Anne Feeney

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Anne Feeney is a self described "activist, organizer, song writer, folk singer, troublemaker and hell raiser".

[edit] Life and Career

Anne was born near Pittsburgh, PA on July 1, 1951. She graduated from high school in 1968. After saving for one year she purchased a Martin D-28 guitar that she still plays today. She worked for a dozen years or so as a trial attorney and served as President of the Pittsburgh Musicians' Union. She also spent two decades involved in community activism and regional performances at rallies.

Anne was influenced by her grandfather who was an intrepid mineworkers' organizer. He also used music to carry the message of solidarity to working people. The Vietnam war and the Civil Rights Movement also shaped her conscience and consciousness.

Since 1991 Anne has toured America and the world to spread her message with the masses. She has traveled to the frontlines in 40 states, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Sweden and Denmark. Her first recording, Look to the Left, was released in 1992. Since then she has released several more CDs with the most recent being "If I Can't Dance".

Anne's fandom is growing. Her songs have been played at strikes and rallies around the country, both on cd and live by Anne herself. Anne's song "Ain't I A Woman" was even performed by her and her daughter, Amy Berlin, for 1.5 million women's rights supporters at the massive March for Women's Lives in Washington, DC on April 25, 2004.

Anne Feeney's music has been recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary (Have You Been to Jail for Justice) and played in concert as well. Political cartoonist Mike Konopaki included Anne's recording of Union Maid in a flash animation he made. Amy Goodman featured the song Have You Been to Jail for Justice in a broadcast of Democracy Now! That song was also featured in the dazzling anti-globalization documentary "This is What Democracy Looks Like".

Anne is the mother of two children, Dan and Amy Berlin.

[edit] Quotes about Anne Feeney

"If I had a cause - and who doesn't? - I'd want Anne Feeney singing for me."-- Stephen Ide (Writer for Dirty Linen Magazine, which covers folk, roots, traditional and world music.)

"Anne Feeney is the best labor singer in North America." -- Utah Phillips (Labor organizer, folk singer, storyteller, poet and self-described "Golden Voice of the Great Southwest".)

"Congratulations on your fine songwriting!" -- Pete Seeger (Legendary folk singer and political activist.)

"Anne is a role model for us. She has lived her songs." -- Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul and Mary)