Sun’s First Grammy: Ruthie Foster wins Best Contemporary Blues Album for Mileage
Sun Records Celebrates Ruthie Foster’s GRAMMY® Award Win for Mileage
Legendary Label Applauds Foster’s Victory for Best Contemporary Blues Album
NASHVILLE, TN (February 3, 2025) — Sun Records proudly congratulates Ruthie Foster on winning the Best Contemporary Blues Album award at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards for her critically acclaimed album Mileage. Released via Sun Records, Mileage marks a career milestone for the revered singer-songwriter, whose rich blend of blues, gospel, and folk storytelling has captivated audiences worldwide.
After five previous GRAMMY® nominations, Foster’s triumphant win affirms her status as one of contemporary blues' most profound voices. Produced by Tyler Bryant (Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown), Mileage is an intimate and deeply personal record that reflects Foster’s journey of resilience, love, and self-discovery.
“This award is not just for me, but for everyone who has supported my journey, from my early days in Texas to the incredible team at Sun Records,” said Foster. “Mileage is an album about the roads we travel in life—sometimes joyful, sometimes painful—and to have it recognized by my peers in the Recording Academy is beyond humbling.”
Foster’s win is also historic for Sun Records, as Mileage becomes the first album released by the legendary label to win a GRAMMY®. Sun, which shaped the sound of American music with icons like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Howlin’ Wolf, continues its legacy by championing groundbreaking contemporary artists like Foster. The album features a stirring cover of “That’s All Right,” a song originally written and recorded by Black blues artist Arthur Crudup in 1946. Presley later made it his first hit with Sun Records in 1954, but Foster’s version pays homage to the profound influence of Black artists on rock and roll’s foundation.
“Ruthie Foster sings with a depth that makes every note feel like it’s lived a full life,” said Bryant, who co-wrote Mileage with Foster alongside his wife, Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe. “Her voice carries generations of stories, and it was an honor to help her bring them to life on this album. This GRAMMY® win is so well-deserved.”
With this GRAMMY® win, Foster further cements her legacy as one of the greats of contemporary blues and Americana. She will continue touring in support of Mileage, with upcoming dates across the U.S. and Europe. Fans can stream the album here and visit www.ruthiefoster.com for more information.
Ruthie Foster 2025 Tour Dates
2/8 - 2/9 - Mumbai, India - Mahindra Blues Festival 2025
2/21 - 2/22 - New York, NY - Blues Jam 2025
2/22 - New York, NY - Blues Jam at Jazz at Lincoln Center
3/1 - Lake Jackson, TX - Ruthie Foster with Brazosport Jazz Orchestra
3/5 - St Kilda, Australia - Memo Music Hall
3/6 - St Kilda, Australia - Memo Music Hall
3/7 - Queenscliff, Australia - Queenscliff Town Hall
3/7 - 3/10 - Port Fairy, Australia - Port Fairy Folk Festival 2025
3/13 - Brunswick, Australia - Brunswick Ballroom
3/14 - Castlemaine, Australia - Theatre Royal
3/15 - 3/16 - Katoomba, Australia - Blue Mountains Music Festival 2025
3/18 - Canberra, Australia - The Street Theatre
3/19 - Wollongong, Australia - Centro CBD
3/20 - Narrabundah, Australia - Harmonie German Club of Canberra
3/21 - Chatswood, Australia - The Concourse
3/22 - Bowen Hills, Australia - Old Museum Brisbane
3/23 - Edge Hill, Australia - Tanks Arts Centre
3/29 - 4/5 - Coral Jubilee 35th Anniversary Cruise - Fort Lauderdale, FL
4/12 - St. Petersburg, FL - Tampa Bay Blues Festival 2025
4/25 - Lewisburg, PA - Weis Center for the Performing Arts
6/1 - Belle Plaine, KS - Bartlett Arboretum
10/3 - Lafayette, LA - Acadiana Center for the Arts
About Sun Records:
Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is renowned for discovering music legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The label moved to Nashville in 1969 where it continued cultivating acclaimed artists Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups, Linda Martell, and many others. As a member of the newly-formed Sun Label Group under Primary Wave, Sun Records continues to foster musical innovation while honoring its rich history of shaping American music culture. For more information, visit https://sunrecords.com/.
For media inquiries:
Crystal Henderson
The Press House
crystal@thepresshouse.com
For your Grammy Consideration
Sun Records, Green Hill, and Gaither Music projects for your consideration! Listen here.
