The self-taught singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Allison Russell, took home her first Grammy for Best American Roots Performance for her song “Eve Was Black”.

The Montreal singer was awarded during the pre-telecast ceremony ahead of the 2024 Grammy event. She praised the Americana community and thanked fellow musician Brandi Carlile for helping make the genre more diverse. The two folk artists often worked together, with Carlile being a huge advocator for Russell and helping her get a deal with Fantasy Records– the home of her latest album The Returner.

The accomplished musician has been active since the early 2000’s mostly working in collaborative groups. It wasn’t until 2021 that her debut solo album Outside Child was released. The album was praised for its eloquence and bravery in fleshing out the trauma of Russell’s childhood abuse. Outside Child earned her three Grammy nominations and two Juno nominations.

Her sophomore album The Returner shifts away from testimony and instead paints a path forward to healing and forgiveness. The album secured her three other nominations including Best Americana Album, Best Song and Best Americana performance.

The folk singer uses her platform as a means to educate and inspire. Her lyrics illuminate her journey to self-discovery and agency. Not only do the lyrics sing, but the tempo does as well, with the hopes that this celebration of music can be appreciated in all languages.

Russell would end the night with a performance alongside fellow Canadian Joni Mitchell, making her one of many Canadian musicians to shine brightly at the 66th annual Grammy Awards.