Indigo Girls

Indigo Girls

Indigo Girls are a folk duo from Atlanta, United States, made up of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers. They form in 1985 and remain active. Ray and Saliers meet on the playground at grammar school in Decatur, Georgia, and start playing together in high school.

Early releases and recording

Their first release is the 1985 seven-inch single Crazy Game, backed with Everybody's Waiting (for Someone to Come Home). Later that year they release a six-track EP titled Indigo Girls. Their first full-length album, Strange Fire, follows in 1987 and is recorded at John Keane Studio in Athens, Georgia. It includes Crazy Game.

Major label success

In 1989, they sign to Epic Records. That year they win the Grammy for best contemporary folk album for their self-titled release. Their best-known songs include Galileo, Closer to Fine and Shame on You.

Activity and interests

The duo tours regularly and is active in political and social causes. Their campaigning includes support for gun control, women’s rights, Native American rights, environmental protection, the abolition of the death penalty and LGBT rights. As lesbians, they also speak for LGBT rights from personal experience, and they often perform benefit concerts.

Other work

Amy Ray runs Daemon Records, an independent label in Decatur, and also works as a solo artist, with two solo albums released. Emily Saliers is part-owner of Watershed, a restaurant and wine bar in Decatur.