And how important it has been in the past, and how important it will always be.

[@josephg9465]

Beautiful comment. Truly.

[@janosistvan5226]

She was an amazing talent, the 5 and dime was song one of my favorite songs. It reminded me of my childhood, what a story she wrote about life's experiences put to music and song. A gifted word smith in and lyrics and voice and she was also as cute as a bug to boot. 😍May God bless and keep her in his loving arms...

[@Wewoka]

Thanks for this wonderful tribute to an amazing lady. We will miss her. RIP Nancy.

[@euux-jtgy7240]

I remember when Nancy first started and I would listen over and over to her down the hill across the stream voice. She could sing crickets and fire flies to sleep.

[@JanaKirk-Levine-v1s]

So glad this tribute came across my path. What a joy to attend her concerts. What a joy to watch this tribute. She blazed trails! What a mensch. May her memory be a blessing.

[@MOMO41837]

It knocked the wind out of me when I heard she passed away Rest in peace my friend You touched many and you will never be forgotten...❤️

[@otmargreb6110]

We hear! ❤️❤️❤️

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

What a treasure she is. I love her music. I about wore out my Other Voices, Other Rooms cd. It’s still one of my all time favorites. I hope she’s partying with Pete, Odetta, Kate and all the other greats who went before her.

[@CathyLarkinWebSavvyPR]

Agreed - this album was my introduction to her music - a great gateway album

[@rddavies]

How do you wear out a CD lol.

[@parileebijou6099]

As time goes by, she will be even more well known bc she was a true talent.

[@DrAnderson1]

This is so *beautifully* Nanci ❤️ This woman, and her music, earned me lifelong friendships, ethereal moments between like-hearted strangers, and every type of human interaction in-between…from the Grand Canyon, to Killarney, Ireland…..photo shoots with my baby nieces in fields of sunshine & Texas Bluebonnets, in San Angelo…their first lullabies were her words…to strangers on a train in London, and also Chicago…dark nights in hidden rooms beneath the streets of Boston with a stage & a prolific history. Her lyrics are hidden in everything from the names of drinks on the bar menu of my first restaurant on Cape Cod, to the title of my Master’s Thesis, the names of my cats, and on my mom’s grave: “These days your face, in my memory…is in the folded hands of grace against these times.” Nanci Griffith may have deserved a hell of a lot more recognition than she ever received…but from those of us who were once touched by her music, then forever accompanied by her lyrics, she will always be rewarded by the kind of love & devotion reserved for the truly special souls who walk amongst us, tattooed across our scars like a secret map. That’s the best kind of fame, I think. It’s the kind that matters most. I was hoping to never have to know what a world without Nanci Griffith in it looks & feels like; but grateful to have her music when I need a reminder. She’s somewhere sipping whiskey with Odetta, John Prine, Patsy Cline, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Townes Van Zandt, Elijah Cummings, Carson McCullers, and God willing…John. ❤️

[@williamwelshjr.7704]

Nanci was/is an American Treasure…Her Sweetness and Kindness in her personality and her songs will live on forever…her music is timeless…She was such a beautiful person…Her album “Other Voices, Other Rooms” is a folk singer masterpiece…she pays homage to all the singer-songwriters that influenced her life…I will always love Nanci…RIP

[@Robt.Velasquez]

In the early 90s my wife introduced me to her music As a blues rock musician I loved her sound. Every chance when Nanci toured Northern California we would go see her. Many critics were outright harsh and mean to her. When I noticed her website come to a standstill in 2912, I knew something was wrong. Then the bad news. I miss her voice, her songwriting and her guitar playing. A HUGE loss for us all! ❤❤❤

[@artnouveau7633]

I saw her multiple times thru the 70's and 80s what an original and she's an Austin girl still get chills listening to her much love Sweet Nancy

[@pepsarrio]

Always Nanci in our minds and hearts!

[@marktaylor7170]

Many years ago I went to see Nanci in the UK with some friends. I wasn't into country and western, but I'd heard Storms and thought it was a great album. Anyway, she touched my heart. Not the music or the lyrics, but her, her personality. A beautiful soul.

[@LeePond-o2d]

Her voice and lyrics are angelic. Five and dime …. Hard to get out of your mind

[@nancystevens7447]

Nanci’s songs were the music of my young life. I only have to hear her voice and I’m there again. Great tribute,thanks.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

Nanci wrote and so many beautiful songs. She also is responsible for giving artists exposure that may never been heard otherwise

[@clarecollins2547]

I love this! From a distance is the song we need now more than ever.

[@thetimmns]

What an amazing lady. RIP Nanci

[@jeffg1524]

I got my first albums of hers in my early 20's when I just started collecting music. Some of her songs make me cry, they're so poignant and melancholy. I was shocked when I read she died at 68, way too young. To me she's a great, underappreciated talent that deserves to be heard by a wider audience.

