ABOUT RAUL

Photo by Jerome Favre

Raul Midón is a prolific singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist whose music blends jazz, soul, folk, and pop into a sound entirely his own. As The New York Times noted, his music suggests “a three-way fusion of Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, and José Feliciano.”

His 14th album, Lost & Found (2024), is a collection of ten original songs he describes as “smooth folk” — a genre-blending mix of alt-pop, jazz, and folk with rich harmonic detail. The album’s first single, the uplifting bluesy pop track “Keep On Keeping On,” debuted on The Jennifer Hudson Show in December 2023.

Recorded with longtime collaborators and acclaimed musicians including Andres Forero and Richard Hammond, the album also features co-writing contributions from Mike Errico and Ethiopian R&B singer-songwriter Wayna Wondwossen. A thematic reflection on redemption, Lost & Found draws inspiration in part from Bob Dylan’s “Last Thoughts on Woody Guthrie.”

Working largely from his home studio, Midón continues to expand his craft as both musician and engineer, navigating the challenges of recording as a blind artist with determination and innovation. He has collaborated extensively with New York engineer Michael O’Reilly since his major label debut State of Mind, produced by the legendary Arif Mardin and his son, Joe Mardin.

Lost & Found follows Eclectic Adventurist (2022), released on Midón’s own label, ReKondite ReKords. The album features guitar duets with artists such as Lionel Loueke, Romero Lubambo, and Mike Stern. As bassist Will Lee noted, it is “a great surprise at every turn — a beautifully performed, meticulously recorded collection of gorgeous interplay.”

Throughout his career, Midón has collaborated with iconic artists including Bill Withers, Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, and Spike Lee. He has received back-to-back Grammy nominations for Bad Ass and Blind and If You Really Want, both in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category.

Midón has a longstanding creative partnership with acclaimed conductor/arranger Vince Mendoza, including If You Really Want with the Metropole Orkest, a tribute to Joni Mitchell with the National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center, and an upcoming recording with the WDR Big Band, scheduled for release in 2026/2027.

He has also been honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Miami, delivered the commencement address at his alma mater Santa Fe Preparatory School, and was named Disability Rights Ambassador of the Year in 2021.