Ruth Acuff
Ruth Acuff is an American singer-songwriter, harpist, and rock musician.
Ruth Acuff | |
|---|---|
 Acuff performing at Fortune Fest, August 2018 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Columbia, Missouri, U.S. |
| Origin | United States |
| Genres | Folk, indie, harp, psychedelic rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Harp, guitar, voice, theremin |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Labels | The Nation of Love |
| Website | ruthacuff |
Early life
Ruth was born in Columbia, Missouri. She is married to bass player and luthier Jeff Mueller from Mexico, Missouri. She has performed at venues in Missouri and nationally on tour. She now resides in New York City. She is paternally related to country music singer Roy Acuff.[1]
Performing groups and related artists
Ruth performs in the following bands as the lead singer and performer:[2]
- Ruth Acuff: A self-named "indie-folk" group that includes her on harp and lead vocals, husband Jeff Mueller on upright bass, and sister Mary Leibovich on a single drum or doing vocals with a full drummer.
- The Royal Furs: A psychedelic rock band where Ruth is the lead singer and performs with a theremin. Other members include Noel Feldman on drums, Joshua Wright on bass guitar, and Mike Marshall on lead guitar.
In addition, she is a backup singer and guitarist on a Missouri-based Pink Floyd tribute band called Interstellar Overdrive, and tours and collaborates with pianist Merry Ellen Kirk.
Ruth Acuff (Harp group)
Ruth began performing with a lever harp in 2010, going to a Lyon & Healey pedal harp in 2014. She has nicknamed the harp "Haru." She performs original work and does both acoustic and electric performances.
Acuff and Jeff Mueller at Cafe Berlin, Columbia, Missouri May 2018
Acuff, Jeff Mueller, and Mary Leibovich at Cafe Berlin, Columbia, Missouri, May 2018
Acuff full band at Folk Fest, January 2018
The Royal Furs
The Royal Furs perform primarily original psychedelic rock music, as well as a few cover versions of popular psychedelic 60's era songs. She sings and plays theremin for this band.
The Royal Furs current lineup
The Royal Furs at Rose Music Hall, Columbia Missouri, December 2018
Joshua Wright and Ruth Acuff, The Royal Furs at Rose Music Hall, Columbia, Missouri, April 2017
Former Bands
From 2008 to 2010 Her and Jeff Mueller performed in a folk band called Rutherford.
Music style
Her 2013 album, This is the Dream, performed as harpist, was classified as "Indie-folk" with "echoes of Americana...as well as traces of an earthier form of chamber music."[3] The Royal Furs has been described as "...pure 1990s Alternative Nation."[4]
Albums
Ruth Acuff
- Paisley (CD) – Independent – 2011
- Tree (CD) – Independent – 2012
- This is the Dream (CD) – The Nation of Love – 2013
- To the Moon (CD) – The Nation of Love – 2014
- We Do (Single) – The Nation of Love – 2016
- Peace (Single) – The Nation of Love – 2018
The Royal Furs
- Can't Catch Me (EP) – 2016
- Fever Dream (CD) – 2016
References
- Painter, Chad (January 22, 2009), "The Acuff legend lives on from Roy to Baby Ruth", Columbia Missourian, archived from the original on June 15, 2013, retrieved April 10, 2013
- Spinella, Sten. "Ruth Acuff is your everyday rock star". Vox Magazine.
- Danielson, Aarik (February 17, 2013), "Acuff draws the celestial and the common into conversation on latest CD", The Columbia Tribune, retrieved April 10, 2013
- Danielson, Aarik (June 17, 2016), "Single review: The Royal Furs, 'Can't Catch Me'", The Columbia Tribune, retrieved March 31, 2019