Nashville, Tenn. — Every so often an artist comes along whose style, abilities and personality not only capture the true essence of a particular music genre, but also propel that genre forward in new directions. Nora Jane Struthers is such an artist. After taking top honors in this weekend’s Telluride Band Competition, Struthers easily stands out amongst the crowd to announce her arrival with the June 22nd release of her self-titled debut album.

The nationally recognized music competitions at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival are a breeding ground for independent roots music. As winners of the Telluride Band Contest, Struthers and her band, the Bootleggers (P.J. George, Ward Stout and Dave Goldenberg), now join the celebrated company of renowned platinum-selling artists and past winners the Dixie Chicks and Nickel Creek. In addition to critical acclaim and recognition, a slot on 2011’s main stage is among her winnings in this incredible honor. Struthers also placed in the final round of the Troubadour Songwriter Contest out of hundreds of her peers, becoming the only artist to place so highly in both the Troubadour and Band Competitions.

Struthers is an artist of distinction, a trailblazer rooted in tradition. No stranger to high-profile festivals, Struthers and her band picked up the first place prize in the "Neo-Traditional Band" competition at the 2009 Appalachian String Band Festival; Struthers also won "Best New Song" that same year. Since partnering with John Laird at The Americana Agency, she is touring more than ever and enjoying continued triumphs, each a well-deserved accolade for this “dedicated to her craft” singer/songwriter.

Nora Jane Struthers, produced by industry stalwart Brent Truitt (Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Dixie Chicks), is the product of Struthers' experience, passion, knowledge and authenticity. Each song, intricately infused with strokes of bluegrass, Celtic, gospel, old time and folk, tells a story, and Struthers' lyrics depict times of heartbreak and patriarchy, of nostalgia and hope. GRAMMY award winning singer/instrumentalist Tim O’Brien joins her on the release saying, “Old time music continues to reinvent itself in the able hands of young artists like Nora Jane Struthers.”

Combine Struthers' unique sound with her vintage fashion style, and the result is an homage to American roots, the very foundation about which she sings. Another lifetime ago, Struthers was an English literature teacher in Brooklyn; mere years later, she's singing songs as enduring as the tales she once taught her students. Her songs sound as if they’ve been passed down from generation to generation, and her authenticity is majestic, a rarity even. From her vintage cotton dresses to her brilliant red lips, Struthers is stunning and put together, the very way proud mid-Century women carried themselves once upon a time.

This classic persona inspired her Vintage Voyage, a special event in the Nashville community in which she will visit several vintage stores, handpick dresses and invite one girl from each store to model the outfit on stage at her album release party on June 23rd at The Basement. Fans will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite shop girl who will be featured with Struthers in the August issue of HER Nashville magazine.

Truly an artist that radiates authenticity, Nora Jane Struthers presents an impressive debut. It's classic Americana at its finest from a hardworking artist who simply loves what she does. Her traditional look and sound is refreshing, and perhaps that is where her true gift lies.