Artist Information
Tift Merritt is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and one of Americana’s most quietly influential
voices. Originally drawn to writing before learning guitar through her father’s Percy Sledge
songs, she has spent over two decades crafting a body of work defined by southern roots,
poetic lyricism, and emotional depth. From her landmark debut Bramble Rose to the
Grammy-nominated Tambourine, her music has earned lasting praise for its intimacy,
independence, and enduring influence.
Beyond the stage, Merritt’s work spans storytelling, archival research, and artist advocacy. A
Practitioner-in-Residence at Duke University, she explores creative process and cultural
memory through projects like The Spark and her ongoing archival work, while continuing to
champion musicians’ rights. Her latest album, Sugar, her first in nearly a decade, finds her
returning with a luminous, deeply personal collection recorded live in Nashville, capturing an
intimate, unguarded energy and exploring love, resilience, and the quiet sweetness of everyday
life.
Additionally, Merritt is part of the revisioning of The Gables, a 18-room hotel, bar and gathering
space in Raleigh, NC, set to open this September.
