Chris Pierce

“One of America’s most talented, gifted, and affecting artists.” –American Songwriter
Chris Pierce is a singular American voice. An artist whose songs carry equal parts soul, truth, and grace. Rooted in folk, blues, and Americana, his music speaks plainly yet profoundly to the human condition, earning him a reputation as one of the most moving performers of his generation.
Pierce gained global attention when he was personally invited by Neil Young to serve as special guest opener on Young’s Coastal Tour. His song “We Can Always Come Back to This,” which he co-wrote, was featured in three episodes of This Is Us, later reaching #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart and introducing his songwriting to millions worldwide.
Over the course of decades, Pierce has toured extensively as both a headliner and sought-after support act, sharing stages with B.B. King, Neil Young, Al Green, Steve Earle, Seal, Aaron Neville, Jill Scott, Allison Russell, and Blind Boys of Alabama, among many others. His live performances, often just voice, guitar, and an unmistakable presence, are known for their emotional depth and rare intimacy.
Recent highlights include Pierce’s rendition of “Southern Man” on Heart of Gold, a Neil Young tribute album also featuring Eddie Vedder, Brandi Carlile, Fiona Apple, and Steve Earle. He has appeared in performance and interview on NPR’s World Café and Mountain Stage, and delivered acclaimed sets at Newport Folk Festival, AmericanaFest, Folk Alliance International Conference, MerleFest, BottleRock Napa Valley, Calgary Folk Music Festival, and Vancouver Folk Music Festival.
Pierce’s albums American Silence and Let All Who Will received widespread critical praise from NPR, Rolling Stone, Forbes, American Songwriter, No Depression, SiriusXM, The Bluegrass Situation, and Americana UK. American Silence was named #1 Best Folk Album of 2021 by PopMatters, while “Residential School” was recognized by Folk Alley as one of the 100 Essential Folk Songs.
His new highly anticipated full-length album 'Songs for the Heavy Hearted' will be released in the summer of 2026. The project continues Pierce’s lifelong commitment to fearless storytelling and songs that meet the moment. Music grounded in compassion, conviction, and a deep belief in our shared humanity. As ever, he writes and performs with the steady hand of an artist who understands that a song can be both a mirror and a lantern, illuminating hard truths while offering light enough to carry forward.​