Michele Gedney
Bio
Michele Gedney is an award-winning songwriter whose music is rooted in contemporary folk and distinguished by expressive vocals, intricate guitar work, memorable melodies, and honest songwriting.
Michele spent over two decades in the acclaimed duo Open Book with her husband, Rick Gedney. Together they built a devoted following through evocative songwriting, rich vocal harmonies, interweaving guitars, and genuine connection with listeners. Eight months after Rick’s passing in 2023, Michele released Open Book's final album, Leaning In, which charted on Folk Radio in 2024.
Her first solo album, Map Of The World, marks both a continuation and an evolution of that legacy. The seven-song collection explores love, memory, resilience, and the search for a way forward after life's greatest challenges. Rather than dwelling in loss, the songs trace a path toward hope, inviting listeners to find beauty, meaning, and comfort even in the most difficult times.
Gedney's songwriting is distinguished by lyrical depth and a voice of warmth and clarity. Whether performing solo or with the musicians who brought Map Of The World to life, her concerts feel like shared conversations, where stories, songs, joy, and reflection have equal weight.
Beyond the stage, Gedney is a respected songwriting mentor and workshop leader. She has served on the faculty of
Dar Williams' Writing A Song That Matters retreat since 2013 and leads songwriting workshops in the Hudson Valley, helping emerging and experienced writers discover and strengthen their own authentic voices.
Whether writing, performing, or mentoring other songwriters, Michele Gedney creates spaces where music becomes a way to connect—with ourselves, with one another, and with the stories that shape our lives. Through Map Of The World, she reminds us that while loss may forever change the landscape, hope, creativity, and human connection can help us find our way forward.
Listen & download Map Of The World on Bandcamp
Quotes
“I love this album [Leaning In] by Open Book and loved singing on it. Michele Gedney is a co-leader of Writing a Song That Matters and wrote the song “Go” that Cry Cry Cry covered. We lost Rick Gedney last January, but he is so warm and present on this album.” Dar Williams
“…the low-key power of haunting melody, the satisfaction of adroit wordplay entwined with skillfully understated musicianship. Michele’s distillation powers are impressive indeed.” Robert Burke Warren, Chronogram Magazine
“In the case of Michele's song writing…there are strong poetic and contemplative threads running throughout…reflected in Michele's smooth and silky vocals” Graham Dixon, BBC Radio3
“Serene and quietly compelling…” Michael Eck, Chronogram Magazine
“I've always been inspired to see how you can paint a beautiful portrait with such simplicity in your arrangements. i am also a very big fan of your voice.....its purity and innocence has always slayed me against the wisdom and complexity of your cinematic poetry. Please keep showing us "the way". - Listener review, 2023
“A powerful message — personal, universal, skillful, beautiful.” Listener review, 2023
“Michele's pristine tone, at times reminiscent of Shawn Colvin's, just soars.” Sam Tallerico, WVKR Radio
“Most everyone remarks on Michele's unique voice. I can't describe it as anything but angelic” Rick Rock, Founder of Tribes Hill Music
“Aside from “A Meadow” and David Gray’s “Silver Lining”, the other songs on “Leaning In” are written by Michele, and they are all winners: the countrified melodies of “Windows”, and “Find Each Other”, the beguiling title track, and the stellar folk-pop “Calendars” its message of regret buoyed by the up tempo rhythm.” Thomas Staudter, The Gazette
Video
Michele plays “How It Feel To Love” at The Nyack Center
Michele playing her song, January Knows, accompanied by Kellie Lin Knott.
Michele performing "Follow The Sound" at The Towne Crier.
Recent Awards/Recognition
2011-2024 - Founding member and songwriting teacher at ‘Writing a Song That Matters’ with Dar Williams
2017 - Winner of Connecticut Folk Festival Songwriting Contest
2020 - Morrissey Guitars - representing these handmade guitars at various luthier’s conferences
2020 - Song “Go” recorded and released by Cry Cry Cry (Williams/Shindell/Kaplansky) “Live at The Freight”
2024 - The album “Leaning In” placed on Folk Alliance International Charts in January and April
SHARED THE STAGE/RECORDED WITH:
Al Hemberger - Billy Masters - Buddy and Julie Miller - Christine Lavin - Dan Bonis - Daniel Weiss - Dar Williams -Doug Yowell - Ellis Paul - Freedy Johnston - Ian Matthews - Jay Nicholas - Jeff Allen - Joe Crookston - John Sebastion - Jon Pousette Dart - Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman - KJ Denhert - Lucy Kaplansky - Lincoln Schleiffer - Livingston Taylor - Lloyd Maines - Marco Giovino - Mark Murphy - Marc VonEm - Martin Sexton - Michael Visceglia - Mike LaRocco- Modern Man - Pete Heitzman - Radislov Lorcovic Richard Shindell - Rob Clores - Rob Mathes - Sara Milonovich - Sharon Goldman - Shawn Pelton - Sloan Wainwright - Stacy Earle Steve Hass - The Kennedys - The Levins - Terence Martin - Tom Camp - Will Lee - Zev Katz and many others
