Folk singer Brandi (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: CARLILE
Understanding the clue
- Brandi Carlile is the Grammy-winning folk singer and songwriter whose seven-letter surname perfectly fits this crossword clue.
- Born in 1981 in Ravensdale, Washington, Carlile has become one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary folk and Americana music, known for her powerful vocals and emotionally resonant songwriting.
Tips for Solving Folk Singer Crossword Clues
- Know the letter count first: The number in parentheses tells you exactly how many letters you need, making it easier to eliminate options.
- Contemporary vs. classic artists: Modern crosswords increasingly feature current artists like Carlile alongside traditional folk legends like Guthrie, Seeger, or Baez.
- Cross-reference intersecting answers: Use letters from crossing clues to confirm your answer, especially when multiple folk singers could fit.
- Grammy winners appear frequently: Award-winning artists are more likely to appear in puzzles, so familiarize yourself with recent Grammy winners in folk and Americana categories.
- Think Americana and alt-country: Folk music has evolved, and modern "folk singers" often blend genres, so expand your definition beyond traditional acoustic guitar players.
Folk singer Brandi (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What other folk singers commonly appear in crosswords?
A: Popular crossword folk artists include Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Arlo Guthrie, and more recently, artists like Sufjan Stevens and The Lumineers.
Q: How can I remember Brandi Carlile for future puzzles?
A: Associate her with her biggest hit "The Story" or remember she's part of The Highwomen supergroup. Her seven-letter surname and distinctive first name make her perfect for crossword constructors.
Q: Are there other seven-letter folk singer surnames?
A: Yes, consider artists like Joni Mitchell (8 letters total but different surname), though Carlile is increasingly popular in modern puzzles due to her recent Grammy success and cultural relevance.
Q: What if the clue just says "Singer Brandi" without mentioning folk?
A: It's still CARLILE—she's the only famous singer with the first name Brandi who regularly appears in crosswords. The genre specification helps, but isn't always necessary for identification.
Q: Does Brandi Carlile appear in cryptic crosswords?
A: Primarily in American-style crosswords rather than cryptic puzzles. Her name works well for straightforward definition clues due to its clear letter pattern and growing name recognition.