Linda Martell - Best Immersive Audio Album - Color Me Country
Ruthie Foster - Best Contemporary Blues Album / Mileage
Shawna Thompson - Best Country Solo Performance / “Burn It Down”
Amy Helm - Best Americana Performance / “Money On 7”
ZZ Ward - “Mother”
Best American Roots Song
Best American Roots Performance
Jimmy Buffett
Best Rock Album - Equal Strain On All Parts
Best Global Music Performance - “Ti Punch Café”
Album of the Year - Equal Strain On All Parts
Paul Rodgers - Best Rock Album / Midnight Rose
Ian Hunter
Best Rock Album - Defiance Part 2
Best Rock Performance - “Precious”
Melissa Etheridge
Best Rock Album - I’m Not Broken: Live From Topeka Correctional Facility
“A Burning Woman (Live From Topeka Correctional Facility)”
Best Rock Song
Best Rock Performance
Record Of The Year
Song Of The Year
Jeff Steinberg Jazz Ensemble - Easy Jazz: Pop Hits / Best Jazz Instrumental Album
Melissa Manchester
Best Pop Duo/Group - “Midnight Blue” Melissa and Dolly Parton
Best Pop Duo/Group - “Whenever I Call You Friend” Melissa, Kenny Loggins, Dave Koz
Eric Hilton - Out of the Blur - Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant
Dara Tucker - Best Jazz Performance / “Nature Boy”
The Party Cats - Best Children’s Music Album
Jim Brickman
Brickman Sings Christmas / Best Pop Vocal Album
Because You Loved Me: Diane Warren Re-Imagined / Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
Brickman Across America: Heart & Soul of American Music Vol. 2 / Best Americana Album
“Alone With You” feat Ally Brooke / Best Pop Duo Performance
Sun Label Group Launches to Honor Musical Legacies and Shape the Future of Sound
Sun Label Group Launches to Honor Musical Legacies and Shape the Future of Sound
Celebrating 160 Years of Musical Heritage with a Vision for Tomorrow
NASHVILLE (May 13, 2024) — Sun Label Group has officially launched under its parent company, Primary Wave Music. This groundbreaking venture stands as a testament to the enduring power of music, bringing together the historic legacies and individual successes of Sun Records, Gaither Music, Green Hill Music, Rural Rhythm and emeraldwave by Green Hill into a cohesive and forward-thinking artist-focused ecosystem. Paul Sizelove will oversee Sun Label Group as President, with each of the labels retaining their unique structure, individuality and respective teams. In addition to leading Sun Label Group, Sizelove will continue to spearhead day-to-day operations as President of Gaither Music Group. Blake Davis will also remain in his role as General Manager of Green Hill Music.
“With Paul stepping into the role of President of the Sun Label Group, we are ushering in a new era of innovation and collaboration. His extensive network of partnerships and relationships will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and influence across the music industry,” said Dominic Pandiscia, Chief Strategy Officer, Primary Wave Music/Sun Label Group. “We couldn’t be more thrilled for Paul and the immense potential this represents for the Group overall!”
Sun Label Group is deeply rooted in the rich history of its constituent labels. With a combined musical past spanning 160 years, the group comprises the iconic Sun Records, renowned for its pivotal role in the birth of rock 'n' roll, the gospel melodies and multimedia platforms of Gaither Music, the diversity of repertoire from jazz through Americana at Green Hill Music, the deep bluegrass catalog of Rural Rhythm, and the ambient and relaxing sounds of emeraldwave by Green Hill. This amalgamation not only honors the past but also sets the stage for exciting new musical experiences and platforms.
As part of Primary Wave Music, Sun Label Group is committed to weaving together the past, present, and future of the individual labels that comprise the Group. This involves both meticulous safeguarding of the individual label’s legacies while breathing new life into the future to ensure their legacies grow.
"As we launch Sun Label Group, we stand at the crossroads of musical heritage and innovation,” said Sizelove. “This venture isn't just about celebrating 160 years of extraordinary sound; it's about forging a future where music continues to inspire, connect, and evolve. Our rich legacy across Sun Records, Gaither Music, Green Hill Music, Rural Rhythm, and emeraldwave by Green Hill is just the beginning. The future of music starts here, and we look forward to developing new partnerships as we create new art, broaden our reach, and adapt to the ever-changing ways that people enjoy music.”
Sun Label Group isn’t just preserving musical history, however; it's actively shaping its future with the introduction of new, genre-spanning recordings and IP/platform development. Through innovative releases that range from revisiting chart-topping classics to launching cutting-edge new releases, the group is a pioneer in the musical landscape. This commitment to innovation extends globally, as the group looks to connect with diverse audiences worldwide.
The coming year will see the release of a variety of projects across the Sun Label Group family. On Sun Records, this includes Mileage from blues virtuoso and 5-time GRAMMY nominee Ruthie Foster, Silver City from singer-songwriter Amy Helm, Melissa Etheridge’s highly-awaited I’m Not Broken: Live From Topeka Correctional Facility, Lean On Neon from Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square, and an upcoming blues project from ZZ Ward.
From Gaither Music, the storied music company founded by Bill and Gloria Gaither, fans can look forward to Foundations, the upcoming album from The Voice season 12 winner Chris Blue; Sunday School, a Tommy Sims-produced gospel album from season 9 winner of The Voice Jordan Smith; a new recording from GRAMMY-nominated, Grand Ole Opry and Gospel Music Hall of Fame members The Isaacs; as well as Christian music artist Joseph Habedank’s new record, I’m Free. Several recordings will be accompanied by TV and DVD specials, offering a rich, interactive experience for fans and exciting content for the label’s ever-growing YouTube channel with over 3.5 billion life-to-date views.
Green Hill Music, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, will showcase David Arkenstone’s dreamy Fairy Fantasy. Meanwhile, emeraldwave by Green Hill has just launched Out Of The Blur, the first ambient album by Eric Hilton of Thievery Corporation, and is launching additional projects via their partnership with ENDEL.
What sets Sun Label Group apart is its dedication to bridging the historic with the future, acting as a curator of cultural narratives, a steward of musical treasures, and a catalyst for inspiration. The aim is not just to curate music but to ignite a global movement that showcases the transformative power of sound through delivering exceptional musical and visual experiences.
About Sun Label Group, Est. 2024
Honoring Icons, Elevating Soundscapes, Inspiring Journeys
Sun Label Group celebrates 160 years of music across Sun Records, Gaither Music, Green Hill Music, and emeraldwave by Green Hill. Under parent company Primary Wave Music, the dynamic and innovative music company is dedicated to celebrating the legacy of musical icons and shaping the future of music and entertainment. From catalog preservation and reimagination to curating exceptional new auditory experiences, Sun Label Group is a testament to the enduring power of music.
Media inquiries:
Dawn Kamerling
The Press House