Aaron Burdett is a highly acclaimed Americana and folk singer-songwriter from Western North Carolina, recognized as one of the most influential musicians in the region by WNC Magazine. His compelling songwriting, soulful voice, and dynamic performances have established him as a vital voice in contemporary roots music. Over the past few years, Burdett has expanded his influence as one of the lead singers for the GRAMMY-winning band Steep Canyon Rangers, a role in which he has become an integral driver of their sound and dynamic live shows.

In 2022, Aaron Burdett joined the Steep Canyon Rangers full time, bringing his songwriting sensibilities and performance artistry to the band. Since then, he has played a significant role in their creative direction, contributing to some of their strongest recent work, including the albums Morning Shift (produced by Darrell Scott, 2023) and Live at Greenfield Lake (2024). These recordings showcase the band’s continued evolution, with Burdett’s songwriting and vocal energy at the forefront. Notably, several of his most recognized songs — including “Fruits of My Labor” and “Pennies on the Tracks” — have found new life in the band’s live sets, resonating powerfully with audiences and critics alike.

As a solo artist, Burdett continues to see remarkable success. His 2022–2025 singles “Paris,” “The Mountains You Carry,” “Denver Plane,” “Second Best,” “Honeybees,” and “Rhyme or Reason” have all topped charts, with “Paris” reaching #1. In 2026, he released “Arthur’s Last Dance,” with a new album slated for fall 2026. These songs exemplify his keen ability to blend poetic lyricism with catchy melodies, further cementing his reputation as a leading voice in Americana and folk music.

Burdett’s discography remains prolific and impactful. His latest album, Dream Rich, Dirt Poor (2021), debuted at #8 on the Billboard bluegrass charts and produced four Top 10 radio singles. This record received widespread critical acclaim, reinforcing his status as a songwriter of depth and versatility. His previous work — such as Refuge (2017), Tinderbox (2015), Fruits of My Labor (2014), and Breathing Underwater (2012) — has consistently been recognized for its lyrical honesty and musical craftsmanship.

Among his accolades, Burdett has won multiple prestigious songwriting awards, including the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest with the song “Rockefeller” (bluegrass category, 2017), the grand prize in the folk category of the USA Songwriting Contest (2018), and the Our State Magazine’s Carolina Songs Competition with “Going Home to Carolina” (2012).

Throughout his career, Burdett has performed extensively, sharing stages nationwide, and honing a live presence that emphasizes storytelling and emotional connection. His influences include legendary artists like John Hiatt, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, and the Grateful Dead, which imbue his music with depth and authenticity. Early in his life, encounters with icons such as Doc Watson and Norman Blake were a driving force that eventually shaped his sound, blending Appalachian roots with modern poetic storytelling.

Combining traditional Appalachian folk, bluegrass, blues, and contemporary songwriting, Aaron Burdett remains a vital force — both as a solo artist and at the forefront of the Steep Canyon Rangers. His work continues to speak to rural communities and working men and women across America, making him one of the most important voices in contemporary roots music today.