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{{short description|South African musician}}
{{Short description|South African-born musician}}
⚫
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Gregory Alan Isakov
| name = Gregory Alan Isakov
| background = solo_singer
| image = Gregory Alan Isakov.jpeg
| caption = Isakov in 2015
⚫
| birth_place = [[Johannesburg, South Africa]]<ref name=Biography/>
| birth_name = Gregory Alan Isakov
| website = {{URL|www.gregoryalanisakov.com}}
| genre = {{flatlist|
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|10|19}}
⚫
| birth_place = [[Johannesburg]], [[Gauteng]], [[South Africa]]
| origin = [[Philadelphia|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* Singer
* Songwriter
* Farmer}}
| years_active = 2003–present
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Contemporary folk music|Contemporary folk]]
* [[Contemporary folk music|Contemporary folk]]
⚫
* [[indie folk]]
* [[indie folk]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ismail|first1=Noora|title=Gregory Alan Isakov: The Indie Folk Singer Building His Own Off-Grid Paradise|url=http://www.huckmagazine.com/art-and-culture/music-2/gregory-alan-isakov/|website=[[Huck (magazine)|Huck]]|publisher=TCOLondon Publishing|accessdate=8 July 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201130855/http://www.huckmagazine.com/art-and-culture/music-2/gregory-alan-isakov/|archivedate=1 December 2016}}</ref>
* [[country folk]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ismail|first1=Noora|title=Gregory Alan Isakov: The Indie Folk Singer Building His Own Off-Grid Paradise|url=http://www.huckmagazine.com/art-and-culture/music-2/gregory-alan-isakov/|website=[[Huck (magazine)|Huck]]|publisher=TCOLondon Publishing|access-date=July 8, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201130855/http://www.huckmagazine.com/art-and-culture/music-2/gregory-alan-isakov/|archive-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref>}}
⚫
* [[country folk]]}}
| occupation = [[Singer-songwriter]]
| website = {{URL|gregoryalanisakov.com}}
⚫
| image = Gregory Alan Isakov performs at The Fillmore in San Francisco on February 14 2019.jpg
| caption = Gregory Alan Isakov performing in San Francisco, February 14, 2019
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|10|19}}
}}
}}


'''Gregory Alan Isakov''' is a [[singer-songwriter]] born in [[Johannesburg, South Africa]]. He and his family emigrated to the United States in 1986 and he was raised in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]].<ref name=ElevationOutdoorsInterview>{{cite web|last=Van Leuven|first=Chris|title=Deep Music From Up In The Hills|url=http://www.elevationoutdoors.com/trail-mix/deep-music-from-up-in-the-hills/|publisher=Elevation Outdoors Magazine|accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref> He currently resides in [[Boulder, Colorado]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last=Monger|first=James|title=Artist Biography|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/gregory-alan-isakov-mn0000697636/biography|publisher=allmusic.com|accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref>
'''Gregory Alan Isakov''' (born October 19, 1979) is a South African-born American singer and songwriter currently based in [[Boulder, Colorado]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last=Monger|first=James|title=Artist Biography|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/gregory-alan-isakov-mn0000697636/biography|publisher=allmusic.com|access-date=November 18, 2013}}</ref> Isakov and his family immigrated to the United States in 1986 and he was raised in [[Philadelphia]].<ref name=ElevationOutdoorsInterview>{{cite web|last=Van Leuven|first=Chris|title=Deep Music From Up In The Hills|date=January 2, 2013|url=http://www.elevationoutdoors.com/trail-mix/deep-music-from-up-in-the-hills/|publisher=Elevation Outdoors Magazine|access-date=November 18, 2013}}</ref>


Isakov's music combines indie and folk, featuring instruments such as the guitar and banjo. He is widely known for the songs "The Stable Song", "Big Black Car", "If I Go, I'm Goin" and "Raising Cain". Isakov has released seven albums, most recently ''Evening Machines'' in October 2018.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/10/gregory-alan-isakov-evening-machines-review.html|title=Gregory Alan Isakov: Evening Machines|work=pastemagazine.com|access-date=2018-10-05|language=en}}</ref>
Isakov's music combines indie and folk, featuring instruments such as the guitar and banjo. He is widely known for the songs "Words," "The Stable Song," "Big Black Car," "If I Go, I'm Goin' " and "San Luis." Isakov has released seven albums. His most recent album, ''[[Appaloosa Bones]]'', was released on August 18, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gregoryalanisakov.com/|title=Gregory Alan Isakov|website=gregoryalanisakov.com}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/10/gregory-alan-isakov-evening-machines-review.html|title=Gregory Alan Isakov: Evening Machines|work=pastemagazine.com|access-date=October 5, 2018|language=en}}</ref>


