From the West to the East to the far north of Alaska, audiences have been captivated by Carol Markstrom’s vocals and the storytelling quality of her lyrics that transport to other places, times, and people. Carol’s songs tap into Western Roots, Folk, Americana, and Outlaw and Classic Country. Her ballads and love songs range from the whimsical to bittersweet, and the beauty of Western landscapes inspires some of her songwriting. Carol also writes non-fiction about Native American history and culture which have influenced some of her songs. She enjoys performing crowd favorites delivering them with a fresh approach. Carol has released three CDs, two award-winning. Her song about Dakota Sioux leader, Medicine Bottle, is in the soundtrack of a 2019 documentary film titled “The Indian System.”
Feedback from Fans: Fans remark on Carol’s clear, emotion-filled vocals. She reminds them of such varied artists as Emmylou Harris, Suzy Bogguss, Linda Ronstadt, Sheryl Crow, and Natalie Merchant. Yet others are drawn to Carol’s unique vocal qualities. Whether original or covers—her song selections go over well.
Radio and Performances: You can hear Carol’s songs played on radio programs across the U.S. and internationally including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Sweden, New Zealand, and other countries. Carol has also been popular with DJs for interviews. She performs a broad repertoire of songs at a range of venues including festivals and concerts, cowboy gatherings, wineries and saloons, coffeehouses, guest ranches, libraries, and museums.
Carol is a member of the International Western Music Association (and serves on the Board), the Academy of Western Artists, Folk Alliance International, the Native American Music Association, the Western Writers of America, and Tucson Kitchen Music Association.
REVIEW OF 2018 DESERT ROSE:
“She has a very unusual and beautiful voice that 'fits' her choice of music perfectly. She also has the 'ear' to know exactly what she wants to accomplish, and to do this she uses the best musicians in America....Wow, what a pleasing CD to listen to. Five stars from me, and a direct invitation to the Rural Root Music Commission to take a listen for their CD of the Year awards. Carol Markstrom has a very unique and beautiful voice. She's different, and that's what makes her special. She spent a lot of time putting this CD together. For me it's some her best work yet. Each and every song on this remarkable production speaks a different story. You'll have to listen yourself if you want to hear something not only unique, but very very good.” ( Bob Everhart, Pres. National Traditional Country Music Association, for Country Music News International)
REVIEWS of 2015 CROSSING BORDERS:
“Carol Markstrom has done it right with Crossing Borders! She has some nice original songs and a fresh take on cover songs. With her clear wonderful voice and great instrumentals, you’ll be entertained!” (Totsie Slover, 2014 WMA Radio DJ/Radio Program of the Year)
“Crossing Borders is the second work of the wonderful Carol Markstrom, if the first "Vision Across the Range" pleasantly surprised us, this certainly will not disappoint you.” (Miguel Angel Diaz Gonzalez, Rockin’ Therapy Radio in Spain)
"It continually fascinates me to hear cowboy and western music coming out of the old west, but to hear it coming out of even older 'West' Virginia is a marvel. Carol Markstrom makes her mark here with her own compositions, taking the listener deep down to the Rio Grande Valley, both sides, Mexico and the USA. That in itself is a remarkable accomplishment. She also has a perfect old west sound in her voice, not some phony la-la land very bad impersonation. She's very confident with her own material, and to hear her also add some lovely 'standard' old time western songs to the total mix is also not only brave, but also very comforting and easy to listen to." ( Bob Everhart, Pres. National Traditional Country Music Association, for Country Music News International)
REVIEWS of 2012 VISION ACROSS THE RANGE:
“Markstrom…a blooming singer/songwriter whose best work on this promising CD…are rooted in her research and people she has known…” (Ollie Reed, Roundup Magazine of the Western Writers of America).
"…original songs… are generally and lyrically compelling…Markstrom's delivery is direct and without pretense" (Rick Huff's Best of the West Reviews)
"Beautiful voice and harmony! Easy listen. Quality recording! (MountainMade.com)
REVIEW of DANCE OF THE DESERT (2014 children's song & illustrated book):
“With interesting art provided by Jose Sandoval, you can envision a child’s imagination working over what’s out there in the dark, behind each rock or out beyond each hill. And with a simple “free” download, the package becomes multi-stimulus…The children are the coming audience for what we are hoping to provide and preserve. One can only hope more of our artists contemplate developing materials for that market.” (Rick Huff's Best of the West Reviews)
FINAL TIDBIT ABOUT CAROL: In addition to being a songwriter, Carol writes non-fiction articles and books, many about aspects of North American Indian history and culture. For several years, she was a Professor at West Virginia University and a prolific, widely published scholar.