Americana/Folk singer songwriter Ruth Hill has roots that run deep in these New England hills. Ruth grew up in New Hampshire, the third of ten children, and started singing with her older brother and sister at church and community events when she was just six years old. Ruth accompanies herself expressively on guitar, banjo and mandolin but when she opens her heart and sings, from a place of depth and compassion, you’ll want to lean in closer.
When Ruth was eight years old, her longshoreman father came home from Boston one weekend and asked his four oldest children what instrument they’d like to play. She immediately answered, “The banjo!” Looking back, she says, “I’d never even seen a banjo, but I’d heard Roy Clark and Earl Scruggs on Hee Haw!”.
Although Ruth started singing and playing music early in life, it took her until she was nearly a half century old before she finally found her songwriting voice, a few years later, she gave up her career as a river geologist and began performing and writing full time. “I don’t regret becoming a fulltime musician so late in my life,” Ruth says, “I’ve had a wonderful life full of rich adventures. But, I am thrilled to be here now! My recent successes have shown me that it’s never to late to learn to believe in yourself!”
Ruth was named Grand Prize Winner of the 2017 Great American Song Contest. She also won first prize at the Maine Songwriter’s Association song contest in 2016. Ruth’s 2nd CD, Reunion Of Broken Parts, was released in the fall of 2017 and was on the Folk DJ charts for Jan, Feb, and Mar of 2018! Ruth’s first CD, The River Beneath Me was released in June of 2011 and was nationally ranked in Folk DJ Top Folk Albums, Songs and Artists of 2011.
Over the past few years, Ruth has studied songwriting with Emily Saliers, Mary Gauthier, Catie Curtis, Kate Cambell, Jonatha Brooke (The Story), Jud Caswell, and Grammy award-winning songwriters Don Henry and Gretchen Peters.
“Ruth’s ability to empathize with the characters in her songs, and make us feel their pain, is extraordinary. Her songs are amazing! I love her delivery, her guitar playing and her intensity.”
— Catie Curtis
“Ruth’s lyrics and melodies worm their way into your hindbrain like a mason-jar of moonshine, and settle down for a long, pleasant visit.”
–Dale Hill, The Franklin Journal.
“Ruth Hill is one of our favorite singer/songwriters at the Union Coffeehouse. Our audiences love her beautiful voice and her delightful guitar and banjo playing. Ruth’s enthusiastic, engaging stage presence enhances her performances which include original songs that vary from the light and whimsical to poignant remembrances and tributes. A Ruth Hill concert is one that can be enjoyed for its musicality and warmth and appreciated for its skill and originality. It most definitely should not be missed!”
— Don Petersen- Host of Union Coffee House, Belgrade, ME
“Ruth is a talented, accomplished singer/songwriter. Her original songs touched our souls and warmed our hearts. Along with her bright spirit and positive energy, Ruth brought stories of her extended travels to share with her audience. As the concert was coming to a close, Ruth said she had one more to sing for us. An audience-member called out, “Sing one more set!” He spoke for us all! I have already invited Ruth back for another house concert. ”
— Karen Johnson- Host of LaRose House Concerts, Millford, MA