Compass Records Group recording artist Pierce Pettis brings a wealth of experience from his long musical journey. He’s spent decades touring in 49 of 50 states, as well as Canada and Europe. Hailing from Alabama, he embarked on his career at the renowned Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. His musical contributions extended to Fast Folk Musical Magazine in New York, recording for Windham Hill/High Street Records in Los Angeles, and a decade-long tenure as a staff songwriter for Polygram and Universal Music Publishing in Nashville. Pettis’s songwriting prowess has left an indelible mark with artists like Dion, Art Garfunkel, Garth Brooks, and Joan Baez covering his work. Notable names such as David Wilcox, Tim O’Brien, Dar Williams, and Claire Lynch have also interpreted his songs. His latest album, “Father’s Son,” released by Compass in early 2019, has garnered widespread critical acclaim.
“Unlike a lot of his contemporaries, singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis doesn’t belong to the ‘me generation.’ He’s more likely to sing of his surroundings than himself, and frequently draws on his Southern background for inspiration and color.” –Washington Post
A witty, heartfelt lyricist, Pettis has a voice that carries the acoustic folk tradition, but is refreshingly hard to pigeon-hole.” –Charlotte Observer
“Pierce has created a musical body of work that is wide and deep. Dip your toe in anywhere and you will want to hear more of my friend Pierce Pettis!” — John Gorka
“I have loved Pierce’s music for many years now – he has the gift of a true inner compass.” — Eliza Gilkyson
“Pierce Pettis bares a gentle soul with a keen eye, a soulful voice, and perfect guitar accompaniment for his beautiful songs – a masterful poet treasure.” — Darrell Scott
“Pierce is a master musical storyteller, delivering human truth and heartbreaking vulnerability with every tune. He’s also an unnecessarily virtuosic guitarist with the voice of some beautiful angel who also happens to be your old, familiar friend.” —Justin Paul (Grammy/Oscar/Tony-winning lyricist/composer, “La La Land” “Dear Evan Hansen”)
