Artist Profile: Susan Bailey
Susan Bailey is a singer, songwriter,
guitarist and recording artist with strong connections to the Boston and
Worcester, Massachusetts areas. Susan has ministered in song for over ten years
at Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish in Westborough as a leader of song for the 9
am Family Mass, and as a soloist at numerous weddings, funerals, retreats and
prayer meetings.
Susan performs prayerful songs of hope and inspiration as an expression of her
Catholic faith. Her songs are characterized by both a mainstream pop and
soothing acoustic style, punctuated by heartfelt and thought-provoking lyrics.
Her voice has been likened to Linda Ronstadt and Karen Carpenter.
Susan first sensed her vocation to minister in music ten years ago when she
wrote and then performed a special song at the funeral of a friend. Responding
to the call to encourage the faithful and spread the gospel of Jesus, Susan has
written scores of songs, performing them at numerous parishes and coffeehouses
throughout the Northeast. She was selected to sing at the Annual Celebration of
Life Mass of Little Audrey Santo at the College of the Holy Cross Stadium in
Worcester, the Women's Conference, "Gather Us In" for the Worcester Diocese (in
2002 and 2003), and World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto.
Susan is also an experienced praise and worship leader, having worked for
several years with the Worcester diocesan Charismatic Renewal team. She was
invited in 2002 to lead the music for a weeklong Lenten Charismatic mission
headed by David Thorpe.
A longtime devotion to the Blessed Mother has characterized, guided and shaped
the nature of Susan's music, filling it with a special peace, hope and joy. As
an expression of her devotion, Susan has regularly provided music for Marian
cenacles of prayer. She also composed and shared a musical version of the rosary
with Marian Solidarity groups, and has put together, promoted and performed
Marian concerts in the area.
Susan has recorded two full length CDs and an EP of mostly original music,
produced by veteran NY producer Ron Zabrocki. Teach Me to Love features the very
popular "Come Holy Spirit" and two songs inspired by Mother Teresa including
Susan's signature song, "Teach Me to Love". Wait with Me: Advent of the Promised
Son is a special album of songs devoted to the seasons of Advent and Christmas
with a special focus on Mary's role in the incarnation of our Lord. A recently
released four song EP, Still the Same, contains songs of hope, healing and
forgiveness aimed at the recent crisis in the Catholic Church.
Susan has been married for 25 years to her husband, Rich, and they are the proud
parents of two teenaged children, Stephen, 17 and Meredith, 15.
Ron Zabrocki, seasoned NY producer writes: "Susan writes and sings from the
heart. Her positive style transcends ALL religions and will be the one to bring
Catholic music to the masses." David Smith from Crossed Hearts, a popular
Catholic husband and wife duo, writes: "[Susan is a] top notch Catholic
singer/songwriter. If God has plans to use [her] on a national platform, I
wouldn't be surprised." A listener (Cynthia Anderson) comments that Susan songs
are " very proactive. Very walk the talk." Nicholas, another listener, comments,
"Susan Bailey razzles and dazzles listeners with an intimate glimpse into her
heart. Her craftsmanship as a songwriter parallels a master chessman."