Ellen is a well-regarded singer of traditional folk ballads with an "expressive and haunting voice." (Pittsburgh Magazine)

Songs that were sung by generations of voices past now stir contemporary hearts.

Ellen has recorded two solo collections of traditional songs, Awake, Awake and Across the Blue Ridge Mountains, and two CDs with The Early Mays, The Early Mays and Chase the Sun. Ellen has  appeared as a guest on the recordings of southwestern Pennsylvania old-time music made by Snappin' Bug: Mark Tamsula and Richard Withers.

Photo by Kristi Jan Hoover

THE EARLY MAYS

Ellen and Emily Pinkerton share songs based in a love of American tradition, while also exploring their own creative voices. 
​
The Early Mays took home the blue ribbon in the Neo-Traditional Band Competition at Clifftop (The Appalachian String Band Music Festival), have appeared on NPR’s Mountain Stage, and hit the #1 position on the National Folk-DJ Charts with their release, “Chase the Sun.” They've been named Artists of the Year by Pittsburgh's independent radio WYEP.

Visit: The Early Mays

"The Early Mays are exceptional storytellers, singers and musicians who craft their songs with the utmost care and attention; they're a joy to listen to."    -- Alex Gallacher, Folk Radio UK