[@snorrejnnevaldhalvorsen6548]

Great girl, Trouble In The Fields makes me cry , every time . Miss her a lot !❤

[@patrickmckernon5191]

Superb singer/songwriter who I have been listening to for 40 years and will listen to all my life. Her ability to write serious songs, sad songs and happy songs was astounding. I was lucky to see her live in concert.

[@DianeLee999]

I will forever cherish Nanci’s voice, musicality, and spicy, gentle take on life. Godspeed, Miss Nanci 💜🇺🇸

[@joq702]

Thank goodness for this honor for Nanci. Thank you for putting this together and sharing it.

[@robertparsons5295]

5 Minutes. Soooo great.

[@stevensmith743]

Discovered Nanci in the early '80s when she performed regularly at the U. Texas Cactus Cafe, and then the much larger Texas Ballroom, because everyone who saw her spread the word. Saw her at least a couple dozen times, and she was transcendent each and every time.

[@gingerevans1346]

I will miss her forever. She was my late husband’s and my most beloved artist.

[@lynn2669]

Beautifully created tribute. Thank you for sharing it widely.

[@art58wong]

Still hits me hard when I heard she died. Always believed she deserved more praise for her tender stories. Hope she knew how much she meant to her fans.

[@thomasyelverton7586]

Nanci was just one of a kind, a very talented singer , songwriter with a gift to tell a story and hold you captivated in that. Her songs and voice are a part of my life and are a source of comfort and joy always. Glad to have seen her in concert. A treasure we should not forget. I won't ❤️

[@leecobb3470]

While she walked this earth, she embodied what an angel is. She blessed us with her music, her talent, mostly just her beautiful smile and presence. In 1993 I heard Spanish Boots of Spanish leather traveling up the NJ turnpike, That cover of my idol Bob Dylan’s song changed my life. I had an enormous crush on this smart incredible woman. Nanci, your always with me and all your fans. All we have to do is “Listen to the radio” I miss you!

[@tannisslimmon]

What a lovely tribute to a great artist!

[@b1j]

I wasn't aware that Nanci had received this award in 2008. Brava. As for now (2022), I feel as though her drumbeat is only beginning.

[@bradleyclough3156]

Right on!!! Thank you for honoring a brilliant artist-a TRULY GREAT songwriter and singer-and a beautiful human being.

[@JimHelfer]

Southwestern Pennsylvania here. 2024, still a fan.

[@cherylhuot4436]

A lovely tribute. Her music is a treasure.

[@karelhoffmann7282]

I will listen to Nanci for the rest of my days. She was one of a kind & I love to sing along with her, when I'm driving ❤️

[@Padraig50]

Fly high Nanci, you were the true believer, missed in the hills of Donegal, 🇮🇪🍀🇺🇸💚🇮🇪☘️🇺🇸🇮🇪

[@tommyfarrelly9401]

😢This was a beautiful tribute to a lovely lady at 79 years old I was with her songs and music right from Freight trains her words and music will live forevermore god rest your soul Nancy there will never be another like you, so to conclude my favour song (Nevermind )

[@robertsmith9810]

Waiting for love sums Nanci for me i regret never had the honour to see her live let alone meet her to me her warmth shone through in her music and performances the world was truly a better place for her passing

[@dogsbark5750]

My late mother was a big fan of Nancy. My oldest son started guitar at the age of 6. He is studying mandlin at Julie Golds brothers shop. Takes guitar lessons with a jazz/blues musician and takes drums with the lead percussionist for Disney training him along with my youngest son. At just 11 he has played for adults, is the only guitarist in jazz band outside high school that is a guitarist and is recognized as the clear stand out. He does this with one intention. To make people happy. His brother 10 plays drums at a high level. Both love Nancy's songs, I grew up with her. It has been amazing meeting people in her scene. She will be missed.

[@LindaAllen2129]

I can still hear her singing “Once In A Very Blue Moon” on a clear summer night.

[@LindaAllen2129]

At Kerrville

[@96oakcottage]

Beautiful tribute, as a Brit her early work had somehow passed me by. 'Other rooms' was the first album that I heard and I can understand how it was rated so highly. Memorably, I saw her in London. It might have been her last tour.

[@Gatsinahonda]

I got to see Nanci perform live in Birmingham, AL. Awesome highlight of my life.

[@frankpadilla7245]

Started listening as a kid when i 'discovered' Nanci on an "Austin City Limits" in the 80's. I sometimes go astray from her music but I've always come back and always will. She is sorely missed.

[@garyc7517]

Wonderful tribute to one of the heart beat leaders of our times.. Thanks Nancy! Miss you.

[@davidqueen1253]

Sadly missed but not forgotten 2024

[@dinastumm5539]

Thank you. Long live the music, integrity, talent and brightness of Nanci Griffith.

[@Jesse-gr2xo]

This makes me cry. I'm so glad I came across her Other Voices/Other Rooms tape cassette a long time ago. In the liner notes she said she chose those songs to acquaint younger people with folk songs that might otherwise be forgotten. Plus, I get to hear Odetta. Thank you so much for this video of her life.

