Erin Bode
A Minnesota native, Bode was first introduced to music by her father, a Lutheran minister, who emphasized music in daily life and encouraged her to join the church choir. She studied music as well as foreign languages at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities and graduated from Webster University in St. Louis. It is at Webster where Erin studied vocal jazz with Christine Hitt who helped to launch her career as a vocalist.
Shortly after graduating college, Bode produced her first record, Requests. The album was successful in gaining Bode attention and secured her a recording contract with jazz label, Maxjazz. Bode gained exposure through appearances on various national broadcasts including CBS’s Second Cup Café and Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion.
Erin’s latest project, YourSong is a collaboration between her listeners and herself in which she curates personalized compositions for any occasion or inspiration. These songs are given as gifts, kept as keepsakes and have become some of the most rewarding experiences of Erin’s life and career. A collection of some of these first projects and the stories behind them can be heard on Erin’s new album, YourSong, Volume 1.
Suzanne Cox
Suzanne Cox is also a founding member of The Cox Family. The Cox Family have released numerous albums throughout their decades-long, illustrious career, including their most recent triumph, "Gone Like the Cotton" for which the title track was cowritten by Suzanne and Sidney. The Cox Family's vocal contributions can be heard on albums from artists including Alison Krauss, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, The Reno Brothers and Ron Block.
In addition, the Cox Family appeared in the film 'O' Brother Where Art Thou?' and recorded three songs for the multi-platinum selling soundtrack. Suzanne has also performed live with artists such as Alison Krauss, Charlie Daniels, and Dolly Parton.
Brandon Ratcliff
Music has always been at the center of Brandon Ratcliff’s life. From the day he was born, and even before, he was on stages, on tour buses, and in writing rooms across America, watching his family sing the music they love as the celebrated Bluegrass band, The Cox Family.
Born in Cotton Valley, LA (population 962), Brandon saw first-hand how universal the stories born in small towns are. The son of Suzanne Cox, one third of the family band, Brandon watched as his mother and her siblings won Grammy Awards telling those stories to the world.
“I have great memories of growing up and music being everywhere,” Brandon says. “We always felt that we could express ourselves creatively. Early on, I wanted to differentiate myself from my family but as I've gotten older, I've come to respect my parents for the art and the craft of what they did.”
His family often shared stories of heartbreak and loss, faith and love, guilt and pride. They are stories Brandon has lived, and feelings he knows too well. On his latest album, Tale of Two Towns, Brandon explores each of these themes in a project that is written like a book of his life. It is a complete body of work exploring the life-altering decision of whether to leave home or stay. Brandon is currently in the studio writing and recording for his upcoming project to be released this year.