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Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle (née Rogers) are, as their name suggests, sisters. Growing up in the historical music town Muscle Shoals, they first sang together in church, fine tuning their familial harmonies.
But music only seemed like a hobby. Lydia initially pursued business at Middle State Tennessee University, but she ended up traveling to Nashville to audition for a music executive. When she was invited back, she asked to bring Laura, and shortly thereafter they were signed to Universal Republic Records.
In 2010, they released their self-titled album, and followed it with 2014's Put Your Needle Down. T Bone Burnett produced the sophomore effort. Everything seemed to be going their way, but by 2015 the duo's prospects had taken a dramatic turn. Their label dropped them and they faced bankruptcy, among other difficulties.
That fall, Brandi Carlile invited them to open for her on tour, and was wowed by their sound. She, along with longtime musical partners Tim and Phil Hanseroth, ended up producing their third album, 2017's You Don't Own Me Anymore. It went on to earn a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album.
In 2020, The Secret Sisters released their fourth album Saturn Return. Carlile and the Hanseroth twins once again produced.
These interpretations replicate the timeless qualities all great work exudes. The artists breathe new life and fresh inspiration into material whose words and melodies haven’t lost an ounce of their powerful intensity, regardless of the style they are replicated in.
In a year of deep tragedy and anxiety, the 20 records here have offered deep empathy, comfort and empowerment to carry us through.
Alabama duo Laura and Lydia Rogers channel soul straight from the heart on their fourth album - one full of celestial, hypnotic goodness.
It's been quite a year, but thankfully the music never stopped.
Yodeling, Neti Pots and “Rare Inclusivity”: The Secret Sisters share lessons learned from their friend and mentor Brandi Carlile.
The duo bagged the award for their song 'Hand Over My Heart', taken from their stunning 2020 album Saturn Return
The duo have shared the performance of their song in celebration of their Grammy nominations.