Over the course of her twenty five year career, Susan Werner has earned a reputation as “one of the most innovative songwriters working today” (Chicago Tribune). With formidable chops on guitar (she began playing at age 5) and piano (she was a guest on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz), along with a graduate degree in voice performance, her shows are a one-woman master class in musicianship. Although best known as an acoustic songwriter that came up through coffeehouses and folk festivals, the Chicago-based artist has written songs in the style of Gershwin and Cole Porter (I Can’t Be New, 2004), gospel music (The Gospel Truth, 2007), traditional Cuban “son” (An American In Havana, 2016), and New Orleans junk piano (NOLA, 2019). In 2014 she composed the music and lyrics to the musical theater score Bull Durham, The Musical (MGM). Her songs have been recorded by Tom Jones, Michael Feinstein, and Shemekia Copeland, and her latest recording of originals, The Birds of Florida, took flight in 2022.

“(Werner is) a songwriter and musician who is in such complete command of her gifts that it’s almost scary.”

— All Music Guide

“When it comes to crafting a song, Ms. Werner’s only peers are Jimmy Webb and Paul Simon.”

— No Depression

“Susan Werner, a clever songwriter and an engaging performer, brings literacy and wit back to popular song.”

— The New Yorker

“Vulnerability has rarely been so witty or concise in modern song.”

— Boston Herald

“Always an impressive songwriter, Werner continues to compose sharp, funny, compassionate lyrics, a gift rare enough to set her apart…”

— The Washington Post

“The classically trained and jazz inspired singer is redefining the genre and winning admirers around the country…”

— Phildelphia Inquirer

“Kicking The Beehive is evidence that Susan Werner has no trouble reinventing herself year after year; and she’s damn good at it.”

— Performer Magazine

“Werner has quietly risen to the elite of American songwriters.”

— Direct Current

“This woman is great. period.”

— Music Row (Nashville)