Louisa Branscomb

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“Kiss On a Cold Cold Stone” — fan release October 20, 2026 (date provided by the artist or label).

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About

Louisa Branscomb's credentials are a list of "firsts." She helped form one of the first all-women bluegrass bands (1972) and then became the first woman to front a modern bluegrass band playing banjo, while also contributing the backbone of the band's material (Boot Hill). In 2005, she led the vision of building a songwriter community in IBMA, and spearheaded the IBMA Songwriter Committee and the Song of the Year Award. Songwriting is Branscomb's first language, her outlet for expression since age 6. Her catalog spans 50 years of professional writing and recording, with hits in country, Bluegrass, folk, and roots. Branscomb sets records: the first song to break at #1 in Bluegrass and on the FAI Folk Chart (Barefoot Girl), a number 12 Country Song of the Year in Australia (Will I be Good Enough, Karen Lynne), and extended charting in two genres (folk and bluegrass). She has one of the longest-running songs in Bluegrass (Steel Rails) now a classic. She is one of only a few female writers on the 75 Most Influential Songs in Bluegrass's First 75 Years, an XM Radio-tabulated chart. “Kiss” was penned with Geri Byrd, a lifetime songwriter from Mountain View Arkansas, who unfortunately passed on in 2025. Louisa relates, Geri was a great story teller and songwriter. She would have loved this version of our song.” Meanwhile, Branscomb is in the 37th year of leading her original brand of songwriting retreats, the oldest continuous acoustic songwriting retreat program. Jeanette and Johnny have collaborated here too, bringing their many skill sets to the faculty over the years. Branscomb is also driven by a desire to find innovative ways to use songwriting as a tool for healing in high-risk individuals and struggling communities. Her nonprofit, ScreenDoor, has created numerous such innovative programs over the years with groups ranging from veterans, to foster kids, to victims of natural disaster. "I just look for where there is a need, Branscomb relates understatedly. "Then I figure out how songwriting can solve it." We all need music, and we are all lucky to have her still giving us songs with heart, soul, and staying power.