== Life and career ==
==About==
⚫
[[File:Gregory Alan Isakov performs at The Fillmore in San Francisco on February 14 2019 (cropped).jpg|upright|thumb|Isakov performing in 2019]]
Isakov was born in [[Johannesburg]] on October 19, 1979. He immigrated with his family to the United States in 1986 during the [[apartheid]] because his father Nissen started an electronic-engineering business in Philadelphia.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.westword.com/music/gregory-alan-isakovs-dad-beams-as-his-son-plays-with-the-colorado-symphony-8694643|title=Gregory Alan Isakov's Dad Beams as His Son Plays With the Colorado Symphony|last=Lacroix|first=Kate|date=2017-01-16|work=Westword|access-date=2018-10-05}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.pictureonthefridge.com/gregory-alan-isakov/|title=Gregory Alan Isakov|website=P O T F|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-05}}</ref> In Philadelphia, he began touring with a band at the age of 16.<ref name=":0" /> Isakov later moved to Colorado to study [[horticulture]] at [[Naropa University]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/03/t-magazine/entertainment/singer-songwriter-gregory-alan-isakov.html|title=A Singer-Songwriter Who Puts His Garden First|access-date=2018-10-05|language=en}}</ref> Isakov had played instruments his whole life, but began a life as a professional musician playing occasional gigs while also working as a gardener.<ref name=":3" /> His musical career became more serious when he began touring with [[Kelly Joe Phelps]].<ref name=":4" />
Isakov was born in [[Johannesburg]] on October 19, 1979. He immigrated with his family to the United States in 1986 because his father Nissen started an electronic engineering business in Philadelphia.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.westword.com/music/gregory-alan-isakovs-dad-beams-as-his-son-plays-with-the-colorado-symphony-8694643|title=Gregory Alan Isakov's Dad Beams as His Son Plays With the Colorado Symphony|last=Lacroix|first=Kate|date=January 1, 2017|work=Westword|access-date=October 5, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.pictureonthefridge.com/gregory-alan-isakov/|title=Gregory Alan Isakov|website=P O T F|language=en-US|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006000351/http://www.pictureonthefridge.com/gregory-alan-isakov/|url-status=dead}}</ref> His grandfather was a [[Lithuanian Jews|Lithuanian Jew]] who fled to South Africa during [[World War II]].<ref>[https://www.nodepression.com/gregory-alan-isakov-the-passenger-the-land-and-the-ritual/ Gregory Alan Isakov: The Passenger, The Land, And The Ritual] No Depression</ref>


In Philadelphia, he began touring with a band at the age of 16.<ref name=":0" /> Isakov later moved to Colorado to study horticulture at [[Naropa University]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/03/t-magazine/entertainment/singer-songwriter-gregory-alan-isakov.html|title=A Singer-Songwriter Who Puts His Garden First|work=The New York Times |date=June 3, 2016 |access-date=October 5, 2018|language=en |last1=Oloizia |first1=Jeff }}</ref> Isakov had played instruments his whole life, but began a life as a professional musician playing occasional gigs while also working as a gardener.<ref name=":3" /> His musical career became more serious when he began touring with [[Kelly Joe Phelps]].<ref name=":4" />
⚫
In 2003 Isakov self-released his first album ''Rust Colored Stones.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/rust-colored-stones-mw0000321998|title=Rust Colored Stones - Gregory Alan Isakov {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic|website=AllMusic|access-date=2018-10-05}}</ref> In 2005 he self-released ''Songs for October''. In 2007 he self-released ''[[That Sea, The Gambler]].'' In 2009 Isakov self-released ''This Empty Northern Hemisphere'' which featured vocals by [[Brandi Carlile]] on five tracks and a cover of [[Leonard Cohen]]'s "One of Us Cannot Be Wrong".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.northernskymag.com/reviews/cd-reviews/gregory-alan-isakov-empty-northern-hemisphere-suitcase-town|title=Gregory Alan Isakov - This Empty Northern Hemisphere (Suitcase Town) {{!}} Northern Sky Magazine|website=www.northernskymag.com|language=en|access-date=2018-10-05}}</ref> In 2013 Isakov created his independent label Suitcase Town Music on which he released ''The Weatherman.''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Gregory-Alan-Isakov-Comes-To-Boulders-Fox-Theater-20180821|title=Gregory Alan Isakov Comes To Boulder's Fox Theater|last=Desk|first=BWW News|access-date=2018-10-05|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/gregory-alan-isakov-album-review-the-weatherman/2013/07/11/853d7bbc-e40a-11e2-aef3-339619eab080_story.html|title=Gregory Alan Isakov album review, ‘The Weatherman’|website=Washington Post|language=en|access-date=2018-10-05}}</ref>


