BIO: ANA POPOVIC

May 13th 1976, Ana Popovic was born in the war torn town of Belgrade, formerly Yugoslavia, the first daughter of Milutin and Vesna Popovic. Ana grew up in a warm and loving family where music was very important. Her father Milutin is a highly recognized guitar / bass player, who throughout her youth, always invited friends over for nightly jam sessions where Ana listened and analyzed the deep artistic roots of her music. In this atmosphere, she quickly picked up her father's impressive blues and soul record collection, grabbed his guitar and went to work at a young age of 15. Since then, Ana Popovic has developed into an incredible guitarist/vocalist who now currently resides in The Netherlands. The most impressive aspect of Ana's music is her diversity of techniques and styles. Her blend of smoking electric funk slide guitar, jazzy instrumentals, tight blues groove, soulful feminine vocals and Ana's incredible stage presence makes her an irresistible force in the music world.

Ana Popovic's first CD, titled 'HUSH' was released in 2000. In February 2003, she released her second album 'Comfort To The Soul', followed by the live CD/DVD titled 'ANA! Live in Amsterdam'. With her last release, "Still Making History" on Eclecto Groove, produced by acclaimed producer John Porter, Ana takes her music to impressive new heights, both as a musician and as a commentator on the human condition.

In her brief career, she's already enjoyed a number major honors. Among the highlights:

She and her band won the prestigious jazz award "Jazz a Juan-Revelation 2004" in Juan Le Pins, France. The award shows recognition of Ana's abilities in the jazz genre - a strong influence on her music.

During the "Rhythm & Blues Fest" in Peer, Belgium, Ana is invited on stage by "The King of Soul", Solomon Burke, who immediately invites her to join him as a special guest for the rest of his tour.

Ana was chosen to be part of the European "Jimi Hendrix Tribute tour" in 2002. Ana also joins various artists Eric Burdon, Taj Mahal and Buddy Miles on a Jimi Hendrix tribute CD: "Blue Haze".

Upon forming her first band, Hush, she immediately began making waves in her home country, and was performing a hundred shows annually and making regular appearances on Yugoslavian television.

Initially embraced by the blues music community, Ana is the first European ever nominated for "Best New Blues Artist" at the W.C. Handy Award Show in Memphis, Tennessee (2003). She was also nominated for 'Best Blues Album' at the Jammie Awards in New York City, a three way nominee for 'Best Vocalist', 'Best Guitarist' and 'Best Album' at the French Blues Awards (2002).

Her meteoric career shows no signs of slowing down. Ana will continue to march forward and carry on the tradition of her father, her roots, and her true love of the music she was destined to play.