World renowned traditional bluegrass and children’s music songwriter, banjo player and vocalist. Originally from Pikesville, she got her start playing professionally at the Yellow Door Coffeehouse in Montreal. Since then, has gone on to play virtually every major folk festival in the U.S. and abroad. In 1975 she released her first album “Kissing Is a Crime” (Likeable 01) with Duck Donald (including guitarist Dave Essig). Their performances included appearances at the Walnut Valley Festival (1978-78), and released three albums together.
In early ‘80s Fink teamed up with Marcy Marxer (guitar, mandolin). The duo released a series of popular children’s recordings, while Cathy also continued with her traditional bluegrass performances and recordings. Fink and Marxer performed as members of the all-female bluegrass group Blue Rose, who released a critically acclaimed self-titled album in 1988. Fink and Marxer earned a Grammy Award nomination for their 1997 album “Blanket Full of Dreams” (Rounder), and again for their 2002 bluegrass album “Postcards.” Fink earned the Grammy for her 2003 children’s music album “Bon Appetit! Musical Food Fun” (Rounder). The duo also won many WAMMIE awards, and made numerous television appearances including the Today Show. Their song “Names,” written by Cathy, is an anthem to the AIDS Memorial Quilt and has been recorded by many different artists.
Cathy Fink & Duck Donald:
1975 Likeable 01 Kissing Is a Crime
1978 Flying Fish 053 Cathy Fink & Duck Donald
Cathy Fink & Duck Donald & Peter Paul Van Camp:
1980 Likeable 02 I’m Gonna Tell
Album releases by Cathy Fink:
1984 Rounder 8010 Grandma Slid Down the Mountain
1985 Rounder The Leading Role
1987 Rounder 8013 When the Rain Comes Down
1990 Sugar Hill 120 Doggone My Time
2000 Banjo Haiku
2003 Rounder 8074 Bon Appetit! Musical Food Fun
Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer as members of Blue Rose:
1988(LP) Sugar Hill 3768 Blue Rose
Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer:
1989 Sugar Hill Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer
1990 Rounder 8021 Help Yourself
1993 HW 1254 Air Guitar
1994 Rounder 8029 Cathy & Marcy Collection
1995 Rounder 8031 Parents Home Companion
1996 Rounder 8043 Blanket Full of Dreams
1997 Rounder Voice on The Wind
1998 Rounder 8048 Changing Channels
1995 Rounder 8079 Nobody Else Like Me
2000 Rounder 8086 Pillow Full of Wishes
2002 Rounder 8089 Pocket Full of Stardust
2005 Rounder 8124 Scat Like That
Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer & Brave Combo:
2001 Rounder 8092 All Wound Up! A Family Music Party
