1969: Joni Mitchell's Performance at Newport Folk Festival
In 1969, Joni Mitchell performed at the Newport Folk Festival, marking an early milestone in her career and showcasing her emerging talent to a wider audience. This performance would later become a point of reference when she returned to the festival in 2022, highlighting her enduring legacy and influence in the folk music world.
June 1, 1981: Brandi Carlile's Birth
Brandi Marie Carlile was born on June 1, 1981.
1994: Previous Double Song of the Year Nominations
Before Brandi Carlile's 2022 Grammy nominations, the last time a songwriter or songwriting team received two nominations for Song of the Year in the same year was in 1994.
November 2002: Identified as Lesbian
In November 2002, Brandi Carlile publicly identified herself as a lesbian in an interview, acknowledging the trailblazers before her.
2004: Signing with Columbia Records
In 2004, Carlile was signed to Columbia Records.
2005: Debut Album Release
Carlile released her self-titled debut album in 2005, featuring songs she recorded at home.
2005: Critical Acclaim and Chart Performance for Debut Album
Carlile's debut album earned enthusiastic reviews in 2005, peaking at number 80 on the Billboard 200 and number one on the US Folk Albums chart.
2005: Debut Major Label Album Release
Carlile's debut major label album, Brandi Carlile, was released in 2005 and received critical acclaim.
2006: Headlining Tours and Supporting Acts
By the end of 2006, Carlile had embarked on several headlining tours and supported various artists, including Ray LaMontagne, The Fray, Chris Isaak, Tori Amos, and Shawn Colvin.
2006: Re-release of Debut Album
Carlile's debut album was re-released in 2006, including re-recordings of "Throw It All Away" and "What Can I Say."
2007: Release of "The Story" Album
Carlile released her second album, "The Story," produced by T Bone Burnett in 2007.
2007: Released 'The Story' Album
In 2007, Brandi Carlile released her album 'The Story,' which later inspired the 2017 benefit album 'Cover Stories.'
2007: Performances in London and UK Tour
In 2007, Carlile performed at the Borderline in London and as a guest on Newton Faulkner's UK tour.
2007: "The Story" Release
In 2007, Carlile released her single "The Story," which garnered wider recognition.
April 2008: Performance on "Later... with Jools Holland"
Carlile performed on the BBC2 show "Later... with Jools Holland" in April 2008.
2008: Release and Success of "The Story" Album
Carlile's second album, "The Story," was produced by T Bone Burnett and released in 2008. It featured a collaboration with the Indigo Girls and was used in General Motors commercials during the 2008 Summer Olympics, boosting album sales.
2008: Established the Looking Out Foundation
In 2008, Brandi Carlile, along with Tim and Phil Hanseroth, established the Looking Out Foundation to support various charitable causes. The foundation has launched numerous grassroots campaigns and awarded grants to multiple organizations.
2009: Met Catherine Shepherd
In 2009, Brandi Carlile met Catherine Shepherd, who would later become her wife.
2009: "Give Up the Ghost" Release
Carlile released "Give Up the Ghost" in 2009.
2009: Release of "Give Up the Ghost"
Carlile's third album, "Give Up the Ghost", was released in 2009 and debuted at number 26 on the Billboard 200.
November 2010: Recording of "Live at Benaroya Hall"
In November 2010, Carlile recorded a live album during two sold-out shows at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, Washington.
2010: GLAAD Media Award Nomination
Carlile was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist in 2010 for her album "Give Up the Ghost."
2011: Release of "Live at Benaroya Hall"
Carlile's live album, "Live at Benaroya Hall with the Seattle Symphony," was released in 2011 and reached number 14 on the Top Rock Albums chart.
June 5, 2012: Release of "Bear Creek"
Carlile's fourth studio album, "Bear Creek," was released on June 5, 2012.
June 2012: Engagement Announcement
In June 2012, Brandi Carlile announced her engagement to Catherine Shepherd, who she met in 2009.
September 15, 2012: Married Catherine Shepherd
On September 15, 2012, Brandi Carlile married Catherine Shepherd in Wareham, Massachusetts. They have two daughters together.
2012: "Bear Creek" Release
Carlile released "Bear Creek" in 2012.
2012: Release of Bear Creek
In 2012, Brandi Carlile released her album "Bear Creek", known for its country-folk influences.
2012: Looking Out Foundation's Executive Director
Since 2012, Brandi Carlile's wife, Catherine Shepherd, has served as the Executive Director of the Looking Out Foundation, which has donated almost $6 million to grassroots causes.
January 11, 2014: National Anthem Performance and Fleetwood Mac Cover
Carlile sang the national anthem at the Saints vs. Seahawks NFL playoff game on January 11, 2014, and recorded a cover of Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" for the compilation album "Sweetheart 2014."
