About Susan
Susan Werner doesn’t just perform music — she reinvents it every time she steps on stage. A virtuoso guitarist and pianist with a voice-trained musician’s precision and a storyteller’s wit, Werner has spent more than two decades building a reputation as one of the most original and entertaining performers on the acoustic music scene.
From elegant jazz-pop inspired by George Gershwin and Cole Porter to gospel, Cuban son, and New Orleans piano grooves, Werner’s catalog refuses to sit still. Whether she’s crafting sharp, funny observations or deeply moving songs, her performances blend intelligence, humor, and jaw-dropping musicianship into an unforgettable live experience.
A featured guest on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz and composer/lyricist for Bull Durham, The Musical for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Werner continues to push boundaries with every project. Her latest recordings, The Birds of Florida and Halfway to Houston (2024), showcase an artist still exploring new territory — and making it sound entirely her own.
"(Werner is) a songwriter and musician who is in such complete command of her gifts that it’s almost scary."
“When it comes to crafting a song, Ms. Werner’s only peers are Jimmy Webb and Paul Simon.”
“Susan Werner, a clever songwriter and an engaging performer, brings literacy and wit back to popular song.”
“Vulnerability has rarely been so witty or concise in modern song.”
“Always an impressive songwriter, Werner continues to compose sharp, funny, compassionate lyrics, a gift rare enough to set her apart…”
“The classically trained and jazz inspired singer is redefining the genre and winning admirers around the country…”
“Kicking The Beehive is evidence that Susan Werner has no trouble reinventing herself year after year; and she’s damn good at it.”
“Werner has quietly risen to the elite of American songwriters.”
“This woman is great. period.”