Phoebe Snow

About

Phoebe Snow was an American roots music singer-songwriter and guitarist whose distinctive contralto voice—grounded in a bluesy growl and capable of sweeping over four octaves—made her one of the most recognizable artists of the 1970s. Born in New York in 1950, Snow achieved breakthrough success with her hit songs "Poetry Man" and "Harpo's Blues" in 1974 and 1975, establishing herself as a compelling voice in roots music. She also gained recognition for her credited guest vocals on Paul Simon's "Gone at Last." Snow passed away in 2011, leaving behind a remarkable musical legacy that spanned multiple decades and genres.

Beyond her initial chart success, Snow demonstrated remarkable versatility throughout her career. In the 1980s and 1990s, she lent her distinctive voice to numerous commercial jingles for major U.S. products including General Foods International Coffees, Salon Selectives, and Stouffer's, proving her appeal across different musical contexts. She also experienced significant success in Australia during the late 1970s and early 1980s, where she released five top 100 albums. In 1995, she recorded a gospel album with Sisters of Glory, showcasing her continued artistic evolution and spiritual depth as a musician.