The Wailin' Jennys

Beloved international folk band The Wailin’ Jennys started as a happy accident when a group of solo singers and songwriters got together for a one-time-only performance at a tiny guitar shop. Founding members Ruth Moody and Nicky Mehta, along with Heather Masse, continue to create some of the most exciting music in the folk-roots scene!

In 2004, The Wailin’ Jennys released their first full-length album, 40 Days, netting a 2005 Juno Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year. The Jennys exploded onto the roots music scene, performing at packed venues worldwide. The band’s sophomore album, Firecracker, was a powerful follow-up to their career-making debut and spent over 56 weeks on the Billboard charts. The record found The Jennys stepping out of the folk realm and into the world of alt-country, pop, and rock. Firecracker was nominated for a Juno Award and won a 2007 Folk Alliance Award for Contemporary Release of the Year. The trio’s 2009 release, Live at Mauch Chunk Opera House, also spent over a year on the Billboard bluegrass charts. 

The Wailin’ Jennys recorded their 2011 Juno-winning album Bright Morning Stars with award-winning producer Mark Howard, joining the ranks of Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris. Co-produced by frequent Jennys collaborator and Juno Award-nominated David Travers-Smith, the album combined fresh and innovative sounds with the band’s signature harmonies.

In 2017, The Wailin’ Jennys turned 15 years old. To mark the occasion, the band recorded and released a celebratory album for their fans: Fifteen — a carefully curated collection of some of their favorite songs. Steeped in the artistry and elegance that has defined their career, the album presents the Jennys at their best, highlighting their heartfelt vocals, otherworldly harmonies, and sophisticated arrangements. Fifteen was nominated for a Juno Award in 2018 for Traditional Roots Album of the Year. Keep an eye on The Wailin’ Jennys for their newest album, coming soon!

“The Wailin’ Jennys are more than just impeccable bluegrass harmonizers; they’re also terrific bandleaders who give their traditional roots music a sense of real reverence.” – NPR