Bluegrass, gospel, and country performer Kristen Leigh Bearfield has certainly made the rounds as a musician. The Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Fortune and Brooke Aldridge are just a few of the artists she’s worked with. In addition to other projects, Bearfield tours full-time as a member of the Grammy-nominated group HighRoad. She’s had the pleasure of performing on stages at acclaimed venues and events, including the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman, IBMA, The Country Music Hall of Fame, MerleFest, and as part of the Gaither Homecoming series.
Bearfield doesn’t claim to have done all this because of her own volition; she credits her success to her religious faith. Even the very beginnings of her music career began in church.
“From the time I was young, there was never any question that music was my calling,” Bearfield explained. “I sang my first solo in church at three years old and never looked back.”
A major life event once made Bearfield think she might not pursue a career as a performer. She said she only overcame this major obstacle because of her spiritual belief system.
She was in a bad car accident.
“Due to a severe neck injury that affected my spinal cord, doctors told me that I would most likely be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life,” she said. “I lost my voice and the ability to play my instruments. There were certainly times that I didn’t understand why this was happening, but there was never a moment that I didn’t feel God’s hand on my life. In fact, I can honestly say that I physically felt God’s arms wrap around me as my car flipped through the air. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was there with me in that car and I’ve never felt his presence more strongly than I did in that very moment,” she continued. “My faith is at the core of everything I do,” she added. “It’s what gives me hope and purpose and infuses every aspect of my music.”
It’s no surprise that this attitude might have contributed to her recent nomination for the Absolutely Gospel Music 2024 “Positive Country Female Artist of the Year” award (her song with Brooke Aldridge – “Heaven’s Getting Sweeter Each Day” – also received a nomination in the bluegrass single category).
Bearfield has irons in several fires. This winter, she was busy with yet another successful collaboration. A single she released – “Country Faith,” – featured gospel performer Karen Peck Gooch.
“She has been a hero and influence of mine since I was a little girl, so to have a collab recording with her is a dream come true,” Bearfield explained. “This song will serve as the theme song for the Singing News ‘Faith Country & Bluegrass’ series, coming in 2025 to Singing News TV.”
She was raised in the mountains of Appalachia, but today, Bearfield calls Nashville home. Her home region's rustic, rugged landscapes seem to stay with her.
“I always want to carry the sound of the mountains with me in everything I write and play and
most importantly, carry the hope and peace of Christ,” she said.
Right now, Bearfield is also taking a new focus on solo work.
“My next immediate goal I am setting out to accomplish is finishing up my new solo album,” she said. “It’s been a long time coming, and I’m just a few songs away, hoping for a Spring 2025 release.”
Bearfield didn’t detail exactly what the record would hold, but she explained how she balanced the three genres she loved: bluegrass, country, and gospel.
“It’s a delicate balance, for sure,” she said. “I have a deep respect for the pioneers of bluegrass, country and gospel music, and I draw a lot of inspiration from their work. At the same time, I’m always looking for ways to push the boundaries and bring something fresh to the table.”
Lastly, she emphasized, “I think the key is to stay true to yourself and your convictions,” she explained, “while also being open to new ideas and influences.”
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