Grace Bowers: The Rising Star Redefining Blues Guitar
at just 18, Grace Bowers is emerging as a beacon of hope for the future of blues guitar. Since the release of her debut album, Wine on Venus, last year, she has garnered praise from industry giants like Devon Allman, Margo Price, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and Susan Tedeschi.
Bowers’ ascent in the music scene has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing a level of talent that belies her age. Over the past few years, she has shared numerous clips of her performances on social media, which quickly attracted attention from notable musicians.
“I was amazed when my guitar idols started commenting on my posts,” she shared with Classic Rock. “The day Brian May commented was surreal. I had to take a moment to appreciate how everything escalated before we even released a single track.”
With nearly a decade of guitar experience under her belt, Bowers credits a certain iconic guitarist for her initial interest in the instrument.
“Slash inspired me to pick up the guitar at the age of nine,” she explained. “I stumbled upon the ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ music video by Guns N’ Roses,and Slash,with his Les Paul,looked so cool. I wanted to emulate that, so I asked my mom for a guitar.”
last July, she had the opportunity to meet Slash at a concert, marking a significant moment in her musical journey.
Listening to B.B. king’s Sweet Little Angel on the radio soon after sparked her exploration of the deep and rich history of blues music.
“That song made me realize my passion for this genre and my desire to pursue it for life,” she reflected.
Interestingly, while Bowers is deeply rooted in the blues tradition, her music diverges from the genre’s typical themes of sorrow. Wine on Venus is filled with upbeat melodies and joyful riffs,steering clear of the usual tales of heartache.
“I appreciate sad songs, but I don’t envision myself writing one,” she stated in an interview with CR. “The studio surroundings was so uplifting; it felt unnecessary to dwell on sadness.The joy we experienced during recording is evident in the music.”
Even when her songs touch on arduous subjects, she seeks to find positivity. “The title track is a tribute to my nana, who, before she passed, would reassure everyone that she’d be ‘drinking wine on Venus,’ referring to it as the brightest star. I find that concept so whimsical and comforting,” she shared.
bowers has shared the stage with legends like Dolly Parton and Gary Clarke Jr., and has mingled with icons such as billy Gibbons and Orianthi, earning a Gibson endorsement at just 14 years old.
Her rapid rise in the music industry has not come without its challenges, as she faces skepticism due to her age and gender. However, she remains determined to prove herself, one performance at a time.
“I often encounter disrespect before I even start playing,” she revealed to Guitar World last year. “People see a young woman and make assumptions about my abilities without giving me a fair chance.”
Recognized as one of 2024’s best new guitarists by Guitar World, Bowers has received accolades from notable musicians including Shinedown’s Zach Myers, Michelle Malone, Driver Williams (Eric Church), Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Damon Johnson, Trev Lukather, Steve Stevens, and Ryan Guldemond of Mother Mother.