⚫
In 2003, Isakov self-released his first album ''Rust Colored Stones.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/rust-colored-stones-mw0000321998|title=Rust Colored Stones – Gregory Alan Isakov {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic|website=AllMusic|access-date=October 5, 2018}}</ref> In 2005, he self-released ''Songs for October''. In 2007, he self-released ''That Sea, the Gambler.''<ref name=":6" /> Later that year, he was named Best Male Songwriter by Colorado magazine ''[[Westword]]''.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Gregory Alan Isakov – The Vogue |url=https://thevogue.com/artists/gregory-alan-isakov/ |access-date=2023-12-07 |language=en}}</ref> In 2009, Isakov self-released ''This Empty Northern Hemisphere'' which featured vocals by [[Brandi Carlile]] on five tracks and a cover of [[Leonard Cohen]]'s "One of Us Cannot Be Wrong".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=http://www.northernskymag.com/reviews/cd-reviews/gregory-alan-isakov-empty-northern-hemisphere-suitcase-town|title=Gregory Alan Isakov – This Empty Northern Hemisphere (Suitcase Town) {{!}} Northern Sky Magazine|website=northernskymag.com|language=en|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006000338/http://www.northernskymag.com/reviews/cd-reviews/gregory-alan-isakov-empty-northern-hemisphere-suitcase-town|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2013, Isakov created his independent label Suitcase Town Music on which he released ''[[The Weatherman (album)|The Weatherman]].''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Gregory-Alan-Isakov-Comes-To-Boulders-Fox-Theater-20180821|title=Gregory Alan Isakov Comes To Boulder's Fox Theater|author=BWW News Desk|access-date=October 5, 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/gregory-alan-isakov-album-review-the-weatherman/2013/07/11/853d7bbc-e40a-11e2-aef3-339619eab080_story.html|title=Gregory Alan Isakov album review, 'The Weatherman'|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en|access-date=October 5, 2018}}</ref>
⚫
In 2016 Isakov released ''Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony,'' an album of eleven of his earlier songs orchestrated by several composers and recorded with the full [[Colorado Symphony]].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://coloradosymphony.org/Blog/ArtMID/4266/ArticleID/263/Gregory-Alan-Isakov-with-the-Colorado-Symphony-Album-Released-Today-Receives-National-Critical-Acclaim|title=Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony Album Released Today, Receives National Critical Acclaim|work=Colorado Symphony|access-date=2018-10-05|language=en-US}}</ref> On October 5, 2018 Isakov released ''Evening Machines'' on his Suitcase Town Music label.<ref name=":1" />


⚫
In 2016, Isakov released ''Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony,'' an album of eleven of his earlier songs orchestrated by several composers and recorded with the full [[Colorado Symphony]].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://coloradosymphony.org/Blog/ArtMID/4266/ArticleID/263/Gregory-Alan-Isakov-with-the-Colorado-Symphony-Album-Released-Today-Receives-National-Critical-Acclaim|title=Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony Album Released Today, Receives National Critical Acclaim|work=Colorado Symphony|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006000606/https://coloradosymphony.org/Blog/ArtMID/4266/ArticleID/263/Gregory-Alan-Isakov-with-the-Colorado-Symphony-Album-Released-Today-Receives-National-Critical-Acclaim|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 5, 2018, he released ''Evening Machines'' on his Suitcase Town Music label.<ref name=":1" />
⚫
He has been influenced by the music of [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Kelly Joe Phelps]] and [[Bruce Springsteen]].<ref name="Biography">{{cite web|url=http://gregoryalanisakov.com/biography|title=Biography|publisher=gregoryalanisakov.com|accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref> Isakov has played at many music festivals around the United States, Canada and Europe.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/gregory-alan-isakov-interview-folk-sustainable-farm-passenger-support-a7446541.html|title=Gregory Alan Isakov interview: ‘It’s a scary time to be alive’|work=The Independent|access-date=2018-10-05|language=en-GB}}</ref>