[@TheBuddyShowWorldwide]

A wondrous and magical voice. A writer and singer of legend.

[@tishm2102]

Nanci's music is everlasting. Miss her, but thinking about the impact she had on my life through her gift brings warm memories of listening, and singing along to her vast library. I smile just thinking about her.

[@juneconyard4328]

beautiful singer and song writer

[@markw4206]

As a longtime adoring fan of Ms. Griffith's, I appreciated this mini-documentary. And wow, were those real clips of family home movies from her childhood? Wild to see her strolling round her yard with guitar in hand. Thanks!

[@kylew3575]

Was wondering the same thing!

[@georgelewis1762]

Met her in a little bar in Houston Heights one block from my house.Loved her right off the bat ❤❤❤❤❤

[@imogen.magenta]

Lovely to hear more about Nanci Griffith. What a wonderful singer and song writer!

[@sharonvyse3686]

She certainly spoke and wrote her truths through songs written and found relatable enough to sing -- an empty heart ready to be filled and so missed 🤍 😢!

[@marykelly6200]

Nancy Griffith was a fantastic artist, songwriter and singer. She played in the west of Ireland many times. I had the good sense to go to her concerts late 80s/early 90s. Loved her storytelling of her songs. Loved her music then and love it now...❤ Nanci will always remain in my playlist.

[@miguelcavanna736]

no words to express my love and admiration for Nanci and her music, and by the way this short documentary was well put together not to mention the narrator, great job Ros!.

[@carlgranados7106]

I'm not much into country (not that it's not great it just doesn't touch me) and have only a couple of performers I love from the genre that crossed over to my heart. Nanci Griffith was one of those and I still love her. Hope she is singing with the angels now.

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

So prophetic to see her in angel's wings as the camera fades out.

[@johnhawkins9826]

A superb tribute to a beautifully talented musician - I miss her and her music - RIP Nanci from a UK fan and believer!

[@tonylennon7979]

Lovely tribute to a unique artist. Saw her twice here in Ireland. Great stage performance. Very intellectual woman.

[@bobmoslow4636]

Thank-You for this beautiful tribute. Nanci was truly inspirational. She was such a Giving Spirit, introducing her fans to musicians they may have never known. I believe she made the performers around her better. She never sacrificed a bit of integrity in order to further sales. Such a positive role model RIP, Angel

[@MrButtonpresser]

Wow, that was very well done. Thanks. I saw Nancy in Melbourne, Australia and boy was she great. I'm still listening, from a distance.

[@ljacobs357]

A Texas legend.

[@martam7345]

Nancy Griffith will always be my favorite!

[@carmencollins740]

What a wonderful tribute! She was quite ahead of her time, and such a shame she's no longer here. I saw her over 20 years ago with Steve Earl, Patti Smith, Jackson Brown and Emmylou Harris. Oddly, I went to the show to see Nanci bc I was obsessing over her and the others were a bonus.

[@br360guy2]

I only came to know of Nanci a couple of months after her death . Considering my lifetime love of music by John Prine, Guy Clark, Emmylou Harris, Robert Earl Keen and the like how is that even possible. Wonderfully talented singer songwriter.

[@jacklucking691]

One of the BEST !!!!!! Nancy is singing in Heaven.❤❤❤❤❤

[@waynesanchez6504]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! The ONLY commemoration worth watching!!! One issue and it's a glaring mistake they all make. Everybody omits mention of Glen Campbell's GENIUS version of "The Last Time I Saw Her".

[@sesimiller5169]

thank you rose, i knew it was you as soon as i heard you... nanci was amazing.. im thankful i got to see her as much as i did in my years at the birchmere.. fond memories..

[@orogenicman]

We love and miss you, Nanci.

[@donwinant8272]

I was in the audience at the 1994 Festival At Sandpoint (Idaho) when Nanci did her set.

[@KMM406]

She is one of my two music crushes. She and Laura Nyro, were perfect women, and now, perfect souls.

[@oldisgood2587]

Having trouble with the word "was" I loved her a lot.

[@peterampgale1020]

A dedicated artist with high standards and a giant among her peers.

[@syoung6126]

We will always love you Nanci Griffith

[@ronnieparkerscott6223]

I am blessed... I saw Nanci in concert in London. ❤

[@wiggsan]

What an incredible talent!!

[@frantucker608]

yes

[@monroevian1]

I met her at the old Mueller airport in 1984. I didn't know who she was and she was just a sweet Texas girl to me. I didn't get her name or phone number but the next year I saw her on ACL TV and recognized her immediately!!!! I was ecstatic that's the girl with a guitar from the airport and she's made it to the big time!!!! Instead of just being a fan I was very proud of her and her accomplishments. She had more talent than anyone I had ever met. She was truly brilliant.

[@johnwwhite2]

Miss Nanci ❤

[@markdeweese9288]

May she restbin peace.