Suzanne Cox Reflects on The Cox Family Legacy, O Brother Where Art Thou, and Making Music with Son Brandon Ratcliff
Suzanne Cox is a Cotton Valley, Louisiana native and one of the defining voices of the Grammy-winning bluegrass family band The Cox Family, whose blend of bluegrass, gospel, country, and family harmony helped carry Louisiana roots music to audiences around the world.
Her voice became part of one of the most celebrated chapters in American roots music through The Cox Family's Grammy-winning collaboration with Alison Krauss and contributions to the landmark O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.
Now, Suzanne is experiencing a new kind of full-circle moment alongside her son, Louisiana-born Nashville artist Brandon Ratcliff. What began as simple mother-and-son videos has grown into a viral social media phenomenon, Grand Ole Opry performances, and the release of Mother/Son Volume 1, a project that introduces the Cox Family legacy to a new generation of listeners.
During our Louisiana Country Music Live interview, Suzanne shared stories from a life shaped by faith, family, front porch harmonies, Grammy-winning recordings, major motion pictures, and the joy of watching Brandon carry that musical inheritance forward in his own way.
Watch The Full Interview
What We Talked About
Growing up in Cotton Valley, Louisiana with music on both sides of the family
How The Cox Family developed their signature harmonies through years of practice
Suzanne's first performances on Louisiana Hayride stages
Being discovered by Alison Krauss after a bluegrass festival recording made its way to her
Winning a Grammy with Alison Krauss for I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
Becoming part of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack and its lasting cultural impact
The Cox Family album that was shelved for 17 years before finally being released
Why the family stepped away from the road to care for Suzanne's parents
Raising Brandon Ratcliff and letting him choose music for himself
The unexpected viral success of their Mother/Son videos
Their Grand Ole Opry performances and Mother/Son Volume 1
What it means to hear the Cox Family sound continue through Brandon's voice
Throughout the conversation, Suzanne reflected on a career that included Grammy Awards, major motion pictures, bluegrass festivals, and Grand Ole Opry appearances. Yet one theme surfaced again and again: she never expected any of it.
Whether discussing Alison Krauss, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, or the recent success of her Mother & Son project with Brandon Ratcliff, Suzanne consistently pointed the spotlight away from herself and back toward the people, opportunities, and moments that shaped her journey.
Here's a closer look at some of the biggest moments from our Louisiana Country Music Live interview with Suzanne Cox and Brandon Ratcliff.
Growing Up in Music: Seven Generations Deep
For Suzanne Cox, music was never a hobby, career path, or childhood dream. It was simply part of everyday life.
Long before Grammy Awards, Grand Ole Opry appearances, and collaborations with Alison Krauss, music was woven into the fabric of her family. Her parents met through music. Her grandparents played fiddle. Songs filled family gatherings, front porches, and living rooms across generations.
"We just were around it," Suzanne said, describing a musical heritage that stretched back far beyond her own childhood and ultimately became the foundation for everything that followed.
The Day Suzanne Cox Found Her Voice
One of the most memorable stories from the interview came when Suzanne described how she officially became one of the voices in The Cox Family. She was about six years old, playing with Barbie dolls, when her family realized they needed another vocal part.
"My mama and them always told a story that they were looking for a part," Suzanne recalled. "I was sitting down there playing with Barbie dolls and mama goes, 'There's your part right there.' And they go, 'Suzanne, can you sing this?' And I sang it. And then they'd get another song. They said, 'Can you sing this?' And I said, 'I'd sing that.' And they go, 'Why haven't you ever told us?' I said, 'You never did ask.'"
It was a perfect Cox Family moment: humble, funny, natural, and deeply musical.
Suzanne may have been quiet off stage, but once she started singing, something changed. She could be shy in everyday life, then step in front of an audience and deliver a song with the confidence of someone who knew exactly where she belonged.
That contrast became part of her story. The quiet Louisiana girl who found her boldest voice in song.
Building The Cox Family Sound
Like many family bands, The Cox Family didn't develop its signature sound in a studio. It was built at home.
Suzanne remembered Saturdays at the old home place, with her mother cooking nearby while family members worked through harmonies on the front porch. Songs were tested, rearranged, and sometimes passed around until the right voice found the right place.
Her older sister Evelyn was especially determined to get the parts just right, and over time those informal rehearsals became the foundation for the sound that audiences would eventually recognize across bluegrass festivals, recordings, and concert stages throughout the country.
The Bluegrass Years Before the Breakthrough
Before Alison Krauss entered the picture, The Cox Family spent years building their name the old-fashioned way: one festival, one church, and one performance at a time.
They played hayrides, community events, bluegrass festivals, and anywhere else there was an opportunity to share their music. Suzanne's first performance came at the North Caddo Hayride in Vivian, Louisiana, where she sang "Wedding Bells Are Ringing in the Chapel."
As the family's schedule grew, so did the miles. They traveled throughout Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and beyond, often leaving on Wednesday, returning on Monday, doing laundry, and getting ready to head right back out again.
"We were just going," Suzanne said. "Anything we could get."