Isakov has been influenced by the music of [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Gillian Welch]], [[Kelly Joe Phelps]], [[Iron & Wine]] and [[Bruce Springsteen]].<ref name="Biography">{{cite web|url=http://gregoryalanisakov.com/biography|title=Biography|publisher=gregoryalanisakov.com|access-date=November 18, 2013}}</ref><ref name=":7" />
⚫
==Discography==

⚫
Acclaimed for his lyrics, his music often explores themes such as nature, introspection, and personal experiences within the folk and indie genres.<ref name=":7" /> He has played at many music festivals around the United States, Canada and Europe. At these music festivals, Isakov has shared the stage with numerous touring artists such as [[Rodrigo y Gabriela]], [[Alexi Murdoch]] and [[Fiona Apple]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/gregory-alan-isakov-interview-folk-sustainable-farm-passenger-support-a7446541.html|title=Gregory Alan Isakov interview: 'It's a scary time to be alive'|work=The Independent|access-date=October 5, 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":7" />

In November 2019, Isakov's album ''Evening Machines'' was nominated for the [[Grammy Award for Best Folk Album]] in the [[62nd Annual Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2020-grammy-awards-complete-nominees-list#13|title = 2020 GRAMMY Awards: Complete Winners List|date = November 20, 2019}}</ref>

⚫
The song "Big Black Car" from the 2009 album ''This Empty Northern Hemisphere'' was featured in a 2012 [[McDonald's]] commercial. Isakov donated the proceeds to non-profit organizations that help further sustainable farming and nurture community.<ref name=":5" />

While simultaneously maintaining his music career throughout the years, Isakov has been the owner and operator of Starling Farm in Boulder County, Colorado, described as "a six-acre farm focused on small-scale, bio-intensive market gardening".<ref>{{Cite web |title=STARLING FARM |url=https://www.starlingfarmproduce.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYTNShE28iPQeithXadZq_7VwC83kJ_OBQdTBBr4MVLrg5rkwoabglxbAU_aem_tQdSD3-UHDFeHFYq2T_R8Q |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=STARLING FARM |language=en-US}}</ref>

⚫
== Discography ==


* ''Rust Colored Stones'' (2003)
* ''Rust Colored Stones'' (2003)
* ''Songs for October'' (2005)
* ''Songs for October'' (2005)
* ''[[That Sea, The Gambler]]'' (2007)
* ''That Sea, the Gambler'' (2007)
* ''This Empty Northern Hemisphere'' (2009)
* ''This Empty Northern Hemisphere'' (2009)
* ''The Weatherman'' (2013)
* ''[[The Weatherman (album)|The Weatherman]]'' (2013)
* ''Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony'' (2016)
* ''Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony'' (2016)
* ''Evening Machines'' (2018)
* ''Evening Machines'' (2018)
* ''[[Appaloosa Bones]]'' (2023) – No. 81 US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]<ref>{{cite tweet|user=billboardcharts|number=1696198205963223182|title=Debuts on this week's #Billboard200...|date=August 28, 2023|access-date=August 29, 2023}}</ref>


