Biography

Reviewers describe award-winning singer-songwriter, Loretta Hagen, as ‘heart driven, soul-filling, Folk Americana.‘ With 4 critically acclaimed CDS to her credit, Lucky Stars (2017), Mud and Stone (2012), Sundown Till Dawn (2008), and Something More (2002), Loretta’s rich alto voice and strong songwriting skills have led her to win many awards, including a JAM Awards’ (Jersey Acoustic Music Awards) “Top Female Songwriter of the Year,” JAM nomination for “Album of the Year,” 4-time nominee Just Plain Folks Music Awards, 2018 PureM Magazine winner for Best Song and nominee for Best Album, winner of the NJ Folk Festival Songwriter Competition and 2-time designation as a CT Folk Festival finalist.

"Not Now" is a song about hope and the will to survive. Award- winning singer-songwriter Loretta Hagen wrote the song during COVID-19 after hearing the heartbreaking stories of people fighting for their lives, alone in hospitals.

"Each day I would hear news stations report the heartbreaking stories of people alone in hospitals around the world fighting for their lives without a loved one at their side. I can only imagine the terror for them. So many stories of loss: loss of life, loss of jobs, homes, loneliness. Normal life simply gone. But in all of that overwhelming despair and loss, there were also stories of survival."

Loretta Hagen's fourth CD "Lucky Stars," took the listener on a personal journey through loss, healing, and ultimately the promise of hope.

Four years in the making, "Lucky Stars" brought Loretta's journey full circle, when faced with the heartache of illness, death, and going on without loved ones so cherished. She found solace in the promise of new beginnings, love, and the inherent knowledge that our Lucky Stars are watching over us.

Loretta's third CD, “Mud and Stone,” well received by DJs worldwide, debuted at #10 on Folk DJ Charts, consistently #1 on the Roots Music Report for NJ, #5 Top 50 Folk Albums RMR, and topped many best of lists. Five years later the album is still going strong, recently receiving 4 nominations for the Just Plain Folk Awards with awards being announced late fall 2017.

"This effort [Mud and Stone] is first class, top tier, a true contender as an artist to reckon with." John Apice ~ No Depression

Following her critically acclaimed CD Something More, co-produced by Pat McInerney (Nanci Griffith), Hagen released Sundown Till Dawn, a CD that garnered rave reviews and radio play across the country.

Sundown Till Dawn is extremely personal, with the title track written about her mother who suffered with Alzheimer’s disease. Loretta’s Mom passed away peacefully at her home. The emotionally charged ballad is included on the soundtrack of a film called “10 Mountains 10 Years” chronicling the journey of a group of mountain climbers who are raising awareness about the disease.

Loretta has performed at premiere venues across the Northeast and Nashville, sharing the stage with Pete Seeger, Roger McGuinn, Sloan Wainwright, Steve Forbert, Richie Havens, Kim Richey and Marshall Crenshaw among many others.

Loretta performs primarily with her trio consisting of husband/guitarist Gary Hagen and djembe players Linda Lambiase or Curtis Kretz. www.lorettahagen.com