But when Suzanne looks back on those years, she doesn't talk much about the long drives or the demanding schedule, she talks about the people.
Bluegrass festivals became more than performances. They became reunions. Families parked their RVs in circles, shared meals, attended church services together, and gathered late into the night for jam sessions that sometimes lasted until sunrise.
"I was telling Brandon the other day, sometimes you jam till the sun came up," she said.
Those experiences created friendships that lasted for decades and introduced The Cox Family to a community that loved traditional music as much as they did. The festivals helped sharpen their musicianship, but they also reinforced something Suzanne still values today: music has always been about bringing people together.
By the time bigger opportunities arrived, The Cox Family had already built something far more important than a fanbase. They had built a community.
When Alison Krauss Discovered The Cox Family
The Cox Family's connection with Alison Krauss began when her banjo player, Mike Harman, brought her a small recording of the group after hearing them at a festival.
Alison heard the harmonies and immediately wanted to know who they were.
"Who are these people?" Suzanne remembered her asking.
At the time, Alison Krauss was still early in her own career, and The Cox Family was still working its way through the bluegrass circuit. Their meeting was not just a superstar discovering an unknown group. It was more personal than that. It was one young artist recognizing something real in another family of musicians.
They eventually met at a bluegrass festival in Texas and connected quickly. Alison invited them to collaborate, and that relationship became one of the most important creative partnerships in The Cox Family's story.
Suzanne said Alison allowed them to remain themselves in the studio. She cared about pitch and precision, but she also understood that the family sound should not be polished until it lost its character.
"There was the freedom," Suzanne said. "It wasn't always, 'Do this.' She allowed me to do what I wanted as long as we were in tune."
That trust helped create music that still feels honest decades later.
The Grammy-Winning Album That Changed Everything
In 1995, Alison Krauss and The Cox Family won a Grammy Award for "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow", a gospel album filled with songs that had deep roots in the family's life and faith.
For Suzanne, the moment felt almost impossible to process.
"I don't know if I really understood the extent of that at the time," she said. "But what an honor."
That perspective surfaced repeatedly throughout the interview. Even while discussing Grammy Awards, movie soundtracks, and Grand Ole Opry appearances, Suzanne seemed far more interested in the people she shared those moments with than the accolades themselves.
The album worked because it did not try to turn The Cox Family into something they were not. Instead, it captured the beauty of their natural blend. The little vocal endings, the family phrasing, and the slight differences in each voice became part of the record's emotional power.
Suzanne said they brought years of old songs and lived experience into that project. Alison brought the vision to frame it well.
Together, they created a Southern country and bluegrass gospel album that remains one of the defining recordings in The Cox Family's career.
The O Brother, Where Art Thou? Phenomenon
If I Know Who Holds Tomorrow introduced The Cox Family to a wider gospel and bluegrass audience, O Brother, Where Art Thou? introduced the Grammy-winning bluegrass family band to millions of listeners around the world.
Suzanne said the opportunity started with a phone call from Denise Stiff, who asked if the family would be interested in auditioning for a movie. The Coen Brothers were involved, but at the time Suzanne did not fully understand what that meant.
"It just went right over my head," she admitted. "I never dreamed in my wildest dreams that movie would make what it did."
The film and soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon. The Cox Family's version of "I Am Weary, Let Me Rest" became one of the project's most beloved moments, connecting their family harmony to a new generation of roots music fans.
Suzanne remembers the experience with a sense of wonder: time on set in Mississippi, period costumes, intense heat, George Clooney doing his own makeup, and later performances connected to the project that placed them alongside some of the most respected names in American music.
More than two decades later, O Brother, Where Art Thou? still holds a rare place in music history.
"I really think for years to come, it will be a classic," Suzanne said.
When Family Came First
Just as The Cox Family had reached some of the most significant moments of their career, life changed.
Suzanne's parents were hit by a log truck near their hometown. Her father, Willard Cox, was paralyzed. Her mother, Marie, later battled breast cancer.
The family stepped away from the road and turned their attention toward caring for the people who had spent a lifetime supporting them.
"We went into the mode of taking care of my mom and dad," Suzanne said.
Her mother passed away in 2009. Her father passed away in 2019, just before the pandemic. Suzanne said the family was with both of them at the end, singing and praising.
"We had good parents," she said. "So I know they're better off, but they are dearly, dearly missed."
It is one of the most powerful parts of Suzanne's story because it reveals what has always mattered most. The Cox Family's legacy was never only about music. It was about family, faith, sacrifice, and showing up when it mattered.
The Cox Family Album That Waited 17 Years
Even after stepping away from the road to focus on family, there were still unfinished chapters in The Cox Family's story. One of the most remarkable involved an album that almost never saw the light of day.
In the late 1990s, The Cox Family recorded a project with Asylum Records, a subsidiary of Warner Brothers. The music was strong, but label changes and timing caused the album to be shelved before it was fully completed.
For years, Suzanne would occasionally mention the recordings to Alison Krauss, remembering how much she believed in the songs. Then, nearly 17 years later, Alison helped reopen the door.
