Other

BBC World Service Australasia

Migrated podcast image for: Outlook

Outlook

Factual: Life Stories

True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives.

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC World Service East Asia

Outlook: Rufus Wainwright: My music and my mother

Magazines & Reviews

Rufus Wainwright

08/07/2020 GMT

Rufus Wainwright: My music and my mother

BBC World Service - Outlook, Rufus Wainwright: My music and my mother

Born into folk music royalty Rufus took special inspiration from his mum Kate McGarrigle

The life and times of singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, who took special inspiration from his mother, the celebrated Canadian folk musician Kate McGarrigle.

Rufus Wainwright was once described by Elton John as 'the greatest songwriter on the planet'. He's the son of two North American folk music legends – Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle but went on to forge his own prolific career. He's got 12 albums under his belt including the Grammy-nominated Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall where he sang Over the Rainbow with his mother Kate on stage, a song they’ve performed since his childhood. Rufus was especially close to his mum, early on in his songwriting career he looked to her for advice and approval, and her support helped him through a destructive crystal meth addiction. They sang together often, right up until she died from cancer in 2010.

Rufus' latest album is called Unfollow the Rules. 

Picture: Rufus Wainwright with his mother Kate McGarrigle
Credit: Getty Images

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Outlook

Rufus Wainwright: My music and my mother

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Australasia

About BBC World Service