March 3, 2015: The Firewatcher's Daughter Release
On March 3, 2015, Brandi Carlile released her fifth studio album, "The Firewatcher's Daughter," through ATO Records. The album was highly anticipated, with publications like the Boston Globe praising Carlile's emotional depth and powerful vocals.
May 4, 2015: Performance on Late Show with David Letterman
On May 4, 2015, Carlile performed with the Avett Brothers on "Late Show with David Letterman." Their rendition of "Keep on the Sunny Side," a song made famous by the Carter Family, showcased their shared Americana roots.
December 6, 2015: Grammy Nomination for Best Americana Album
On December 6, 2015, Brandi Carlile received her first Grammy Award nomination for "The Firewatcher's Daughter" in the Best Americana Album category. This nomination marked a significant milestone in her career, acknowledging her artistry and impact in the Americana music scene.
2015: "The Firewatcher's Daughter" Release
Carlile released "The Firewatcher's Daughter" in 2015.
April 7, 2016: Performance on Late Night with Seth Meyers
On April 7, 2016, Brandi Carlile performed "Mainstream Kid" from "The Firewatcher's Daughter" on "Late Night with Seth Meyers." She dedicated this performance to Senator Bernie Sanders, who was also a guest on the show that night, highlighting her support for the senator.
May 2017: Released 'Cover Stories' Album
In May 2017, Brandi Carlile released 'Cover Stories,' a benefit album featuring songs from her 2007 album, 'The Story.' Proceeds benefited War Child UK, raising $1 million to help children affected by the refugee crisis.
February 16, 2018: Release of By the Way, I Forgive You
Brandi Carlile released her sixth studio album, "By the Way, I Forgive You," on February 16, 2018. The album, produced by Dave Cobb and Shooter Jennings, was a critical and commercial success, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and earning significant acclaim for Carlile's songwriting and vocal abilities.
July 2018: Announced 'Girls Just Wanna Weekend' Festival
In July 2018, Brandi Carlile announced the creation of her music festival, 'Girls Just Wanna Weekend,' inspired by her participation in the Cayamo Cruise festival.
October 2018: Teamed Up with Sam Smith
In October 2018, Brandi Carlile teamed up with Sam Smith to re-imagine the single 'Party of One' as a duet. Proceeds from the single went to the ongoing Story Campaign.
2018: "By the Way, I Forgive You" Release
Carlile released "By the Way, I Forgive You" in 2018.
January 16, 2019: Chris Cornell Tribute Concert
Brandi Carlile participated in a five-hour tribute concert for Chris Cornell on January 16, 2019, at The Forum in Los Angeles. She performed powerful renditions of "Hunger Strike," "Like a Stone," and "Black Hole Sun," showcasing her vocal range and respect for Cornell's musical legacy.
February 3, 2019: First 'Girls Just Wanna Weekend' Festival
On February 3, 2019, Brandi Carlile's music festival, 'Girls Just Wanna Weekend,' took place in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, featuring all-female musicians.
July 19, 2019: Release of "Redesigning Women"
On July 19, 2019, the Highwomen, a country music supergroup co-founded by Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, and Natalie Hemby, released their debut single, "Redesigning Women." The song's message of female empowerment and solidarity resonated with audiences, marking the group's strong entrance into the country music scene.
October 14, 2019: Performance of Joni Mitchell's Blue
On October 14, 2019, Brandi Carlile paid tribute to Joni Mitchell by performing Mitchell's entire "Blue" album at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. This performance demonstrated Carlile's deep admiration for Mitchell's songwriting and her own artistry in interpreting such iconic material.
2019: Formation of The Highwomen and Grammy Nominations
In 2019, Carlile formed the all-female quartet The Highwomen and received six Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.
2019: Grammy Wins and Nominations
In 2019, "By the Way, I Forgive You" earned Brandi Carlile six Grammy Award nominations, the most for any female artist that year. She won in three categories: Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song, and Best American Roots Performance (for "The Joke"). This marked a peak in her career, solidifying her position as a leading figure in the contemporary Americana music scene.
February 2020: Record Store Day Ambassador
In February 2020, Brandi Carlile was named Record Store Day Ambassador, reflecting her commitment to supporting independent record stores and her prominent role in the music industry.
June 2, 2020: Collaboration with Soundgarden Members
On June 2, 2020, Brandi Carlile collaborated with the surviving members of Soundgarden - Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, and Ben Shepherd - to re-record "Black Hole Sun" and "Searching with My Good Eye Closed." This collaboration resulted in a 12-inch single vinyl titled "A Rooster Says," released during Record Store Day on September 26, 2020, marking a significant moment in both Carlile's career and the legacy of Soundgarden.
