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Music has always been personal to Audrey McGraw. Growing up in Nashville, McGraw says she and her sisters "were always singing." They listened not only to the country hits for which the city is famous, but to music of all genres. "We grew up heavily influenced by what our parents listened to, but we also found our own inspiration," says the singer-songwriter, who now cites Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley, and Fleetwood Mac as her musical role models. "It was the perfect environment to grow up as a musician. I'm so, so grateful.".
But despite being "drawn to music from the very beginning," she didn't see it as a viable career path—at least not at first. McGraw initially wanted to become an actress, planning to attend drama school in New York City until the COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted those plans.
«"I thought acting was my calling because I loved film and thought it would be my creative outlet. I was too afraid to dive into the music industry. But when I finally mustered up the courage, I realized, 'This has always been my creative outlet.'".
On McGraw: dress Brunello Cucinelli . Cat-shaped hat Sideara X Bella Pietro . Earrings and necklace Chopard Haute Joaillerie . Brooch Cartier Fauna and Flora High Jewelry (worn on a necklace). Bracelets Larkspur & Hawk Olivia Button. Ring Brent Neale Mermaid Tail. For Mizrahi: brooch Tony Duquette Marc Hom
Severe stage fright hindered her. "I was so nervous. I felt like maybe this wasn't for me," she says. Another obstacle? The pressure of having famous parents who had achieved immense success in the industry; McGraw is the youngest daughter of country music icons Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.
«"I felt like I had so much to live up to," she says. "I thought music, songwriting, and singing were things I'd love." That was until singer-songwriter-producer Lukas Nelson gave her the push she needed. "He was the one who said, 'If you sing and love it, and write and love it, then everyone else will love it. You don't have to be afraid.'".
They met at a concert at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry and soon began writing songs together.
«"She's probably one of the most incredible musicians I know. And we have a lot in common because we come from successful musicians ourselves," says Nelson, who won a Grammy Award for his work on the film's soundtrack. «A Star is Born» and fronts the country-rock band Lukas Nelson & the Promise of the Real. He is also the son of the legendary Willie Nelson. "Sometimes people don't even want to get into this industry because they'll always be compared to their parents. But I see that Aubrey has worked really hard and is a true talent. … In fact, I find it much more impressive to overcome the fear of comparison.".
He praises not only McGraw's voice, her musicianship, and her songwriting talent, but also her attitude. "She's very kind and easy to work with. She's brilliant," he says. "She was a smash hit on stage with Brandi Carlile every time. Even among musicians, that's rare.".
Last year, McGraw released several genre-defying singles and toured with Carlile on his Lost Time Tour. She's learned to own the stage with a rich and soulful voice, whether it's covers or original songs that showcase her masterful storytelling. "I used to struggle when I went on stage because I was so intimidated. But then, as I became more comfortable and confident in what I do and create, it's like I can't be moved off the stage. I love it. I really do," McGraw says, describing touring with Carlile as a "crazy" experience.
Audrey McGraw performs on stage at the Royal Albert Hall during Brandi Carlile's 2025 tour. Gus Stewart — Getty Images
«I admire her so much, and to be able to go to all these places and see her perform every night… I still convince myself that it really happened. Just connecting with people from different parts of the world every night is really wonderful. It’s very fulfilling for me.» This spring, McGraw performed a series of intimate concerts in London and New York. (While in New York, she posed for the cover of the summer issue of Town & Country .)
Like their parents, who have starred in films and TV shows over the years – notably together in the film «1883» 2022 - McGraw also recently returned to her acting roots with a role on Taylor Sheridan's «Landman» .
«"It was so much fun working with Billy Bob and Sam Elliott, and everyone was absolutely brilliant. It's such a wonderful cast, and Taylor Sheridan is a genius writer," she says. She's also open to future acting roles. "I just need to find the right project," she adds.
But this summer, she's fully focused on finishing her new album. "I've been working on it for over a year now, trying to create something truly meaningful to me, because otherwise, what would I be doing?" she asks. "I've been working really, really hard to find a project that would fit together harmoniously, and I'm almost there.".
In the top photo, Audrey McGraw is wearing dress Dior , and also in Tubogas necklaces and rings from Bulgari High Jewelry .
Photographs by Mark Hom, styling by Anya Ziurova.
Audrey McGraw: Hair by Serge Normand from Statement Artists. Makeup by Janine Lobell for Neen from Cloutier Remix. Produced by Freebird Productions. Photos taken in Marseille for Cover of the Summer 2026 issue of Town & Country magazine.
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