⚫
== References ==
==Appearances in media==

⚫
* The song "Big Black Car" from the 2009 album ''This Empty Northern Hemisphere'' was featured in a 2012 [[McDonald's]] commercial. Isakov donated the proceeds to non-profit organizations that help further sustainable farming and nurture community.<ref name=":5" />
* The song "Second Chances" from the 2013 album ''The Weatherman'' plays towards the end of the sixth episode of the first season of the American drama television series ''[[Forever (2014 TV series)|Forever]]'' and was featured in the 2014 ''[[Veronica Mars (film)|Veronica Mars]]'' movie.
* The song "This Empty Northern Hemisphere" from the 2009 album of the same name plays at the conclusion of the final episode of the fourth season of the American drama television series ''[[Suits (U.S. TV series)|Suits]]''.
*The song "That Moon Song" from the album ''This Empty Northern Hemisphere'', featuring [[Brandi Carlile]], was featured in the 2010 independent documentary film ''[http://www.ridethedividemovie.com/ Ride The Divide]'' and on the soundtrack from the film.
*The song "The Stable Song" from the album ''That Sea, The Gambler'' was featured in the 2010 independent documentary film ''[http://www.ridethedividemovie.com/ Ride The Divide]'' and on the soundtrack from the film.
* The song "If I Go, I'm Goin'" from ''This Empty Northern Hemisphere'' plays at the end of the fourth episode of season four of Showtime's ''[[Californication (TV series)|Californication]]''.
* The song "She Always Takes It Black" from ''The Weatherman'' was featured in season seven, episode 11 of Showtime's TV series ''Californication''.
* The song "Time Will Tell" from ''The Weatherman'' was featured in a 2015 [[Subaru]] commercial.
* The song "Suitcase Full of Sparks" from ''The Weatherman'' was featured in episode 20 of season three of ''[[The Blacklist (TV Series)|The Blacklist]]'' and the instrumental version was featured in a 2019 [[Subaru]] commercial "A Big Day Out".
* The song "Second Chances" from the 2013 album ''The Weatherman'' plays toward the end of the short film "One Man’s Mission to Revive the Last Redwood Forests" by [[National Geographic Society]].
* The song "Amsterdam" from the 2013 album ''The Weatherman'' was featured in episode 1 of season six of ''[[Girls (TV Series)|Girls]]''.
* The song "Second Chances" from the 2013 album ''The Weatherman'' plays at the end of the first episode of the fourth season of the American drama television series ''[[Rectify (TV series)|Rectify]]''.
* The song "If I Go, I'm Goin'" from ''This Empty Northern Hemisphere'' plays the end of the tenth episode of season one of Netflix's ''[[The Haunting of Hill House (TV series)|The Haunting of Hill House]]''.
*The song "The Stable Song" from the 2016 album ''Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony'' is included in the soundtrack for the film ''[[The Peanut Butter Falcon|The Peanut Butter Falcon]]''.

⚫
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
*{{Official website|1=http://www.gregoryalanisakov.com/}}
*{{Official website|1=http://www.gregoryalanisakov.com/}}
*[http://www.folkradio.co.uk/2011/05/exclusive-gregory-alan-isakov-fruk-session/ Folk Radio UK Session]
*[http://www.folkradio.co.uk/2011/05/exclusive-gregory-alan-isakov-fruk-session/ Folk Radio UK Session]


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{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2012}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:People from Johannesburg]]
[[Category:Musicians from Johannesburg]]
[[Category:White South African people]]
[[Category:White South African people]]
[[Category:South African people of American descent]]
[[Category:South African people of Lithuanian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:American people of Lithuanian-Jewish descent]]

Latest revision as of 04:30, 9 January 2025

Gregory Alan Isakov
Isakov in 2015
Isakov in 2015
Background information
Birth nameGregory Alan Isakov
Born (1979-10-19) October 19, 1979 (age 45)
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
OriginPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
  • Farmer
Years active2003–present
Websitegregoryalanisakov.com

Gregory Alan Isakov (born October 19, 1979) is a South African-born American singer and songwriter currently based in Boulder, Colorado.[2] Isakov and his family immigrated to the United States in 1986 and he was raised in Philadelphia.[3]

Isakov's music combines indie and folk, featuring instruments such as the guitar and banjo. He is widely known for the songs "Words," "The Stable Song," "Big Black Car," "If I Go, I'm Goin' " and "San Luis." Isakov has released seven albums. His most recent album, Appaloosa Bones, was released on August 18, 2023.[4][5]

Life and career

[edit]
Isakov performing in 2019

Isakov was born in Johannesburg on October 19, 1979. He immigrated with his family to the United States in 1986 because his father Nissen started an electronic engineering business in Philadelphia.[6][7] His grandfather was a Lithuanian Jew who fled to South Africa during World War II.[8]

In Philadelphia, he began touring with a band at the age of 16.[2] Isakov later moved to Colorado to study horticulture at Naropa University.[9] Isakov had played instruments his whole life, but began a life as a professional musician playing occasional gigs while also working as a gardener.[7] His musical career became more serious when he began touring with Kelly Joe Phelps.[9]