September 26, 2020: Release of "A Rooster Says"
On September 26, 2020, the collaborative project between Brandi Carlile and the remaining members of Soundgarden, "A Rooster Says," was released as a 12-inch single vinyl for Record Store Day. The release featured re-recorded versions of "Black Hole Sun" and "Searching with My Good Eye Closed," paying homage to Soundgarden's musical impact and showcasing Carlile's ability to collaborate across genres.
October 2020: Encouraged Voting with Alicia Keys
In October 2020, Brandi Carlile and Alicia Keys released the song 'A Beautiful Noise' to encourage voting. They performed it on CBS's 'Every Vote Counts: A Celebration of Democracy' on October 29.
April 2021: Release of Broken Horses: A Memoir
On April 2021, Brandi Carlile released her autobiography, "Broken Horses: A Memoir." The book quickly climbed to No. 1 on the New York Times Best Seller list for non-fiction, offering readers an intimate look into her personal life, career journey, and reflections on her experiences.
September 20, 2021: She is the Music Award
On September 20, 2021, Brandi Carlile was honored with the "She is the Music" Award at the 16th annual Songs of Hope celebration, presented by Universal Music Publishing Group chairman and CEO Jody Gerson. This award recognized Carlile's contributions to the music industry and her advocacy for women in music.
October 1, 2021: Release of In These Silent Days
Brandi Carlile released her seventh studio album, "In These Silent Days," on October 1, 2021. The album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and earned widespread critical acclaim, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most talented and respected singer-songwriters of her generation.
October 2021: Interest in Continued Collaboration with Soundgarden
In October 2021, Rolling Stone reported that Brandi Carlile had expressed interest in further collaboration with the remaining members of Soundgarden. This news hinted at the possibility of more joint projects and continued exploration of their shared musical interests.
October 23, 2021: Saturday Night Live Performance
On October 23, 2021, Brandi Carlile made her debut as the musical guest on NBC's "Saturday Night Live." She performed "Right on Time" and "Broken Horses," showcasing her music to a broader audience and solidifying her status as a major figure in contemporary music.
2021: Grammy Award for "Crowded Table"
In 2021, The Highwomen won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song for "Crowded Table."
2021: Seven Studio Albums
By 2021, Carlile had released seven studio albums.
September 25, 2022: Pilgrimage Festival 2022 Headliner
On September 25, 2022, Brandi Carlile headlined the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival in Franklin, Tennessee. This performance was highlighted in The Tennessean's review of the best performances from the event.
December 10, 2022: Saturday Night Live Performance with Lucius
On December 10, 2022, Brandi Carlile returned to "Saturday Night Live" as the musical guest, this time performing alongside Lucius. Their collaborative renditions of "The Story" and "You and Me on the Rock" showcased their shared musical chemistry and captivating stage presence.
2022: First Emmy Award
Carlile won her first Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Program for the TV series "We the People" in 2022.
2022: Grammy Nominations for Song of the Year
In 2022, Brandi Carlile became the first female songwriter to receive two Grammy nominations for Song of the Year in the same year since 1994.
2022: Grammy Nominations for "Right on Time"
In 2022, Brandi Carlile received three Grammy Award nominations for the lead single from "In These Silent Days," "Right on Time." The nominations included Record of the Year and Song of the Year, demonstrating the song's impact and recognition within the music industry.
2022: Joni Mitchell's Return to Newport Folk Festival
In a historic moment at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival, Brandi Carlile joined Joni Mitchell on stage for Mitchell's first full-length performance in over two decades and her first appearance at the festival since 1969. Billed as "Brandi Carlile and Friends," the performance was a surprise to the audience and marked a significant event in music history, celebrating Mitchell's legacy and her enduring influence.
January 2023: Headlined Inauguration Party
In January 2023, Brandi Carlile headlined the inauguration party for Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, the first lesbian governor in the United States.
2023: Second Emmy Award
Carlile received her second Emmy Award in 2023 for Outstanding Original Song for a Preschool Program for the Youtube series "Jam Van."
2023: Honored Among People's Women Changing the World
In 2023, Brandi Carlile and her wife Catherine were honored among People Magazine's Women Changing the World for their work with the Looking Out Foundation.
2023: Teamed Up with Tanya Tucker
In 2023, Brandi Carlile collaborated with Tanya Tucker to produce, write, and sing on the album Sweet Western Sound. They recorded a duet titled "Breakfast in Birmingham."
2023: Grammy Nominations and Wins for "In These Silent Days"
In 2023, Brandi Carlile's album "In These Silent Days" earned seven Grammy Award nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Americana Album (which she won). The album's singles also received recognition: "You and Me on the Rock" earned three nominations, including Record of the Year, and "Broken Horses" earned nominations for Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song (winning both). These nominations and wins showcased the album's exceptional quality and impact, solidifying Carlile's place as a leading force in contemporary music.