Brit Taylor is a “what-you-see-is-what-you-get-kinda” gal. Whether you get to know her in person or through her music, you quickly learn that the country singer/songwriter, born and raised in eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains, embraces the traits of her home – family, faith and community – while expressing her independence with a sense of beauty, honor and humor. Today, she is devoted to artistic integrity, making music that matters, making music that has merit, making music that would make her Appalachian ancestors proud.
With three albums, a Grand Ole Opry debut and coast-to-coast touring under her belt, Brit has found her inner self and uses it as a guiding star for how she lives, how she writes and how she sings.
What started out seemingly easy didn’t stay that way. Born in tiny Hindman, Kentucky, she grew up with parents who challenged her to do the best she could do and be the best she could be and always do both with integrity. She debuted on the Kentucky Opry when she was 7 years old, belting out country solos on that stage until she turned 17. With her high school diploma in hand and her beloved bulldog, Ali, in the back seat, she headed for Nashville to chase her life-long dream. Four years later – now with a college degree in hand, an internship turned into a real publishing deal, and a small band of her own – the dream seemed real. She listened to the industry pros, she worked hard, she believed. Until it all came crashing down. A marriage gone bad, industry execs urging the traditionalist to become more “commercial” and the death of her canine buddy all led Brit to realize that, in chasing the dream, she had lost the most important thing – herself.
With the perseverance and strength that comes from generations of Appalachian ancestors, she put a pause on her life. She cried, she moped, she shook it off and looked deep into herself, emerging with a new confidence and a new direction, resolved to making music that she believes in, that she can love, that she can be proud of. It was a turning point for Brit, who was determined to hold true to herself and her traditional sound.
Her debut album, Real Me, was born. An independent album – she started her own cleaning company to finance it – it is 10 original, self-reflective songs that explore her journey from depression to self-awareness. With traditional influences including Bobby Gentry vibes, Loretta Lynn honky-tonk, Waylon and Willie waltzes, western swing and heart-tugging vocals, Real Me was released on the record label Brit created – Cut a Shine Records, and greeted with critical acclaim from peers and fans.
And she found that a life headed in the right direction is a life to enjoy.
Her sophomore album, Kentucky Blue, produced by famed Grammy winners David Ferguson and Sturgill Simpson, reflects that true Brit. Combining the edgier sound of honky-tonk instrumentation – piano and fiddle with electric slide guitars, steel guitars and full on string sections, Kentucky Blue is cohesive while having a little bit of something for everyone. It is Kentucky meets LA with a stop in Texas along the way, never losing that tinge of Appalachia tradition that Brit loves. Fans and critics loved it. The Grand Ole Opry invited her to debut, and she toured from Maine to San Diego, Key West to Seattle.
Kentucky Bluegrassed, released in February 2024, is the latest step in Brit’s musical journey. The album of eight original songs, five re-imagined from Kentucky Blue and three original songs, is a homecoming of sorts for Brit, who discovered country music as a toddler by listening to bluegrass on an old 8-track player with her Papaw. She grew to love mountain strings and always knew she would make a bluegrass album. The album – classic bluegrass with a stellar group of pickers – gives Brit an opportunity to share her music with people who aren’t as likely to listen to mainstream country. Her ultimate goal is always for her music to “speak” to people in a meaningful way that brings them happiness, comfort, laughter, or whatever they might need. Re-interpreting five songs and introducing three new ones with a classic bluegrass sound extends her reach – and her heritage – in a positive way to a new group of listeners.
Determined to inhabit the highest pinnacle of artistic integrity, Brit Taylor’ achievements come today because she is always building on her strengths – authenticity, honesty and delivering songs that offer a modern lyrical perspective on real-life living and loving with her powerful, expressive alto. Her music, like her life, rings true.
