The Burns Sisters

Annie and Marie Burns are a captivating musical duo celebrated for uplifting, transcendent music that radiates warmth and conviction. Their harmonies and lyrics carry a rare depth of passion and soul, stirring listeners wherever they perform. In early 2015, they released their acclaimed album Looking Back, Our American Irish Souls, a work that showcases the purity of their harmonies, the beauty of their songwriting, and the joyful energy that defines their sound.

Born into a progressive, politically engaged, and deeply creative family in Binghamton, New York, Annie and Marie are two of twelve siblings who have been singing together since early childhood. Their mother, Teresa, was a cherished local vocalist and church soloist, while their father, John J. Burns, was a progressive politician educated at the Kennedy School. Several of their siblings have also built careers in music, film, and television as singers, actors, and producers, reflecting a creative spirit that runs deep in the family.

Drawn to the vibrant music scene in Ithaca, New York, the sisters settled there and began performing as The Burns Sisters. They went on to write, record, and release their own material through respected labels including Columbia Records and Rounder Records. Today, Marie and Annie release their work under their independent label, Sisters Music. Together and individually, they have written and produced nearly 20 albums.

Over the years, The Burns Sisters have taken on several band configurations. They began as a trio, later expanded to include all five sisters and released two records on Columbia, and eventually returned to their original trio format, signing with Rounder/Philo Records. Some years ago, Jeannie Burns left the group to pursue her musical aspirations in the Austin scene. Marie and Annie followed their hearts to Ireland, where they performed at established festivals throughout the West of Ireland. While there, they explored their family's roots and immersed themselves in the true history of the Irish famine and mass migration. That experience inspired them to write and record Looking Back, Our American Irish Souls, a rich blend of Celtic and Americana influences that has been warmly received in Ireland, Wales, the UK, Scotland, Canada, and the United States since its 2015 release.

The Burns Sisters have shared the stage with folk legends including Arlo Guthrie, Tom Paxton, Pete Seeger, Odetta, and Willie Nelson, performing everywhere from Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry to the hills of Northern Thailand and County Clare, Ireland. They have contributed harmonies to numerous recording projects and have been featured on television programs such as ER and Holiday High School Reunion.

Annie's commanding and sensitive voice has been praised by singer-songwriter and author Rosanne Cash for its bell-like, steady, warm, and heartfelt quality. Acclaimed writer, music producer, and poet PJ Curtis described Looking Back, Our American Irish Souls as a truly magnificent and superb body of work, praising the flawless vocals, the moving renditions of classic songs, and the exceptional production.

Today, Annie and Marie  with Kate Purcell continue to pursue solo projects while also leading their acclaimed Songbirds musical tours to Ireland and Spain, sharing music, culture, and community with travelers drawn to their artistry. The Burns Sisters continue to inspire audiences around the world with their heartfelt music, authentic harmonies, and unwavering dedication to their craft, creating a profound connection through the timeless power of song.