Born in 1982 in Appleton, Wisconsin, Cory Chisel is a rootsy, evocative singer and songwriter whose music reflects a diverse range of influences, including folk, blues, gospel, country, and rock. His father was a Baptist minister and his mother played piano at his services. Chisel's parents didn't approve of pop music, but he grew up on a steady diet of vintage gospel and Johnny Cash, while Cory's uncle was a blues fan who introduced him to the work of John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, and Sonny Boy Williamson, as well as fellow Minnesotan Bob Dylan. The Wandering Sons released their debut album, Again from the Beginning, in 2004, followed by Little Bird (2006), Death Won't Send a Letter (2009), and Old Believers (2012). ~ Mark Deming