Iris Dement

Iris DeMent is an American Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter known for her distinctive musical style encompassing folk, country, and gospel genres. Her work often features personal and introspective themes, alongside social commentary. After releasing her critically acclaimed debut album ‘Infamous Angel’ in 1992, Iris DeMent went on to establish herself as a distinctive voice in folk, country, and gospel music, known for her personal and introspective themes. The album, released on the Rounder-Philo label, explored themes of religious skepticism, small-town life, and human frailty.

In 2004, DeMent founded her own label, Flariella Records, under which she released ‘Lifeline,’ an album comprised entirely of gospel songs. A testament to its enduring quality, her rendition of ‘Leaning on the Everlasting Arms’ from this album was later featured prominently in the Coen brothers’ critically acclaimed film ‘True Grit’ (2010). After a 16-year hiatus from releasing original songs, DeMent made a significant return with ‘Sing the Delta’ in 2012, followed by the acclaimed 2015 album ‘The Trackless Woods,’ an ambitious project inspired by the poetry of Russian poet Anna Akhmatova. Her profound and lasting impact on American music was officially recognized in 2017 when she received the prestigious Americana Trailblazer Award.

DeMent continues to create and release new music, with her most recent album, ‘Workin’ on a World,’ released in 2023. This latest collection further solidifies her reputation as a singular and compelling artist, consistently engaging with profound themes and personal narratives that resonate deeply with audiences and critics alike.