Early Life and Beginnings
Lori McKenna grew up in a large family, the youngest of six children, and was exposed to a variety of musical influences. She began writing songs in her early 20s, while raising a family, crafting lyrics that reflected her life experiences as a wife and mother. McKenna’s humble beginnings included performing at open mics in the Boston area before she self-released her first album, Paper Wings & Halo, in 2000. Her raw and honest storytelling began to attract attention from the folk and Americana communities.
Songwriting Breakthrough
Although McKenna continued to release solo albums, it was her songwriting for other artists that brought her wider recognition. In the mid-2000s, country singer Faith Hill recorded several of McKenna’s songs for her album Fireflies (2005), including the hit single “Stealing Kisses.” This marked the beginning of McKenna’s success in Nashville’s country music scene.
One of her biggest songwriting achievements came with “Girl Crush,” co-written with Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey, and recorded by Little Big Town. The song became a massive hit in 2015, earning McKenna multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Country Song. She also co-wrote “Humble and Kind,” a song recorded by Tim McGraw, which became a cultural touchstone. The song won a Grammy Award, CMA Song of the Year, and an Academy of Country Music Award.
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Solo Career and Notable Albums
While achieving success as a songwriter for others, Lori McKenna has also maintained a critically acclaimed solo career. Her solo albums, including The Bird & The Rifle (2016) and The Balladeer (2020), showcase her poignant songwriting and folk-inflected sound. The Bird & The Rifle was especially praised, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album.
In 2020, McKenna co-wrote “A Beautiful Noise” with 7 other female writers – Alicia Keys, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, Hillary Lindsey, Ruby Amanfu, Hailey Whitters and Linda Perry – and the song was performed by Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile with the purpose of inspiring American voters to vote in the 2020 Presidential Election.
In 2021, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift released her second re-recorded album Red (Taylor’s Version), including a song called “I Bet You Think About Me” featuring Chris Stapleton.
Lori McKenna’s music often focuses on everyday life, with an emphasis on family relationships, the passing of time, and the struggles and beauty of domestic life. Her voice and style are rooted in simplicity and authenticity, which resonate deeply with listeners.
Influence and Legacy
In addition to her Grammy Awards, Lori McKenna has become one of Nashville’s most respected songwriters, frequently collaborating with other top writers such as Natalie Hemby and Brandy Clark. Her work continues to influence a new generation of country and Americana artists. Despite her success, McKenna remains grounded, often writing songs at her kitchen table in Massachusetts, where she still lives with her family.
McKenna’s ability to connect with audiences through deeply personal yet universal themes has solidified her place as one of the most impactful songwriters in contemporary music. Whether through her own recordings or through the voices of others, her songs are celebrated for their emotional depth and timelessness./p>
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