In 2003, Isakov self-released his first album Rust Colored Stones.[10] In 2005, he self-released Songs for October. In 2007, he self-released That Sea, the Gambler.[11] Later that year, he was named Best Male Songwriter by Colorado magazine Westword.[12] In 2009, Isakov self-released This Empty Northern Hemisphere which featured vocals by Brandi Carlile on five tracks and a cover of Leonard Cohen's "One of Us Cannot Be Wrong".[11] In 2013, Isakov created his independent label Suitcase Town Music on which he released The Weatherman.[13][14]

In 2016, Isakov released Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony, an album of eleven of his earlier songs orchestrated by several composers and recorded with the full Colorado Symphony.[6][15] On October 5, 2018, he released Evening Machines on his Suitcase Town Music label.[5]

Isakov has been influenced by the music of Leonard Cohen, Gillian Welch, Kelly Joe Phelps, Iron & Wine and Bruce Springsteen.[16][12]

Acclaimed for his lyrics, his music often explores themes such as nature, introspection, and personal experiences within the folk and indie genres.[12] He has played at many music festivals around the United States, Canada and Europe. At these music festivals, Isakov has shared the stage with numerous touring artists such as Rodrigo y Gabriela, Alexi Murdoch and Fiona Apple.[17][12]

In November 2019, Isakov's album Evening Machines was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album in the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.[18]

The song "Big Black Car" from the 2009 album This Empty Northern Hemisphere was featured in a 2012 McDonald's commercial. Isakov donated the proceeds to non-profit organizations that help further sustainable farming and nurture community.[17]

While simultaneously maintaining his music career throughout the years, Isakov has been the owner and operator of Starling Farm in Boulder County, Colorado, described as "a six-acre farm focused on small-scale, bio-intensive market gardening".[19]

Discography

[edit]
  • Rust Colored Stones (2003)
  • Songs for October (2005)
  • That Sea, the Gambler (2007)
  • This Empty Northern Hemisphere (2009)
  • The Weatherman (2013)
  • Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony (2016)
  • Evening Machines (2018)
  • Appaloosa Bones (2023) – No. 81 US Billboard 200[20]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Ismail, Noora. "Gregory Alan Isakov: The Indie Folk Singer Building His Own Off-Grid Paradise". Huck. TCOLondon Publishing. Archived from the original on December 1, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  2. ^ a b Monger, James. "Artist Biography". allmusic.com. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  3. ^ Van Leuven, Chris (January 2, 2013). "Deep Music From Up In The Hills". Elevation Outdoors Magazine. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  4. ^ "Gregory Alan Isakov". gregoryalanisakov.com.
  5. ^ a b "Gregory Alan Isakov: Evening Machines". pastemagazine.com. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  6. ^ a b Lacroix, Kate (January 1, 2017). "Gregory Alan Isakov's Dad Beams as His Son Plays With the Colorado Symphony". Westword. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  7. ^ a b "Gregory Alan Isakov". P O T F. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  8. ^ Gregory Alan Isakov: The Passenger, The Land, And The Ritual No Depression
  9. ^ a b Oloizia, Jeff (June 3, 2016). "A Singer-Songwriter Who Puts His Garden First". The New York Times. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  10. ^ "Rust Colored Stones – Gregory Alan Isakov | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  11. ^ a b "Gregory Alan Isakov – This Empty Northern Hemisphere (Suitcase Town) | Northern Sky Magazine". northernskymag.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  12. ^ a b c d "Gregory Alan Isakov – The Vogue". Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  13. ^ BWW News Desk. "Gregory Alan Isakov Comes To Boulder's Fox Theater". Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  14. ^ "Gregory Alan Isakov album review, 'The Weatherman'". Washington Post. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  15. ^ "Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony Album Released Today, Receives National Critical Acclaim". Colorado Symphony. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  16. ^ "Biography". gregoryalanisakov.com. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  17. ^ a b "Gregory Alan Isakov interview: 'It's a scary time to be alive'". The Independent. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  18. ^ "2020 GRAMMY Awards: Complete Winners List". November 20, 2019.
  19. ^ "STARLING FARM". STARLING FARM. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  20. ^ @billboardcharts (August 28, 2023). "Debuts on this week's #Billboard200..." (Tweet). Retrieved August 29, 2023 – via Twitter.
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