Claire Lynch (born February 20, 1954) is an American bluegrass musician, singer, songwriter, and producer. She is a three-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year honors.[3] She is considered one of the two best female voices in bluegrass, a recognition she shares with Dale Ann Bradley.[3]
Early life
Lynch moved to Huntsville, Alabama from Kingston, New York, when she was 12 years old.[4] She grew up in a musical family, with her mother playing the piano and her father singing.[5] She had two sisters with whom she would sing, including doing trios at church. In high school, she spent time writing and recording songs.[5]
Career
Lynch's musical career transitioned during college when she became interested in bluegrass music. She joined a band called Hickory Wind, which eventually changed its name to the Front Porch String Band.[5] Lynch played with the group until 1981, when it retired from the road. She then pursued a dual career of music and raising a family. The Front Porch String Band reunited in 1991, releasing the album Lines and Traces.[5]
Lynch has won numerous awards in her career, including being named the best female vocalist in 1997, 2010, and 2013 by the International Bluegrass Music Association. She also received a USA Walker Fellowship Award in 2012.[7]