“A Fire Breathing
R&B Belter” Rolling Stone
From being cradled in the arms of Roy Orbison as a baby to performing a duet with Willie Nelson, you would think that Tami Neilson lived a country music fantasy life.
“Neilson is at the forefront of the women
who are taking back country music…
This is the album of the year” - No Depression
However, in between these monumental occurrences, The Neilson Family Band, with Tami’s parents and two brothers, were having to busk in the streets of Midland, Ontario in order to have food on the table, roaring down the Trans Canada Highway in an exploding RV on her way to open for Johnny Cash, which she managed to do, at 18 years old, in her pajamas.
“One of the greatest singers
on this entire planet, irrespective of
genre or geographic region”
“Rousing and vibrant
like thunder and lightning” CBC Music
However, Tami's journey took a new direction when she left her family band behind and moved to the other side of the world to Auckland, New Zealand. There, she carved out a successful career as one of the country's most beloved and awarded artists. Headlining festivals and tours across New Zealand, Tami's powerful voice and dynamic stage presence captivated audiences far and wide.
Her crowning achievement came with the sold-out KINGMAKER tour, where she dazzled audiences alongside the 90-piece Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. The live album from this unforgettable performance, released in 2023, stands as a testament to Tami's artistry and impact.
Her album KINGMAKER garnered critical acclaim from American Songwriter, Rolling Stone and MOJO, with The Guardian declaring her “An imperious talent”. She also took home three NZ Music Award trophies for Best Solo Artist, Best Country Album, Best Producer, as well as the APRA Best Country Song for “Beyond the Stars”, her duet with the legendary Willie Nelson.
“Tami Neilson is a full-tilt badass
monster of music...
one of the best living singers
in all of roots music and beyond”
After spending 2023 touring from coast to coast and back again in North America aboard a tour bus with her young family, making stops at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to open for Crowded House, the main stage of the Edmonton Folk Festival to a standing ovation from the 10,000+ audience and the Hollywood Bowl to celebrate Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday, her latest project is one she recorded as a birthday gift for him.
Her brand new project, “NEILSON SINGS NELSON” was recorded at Willie’s Pedernales Studio on his ranch in Spicewood, Texas, a love letter to her musical hero and friend. Choosing some of her favourite songs from his extensive songbook, she and her brothers made the pilgrimage from NZ and Canada, respectively, back to the the very place where some of those songs originated, to capture a little bit of magic.
Albums
Click to listen
Videos
Promo Photos
Click to download high res image
Quotes & Links
“Rousing and vibrant like thunder and lightning”
-CBC Music
“In short, she tore it up from the floor up”
- No Depression [09/2019]
“Tami Neilson is a full tilt badass monster of music ...one of the best living singers in all of roots music and beyond” [2018]
“Whomever said they don't make them like they used to obviously hasn't heard Tami Neilson. A beehived belter whose songs nod to golden-age crooners like Patsy Cline, Peggy Lee and Bobby Darin... February 2020's Chickaboom! - doubles down on Neilson's firecracker voice and throwback thrust”
- Rolling Stone, 10 Best Country and Americana Songs to Hear Now [11/2019]
“One of the greatest singers on this entire planet, irrespective of genre or geographic region” [2019]
- Saving Country Music
“Tami Neilson is a reminder of the soul-shattering effect of the human voice at the height of its powers”
- Maclean's
