Background and Early Life

Margo Rae Price was born on April 15, 1983, in Aledo, Illinois, a small farming town near the western edge of the state. She grew up in a musical household, learning to play piano and singing regularly in her local church choir. Following high school, Price attended Northern Illinois University, where she studied dance and theater. However, she ultimately left the university in 2003 at the age of 20 to pursue a career in music.

Move to Nashville and Early Career Struggles

After leaving college, Price relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, in hopes of establishing herself in the music industry. Her journey was not immediate nor easy; to support herself, she took on a variety of jobs including waiting tables, teaching children's dance classes at the YMCA, and installing siding. During this time, she married fellow musician Jeremy Ivey. Together, they formed the band Buffalo Clover, blending rock and soul influences into their sound. Later, they established a new band, Margo and the Pricetags, further developing Price’s songwriting and performance skills.

Breakthrough with Midwest Farmer’s Daughter

Price became a well-known figure in the East Nashville music community. Her big break came when she sent a demo of her original material to Jack White, founder of Third Man Records. Impressed by her authenticity and talent, White signed her to his label and produced her debut solo album, Midwest Farmer’s Daughter. Recorded at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, the album was released in 2016 to critical acclaim. It topped the UK Country Albums chart and introduced Price to a broader international audience.

That same year, Price appeared as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, delivering a performance that was widely praised and further boosted her visibility. She also performed on the UK television series Later... with Jools Holland, marking the beginning of her international recognition.

Musical Style and Influences

Margo Price’s musical aesthetic draws inspiration from classic country artists such as Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Emmylou Harris. Her songwriting is marked by emotional depth, lyrical nuance, and a clear homage to the traditional sounds of ’60s and ’70s country music. At the same time, her perceptive storytelling and thoughtful compositions lend a refreshing voice to contemporary Americana and country genres.

In July 2017, Price released the EP Weakness. The title track served as a lead-in to her sophomore album, All American Made, which was released in October 2017. The album was lauded for its candid political themes and featured guest vocals from Willie Nelson on the standout track “Learning to Lose.”