Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of recognition. That's certainly the case with Claire Lynch, your typical two-decades-in-the-making "overnight success". The long overdue attention came as a result of a well-deserved Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album for Claire's 1995 Rounder debut, Moonlighter. Suddenly, after 20 years in the business, six albums, countless sessions with some of Nashville's biggest stars, and increasing success as a songwriter, Claire Lynch had arrived. The mainstream media, agog at her talent, gathered round and asked, "Where on earth have you been?" Hazel Green, Alabama, as it happens.
Claire Lynch lived with her family in that tiny north Alabama town for years, quietly honing her craft, waiting patiently for a shot. When the success of Moonlighter finally opened the door, she was ready to step into the spotlight. Her career spun into high gear: national TV and radio appearances, increased bookings, a video for "My Heart is a Diamond", extended stays in the top reaches of the Gavin Americana and Bluegrass Unlimited charts, and an IBMA award for "Female Vocalist of the Year" (1997) all came her way in the wake of Claire's first Grammy nomination.
There were very few role models for a young woman starting out on the bluegrass highway back in 1973 when Claire Lynch joined a band called Hickory Wind. A native of Kingston, New York, who has lived in Northern Alabama since the age of 12, Claire was offered a position in the band, decided she was going to be a bluegrass singer, and that was pretty much that. After changing its name to the Front Porch String Band, the group worked regularly throughout the Southeast over the next several years, becoming fan favorites on the strength of its open-minded musical approach and incredible lead singer.
But by 1981, despite a handful of well-received albums (including Claire's first solo effort, Breakin' It) and increasing word-of-mouth acclaim, the band had tired of the grind and called it quits. A decade would pass before the band regrouped, but Claire put the time to good use. In addition to raising a family, she launched dual careers as a songwriter (her songs have been recorded by Patty Loveless, the Seldom Scene, Kathy Mattea, the Whites and Stephanie Davis) and a session vocalist. Her exquisite harmonies have graced albums by such leading artists as Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Patty Loveless, Pam Tillis, Kathy Mattea, John Starling and Ralph Stanley.A re-energized Front Porch String Band roared back onto the scene with their 1991 album, Lines and Traces.
The success of that album and the band's resumed touring led to Claire's second solo album, the critically-acclaimed Friends for a Lifetime in 1993. Next came the Grammy-nominated Moonlighter in 1995, followed by 1997's sublime Silver and Gold, which also received a Grammy nomination.During the next several years on the fast-track the Front Porch String Band evolved into one of the sharpest, most exciting post-modern bluegrass bands on the circuit. Their last recording effort was Rounder's Love Light, a collection more-than-half-comprised of original Claire Lynch songs.
In 2000, husband and mandolinist Larry Lynch, founder and instrumental mainstay of the band from the beginning decided to follow his ever-increasing musical passion for Celtic style picking. For the next couple of years, Claire enjoyed another hiatus from the road while searching out new players. In 2003, the new Claire Lynch Band was formed. In the fall of 2004, she made plans to reunite with former bandmates Jim Hurst and Missy Raines. Along with Dave Harvey, they will comprise the Claire Lynch Band and begin touring April 1, 2005. "These players are all bluegrass stars in their own rite… Jim and Missy are both multiple award-winners, and Dave's day is coming… it's just a matter of time."
visit The Claire Lynch Band website
