Artist description "The lost keys to world peace and understanding can be found in the human warmth, caring and good humor that Ginni Clemmens shares with us through her music!" - Peter Alsop (Flying Fish Records)Though Ginni's first releases were children's records, her easy folk style soon became a favorite with many adults too. Lawrence Rand of the Chicago Reader called Ginni, "The best female vocalist in Chicago in 1982." Ginni found a home singin' the blues. Her fourth release, "Wild Women Don't Get The Blues" established her as one of the finest blues singers in the Midwest. In 1984 the Kansas City Women’s Jazz Festival says, “[Ginni Clemmens] ranks among the top blues singers performing today.”Currently Ginni lives in Hawaii, and the peace of the islands can be heard in her most recent works. Her newest release, "Underneath Hawaiian Skies" is a sampling of many styles of music, all reflecting on the beauty of her home. “Ginni Clemmens is a high music woman, a Bard’s Bard, and just about the most soul-satisfying singer around today.” - Jean Houston (author, anthropologist and visionary)

Music Style Eclectic - From Folk to Classic Blues to Hawaiian to Inspirational

Musical Influences Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, Rait, Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, Anne Murray, Vaudeville, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey

Similar Artists Ginni Clemmens sounds like Ginni Clemmens!

Artist History Ginni says: "Generally it's been a pretty organic experience really. I never dreamed I would cut records, play clubs, etc... I just liked to sing and ham it up. My father played the sax in dance bands, so I was raised on Big Band music. In Chicago, 1958, I began singing at 'Hootenannys'. Then the Old Town School of Folk Music opened up and I got to trade teaching for lessons. Pretty soon people started offering me money. Eventually I took the plunge, quit my day job and went on tour. I was amazed where music took me, and I still am. I have shared bills with: Bob Dylan, Cass Elliot (Mammas and Pappas), Pete Seeger, Steve Goodman, Elaine McFarland (Spankey and Our Gang), John Prine, Steve Martin, Bill Cosby, Irish Rovers, Chris Williamson, Margie Adam, even once with Mahalia Jackson. Many stories to tell. Some places I've played: Gerties Folk City, NY; Troubador, LA; Ice House, Pasedena; Mother Blues, Chicago; Earl of Old Town, Chicago; Gate of Horn, Chicago; Club Passims, Boston; Second City, Chicago. I've also played many Universities and Colleges in the East and Midwest, and inner city schools in Chicago. Now I live in Hawaii and have learned a little slack key, a little ukulele, and some chanting. I guess I'm a natural folksinger because I've always been fascinated by music from other cultures. But my favorites have always been blues and jazz. I guess it's just in my roots. Still going.... I keep my beach guitar in the trunk of my car, and play wherever it feels real. I just finished a CD of all original songs, and in the summer of 2000 I recieved a prestigious award for my contribution to Womens. Coming from the rural heartland of Illinois, I had no idea how lucky I was surrounded by all that good music. It wasn't until I tried the LA music scene that I realized how lucky I was - being at the core of the Chicago blues/folk scene. We were supportive of each other, sang on each others sets, traded chords, sang the sun up many nights. Hung out at clubs after hours when they'd lock the doors, and serve booze in coffee cups. The circles where we passed guitars, wine, and whatever... The generousity of Dawn Greening, and Lorraine Blue who opened their homes to us, and provided food bashes that we congregated around. Cheering on the ones who made the show biz leap, like Steve Goodman, John Prine, Bonnie Kollock, Jim Post, Cass Elliot, Elaine McFarland, Roger McGuinn, and David Crosby, to name a few.

Group Members Ginni Clemmens

Instruments Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Keyboards

Albums "Can Sing a Rainbow" - Folkways (childrens); "We All Have A Song" - Smithsonian Folkways (children's); "Lopin' Along Thru the Cosmos" - Flying Fish; "Wild Women Don't Get the Blues" - Open Door; "Underneath Hawaiian Skies" - Hawaiian Skies

Location Makawao, Hawaii - USA

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