Grammy-nominated roots and bluegrass artistValerie Smithcontinues her chart-climbing momentum as her latest album,Maggie‘s Journal, lands at#2on the January 2026Folk Alliance International Folk Charts. The release also boastsone song in theTop 20, and Smith earned the distinction of being the#3 overall artiston the charts this cycle. In addition, the track“Started Wrong in This Life” recently debuted at #13 on the Bluegrass Today Grassicana Chart.
Praised for its emotional depth, masterful songwriting, and Smith’s unmistakable voice,Maggie’s Journalhas resonated strongly with folk DJs, tastemakers, and audiences worldwide. It has also quickly become a favorite among critics who have described it as“a monumental achievement. Valerie Smith has not just released an album; she has curated a museum of the soul”(Christian Lamitschka,Country Music News International Magazine), and“a most meaningful and emotionally impactful set of songs” (Lee Zimmerman,Bluegrass Today).
Additional accolades for the project:
“The ambitious album is a trip. Almost cinematic in scope. You can‘picture’ the characters in your mind as they’re spoken about. Well written, performed & respectful of a person & her era which has long gone. Divergent lives coming together (Maggie & Valerie) to celebrate a singular life…..Music doesn’t get much better.” – John Apice,Americana Highways
“Maggie’s Journalis one of the most ambitious roots albums I’ve encountered in recent memory. Comprised of impressive songwriting, gorgeous vocal performance, and keen instrumentation, Valerie Smith and producer Donna Ulisse have crafted an album that serves as a memorable and enjoyable capstone to Smith’s twelve-year journey bringing Maggie’s story to fruition.” – Donald Teplyske,Fervor Coulee
“This record is incredibly personal, and seeing it embraced so warmly by the folk community means everything to me,” said Smith.“I’m deeply grateful to the DJs, listeners, and Folk Alliance members who continue to support independent artists and roots music.”
Capitalizing on the album’s growing momentum, Smith is takingMaggie’s Journalon the road with a 2026 tour that brings the songs directly to audiences in intimate listening rooms, festivals, and select venues nationwide. The tour underscores Smith’s enduring connection with live audiences and highlights the personal, story-driven nature of the new material.
Official 2026 tour dates are as follows:
Friday, March 20Withlacoochee Festival(Spring Edition)Dunnellon,FL
Thursday, May 21 –24Dr. Ralph Stanley Hills of Home FestivalMcClure,VA
Thursday, May 28Graves Mountain MusicFestivalSyria, VA
Saturday, May 30Nepa Bluegrass FestivalTunkhannock,PA
Thursday (July 16), July 15 – 18W. VA’s Branch Mountain Bluegrass Festival Moorefield,WV
Friday and Saturday, August 21 – 22Pickin’ In The Pasture Bluegrass FestivalLodi,NY
Friday, September 4 –6 Dr. Ralph Stanley Hills of Home Festival McClure,VA
More dates to be announced onhttp://www.thevaleriesmith.com/.
Smith will also be unveiling“Maggie’s Journal,” the live musical, at The Patsy Cline TheaterinWinchester,VA.Further information will be released soon.
AboutMaggie’s Journal
A true labor of love,Maggie’s Journalwas 12 years in the making and seamlessly blends bluegrass,Americana, and roots traditions into a vivid sonic tapestry. Original songs intertwine with spoken-word excerpts taken directly from Maggie’s handwritten journal—discovered decades after her death by Smith’s cousins,Kathy Jones Eads and Fonda Wells, tucked away inside a“Car Load Tablet” buried in an attic trunk.
What emerged from those pages is the gripping, unvarnished truth of a woman married young to a violent man, carving out survival in ruralMissouriwhile hiding a gentle spirit behind a hardened exterior. Her words reveal a life shaped by hardship yet defined by strength, offering powerful insights into American history, women’s and children’s rights, education, and the enduring human spirit.
Crafted with deep reverence,Maggie’s Journalstands as a unique collaboration between Smith and the ancestor she never met. The album’s emotional range spans the haunting reflection of“That Was A Long Time Ago,” the tender hopefulness of“Alva’s Lullaby,” and the gripping narrative of“Jim O’Dell, Straight From Hell.” Each track channels Maggie’s story with authenticity, dignity, and grace.
Smith’s evocative lead vocals—described by NPR’s Dave Higgs as“sassy, sultry, siren-like”—anchor the project with emotional authority. She is joined by an exceptional cast of harmony vocalists includingDonna Ulisse, Josie Smith, Mike Rogers, Rosa Vestal, and Aaron Vestal, whose voices enrich the album’s cinematic storytelling.
The instrumental core features world-class musiciansCody Kilby(acoustic guitar, mandolin),Stephen Burwell(violin),Evan Winsor(upright bass), andScott Vestal(banjo), whose performances breathe life and movement into Maggie’s world.
Produced by acclaimed songwriter and vocalistDonna Ulisse,Maggie’s Journaldraws its lyrical depth from the writing partnership of Ulisse, Smith,Daniel Crabtree, andAnn Miller. Recorded atTim Carter’s Tree House Studioin Ridgetop, TN, andScott Vestal’s Digital Undergroundin Greenbrier, TN, the project was engineered with exceptional care by Carter and Vestal.
Chris Latham’smasterful mixing and mastering provide a polished yet soulful finish, whileDavid Lynch’sstunning CD designwith a 32-page bookletandJohn Murray’sbreathtaking artwork visually mirror the album’s emotional core—bringing Maggie’s story to a global audience with the reverence it deserves.
Maggie’s Journalis available at Smith’s website athttps://thevaleriesmith.comand onhttps://ampl.ink/MvQDp. For more information about the project, visithttps://thevaleriesmith.com/maggie-s-journal.
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