A mainstay of American roots music for more than 30 years, Michelle Malone has built an
award-winning career as a songwriter, road warrior, and modern-day guitar hero. Her music is
ingrained in the sounds of the south, mixing the rebellious stomp of roadhouse rock & roll with
the raw grit of blues, the holy-rolling rasp of gospel, the slow-motion swagger of country-soul,
and the organic warmth of folk music. Proudly based in Atlanta, Georgia, she's always worn
her influences on her sleeve — but her music is unmistakably her own.
With 1977, Michelle returns to her roots as a singer/songwriter. This is an organic, stripped-
down album that finds her looking to the past to help make sense of the present. Informed by
artists like Neil Young, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, and Fleetwood Mac — all of whom
were mainstays on the FM radio during the late 1970s, back when Michelle first picked up her
guitar and began to play along — 1977 tones down the amplified bombast of her previous
albums, focusing instead on a reflective mix of acoustic guitar, timeless melodies, and
unforced arrangements. It's a reminder that Michelle Malone's songs always pack a punch,
regardless of the decibel level.
"Im a big fan of 1970s music, especially singer/songwriters from the Laurel Canyon scene,
she explains." 1977 is the year I started playing guitar — the year I started becoming ME — so
music from that era has always felt special. It takes me back to a place that was safe, sound,
and comforting. That's the sound I was drawn to when I was beginning to write this record.”
Press Quotes
"Uniquely able to blow the roof off the place then turn right around and whisper a soft song that
will break your damn heart" (PASTE)
"Equal parts badass guitar slinger and sweet songstress, with masterful lyrical introspection -
sublime to raucous.” GUITAR WORLD
"The kind of singer and songwriter who can jolt things into overdrive.”
NEW YORK TIMES
"raucous and jubilant alternating between soulful ballads and rowdy, riffy blasters." ROLLING
STONE
"4 out of 5 Bunnies .. Malone churns up those Southern roots with the vigor of Lucinda
Williams while embracing her inner Keith Richards." PLAYBOY MAG
The soul of a bluesman, the heart of a folk singer, and the guts of a rock and roll star wrapped
up in one fiery bad ass” NASHVILLE RAGE
Georgia Music Award Winner
Best of Atlanta Award Winner