Suzanne returned to the studio and finally completed her parts, giving the family a chance to finish a project they had never fully let go of.
The album was eventually released in 2015 as "Gone Like the Cotton," bringing long-lost recordings back to life nearly two decades after they were first started. Some of Willard Cox's original vocals from the late 1990s remained part of the final project, making the release even more meaningful for the family.
"Seventeen years later, I went in and did all my parts," Suzanne said.
More than a comeback album, "Gone Like the Cotton" became a reminder of what made The Cox Family special in the first place: timeless songs, unmistakable harmonies, and a family bond strong enough to survive changing labels, personal tragedy, and years away from the spotlight.
Raising Brandon Ratcliff
Long before Brandon Ratcliff was sharing stages with his mother, Suzanne made a promise. Prior to Brandon being born, her husband asked her to let their children choose whether music would be part of their lives.
"Let them choose it," he told her.
Suzanne honored that. When Brandon wanted drum lessons, she supported him. When he became interested in guitar and piano, she took that seriously too. Music was always present, but it was never forced.
As Brandon grew older, his interest deepened. He started writing songs and eventually told Suzanne he wanted to move to Nashville.
"It was scary," she admitted. "More for me."
But she let him go.
Watching him build his own career has given Suzanne a new kind of pride. She has seen him work in studios, write songs, develop friendships, and navigate the music industry with integrity.
For all she has accomplished, Suzanne said raising her family has always been her greatest achievement.
"I always told everybody that my biggest accomplishment anyway is to raise my family," she said.
That perspective is part of what makes her current chapter with Brandon so meaningful. It is not just a musical collaboration. It is a mother watching her son become who he was meant to be.
The Mother & Son Revival Nobody Saw Coming
What happened next was not planned. During the pandemic, Suzanne and Brandon began sharing simple mother-and-son performances online. No strategy. No big rollout. Just family, harmony, and songs that meant something.
Then the videos started reaching people.
The response grew quickly, and before long, their Mother/Son performances were connecting with audiences far beyond their own circle. Fans were not just hearing two great singers. They were seeing something genuine: a mother and son honoring the past while creating something new together. That authenticity helped the videos resonate with audiences across generations, introducing many viewers to both Brandon Ratcliff and the music of The Cox Family for the first time.
Brandon eventually posted online asking the Grand Ole Opry if they could perform together. Within hours, the Opry responded.
"We heard. Come pick your date."
Brandon described the moment as a complete surprise.
"It was 100% just a complete surprise," he said. "Mom and I started doing this stuff and it just started taking off."
That momentum has led to Grand Ole Opry performances, new recordings, and the release of Mother/Son Volume 1, featuring songs that connect their family legacy to the present moment.
Mother/Son Volume 1 and a New Chapter
Mother/Son Volume 1 represents more than a new release. For Suzanne and Brandon, it is a bridge between generations.
The project brings together the roots of The Cox Family, the emotional weight of gospel and bluegrass tradition, and Brandon's own voice as a Nashville artist and songwriter.
Suzanne has lived through a version of the music business built on records, radio, touring, and festival stages. Brandon is helping her navigate a new world shaped by social media, short-form videos, streaming, and viral discovery.
She said she is learning new things from him, just as he has spent his life learning from the family music that came before him. That exchange is part of what makes their story feel so current, blending generations, traditions, and new ways of reaching audiences.
Hearing The Cox Family Legacy in Brandon's Voice
One of the most touching moments of the interview came when Ronnie asked Suzanne whether she hears the family bloodline in Brandon's voice.
She did not hesitate.
"I definitely do," she said. "It's a blend, isn't it?"
Suzanne described hearing small vocal details in Brandon that remind her of herself and the family members who came before him. She called those little flourishes "furbelows," a word her sister Evelyn used for the tiny turns and touches that make a voice recognizable.
"That little bitty thing you have is mine," she said. Brandon responded, "I hope I got some of it."
"He did," Suzanne said. "He's so amazing." Then, with the humility of a mother who is proud to see her child rise, she added, "He's surpassing me. But that's okay."
That moment captures the heart of Suzanne Cox's story.
From Cotton Valley front porches to Grammy-winning recordings, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and Grand Ole Opry performances with Brandon Ratcliff, Suzanne's journey has never been defined by accolades alone.
It has been defined by family, faith, and the songs passed from one generation to the next.
And now, through Brandon's voice and their Mother/Son music, that legacy continues to grow.
What's Next for Suzanne Cox and Brandon Ratcliff?
While much of the interview focused on Suzanne's remarkable journey with The Cox Family, the conversation also made it clear that the story is still being written.
Following the success of their Mother/Son performances and the release of Mother/Son Volume 1, Suzanne and Brandon shared that additional projects are already in the works, including a gospel album and another collection inspired by their bluegrass and Americana roots.
Between new music, live performances, and a growing audience discovering their story online, the next chapter promises to be just as meaningful as the last.
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FAQ's
Who is Suzanne Cox?
Suzanne Cox is a Louisiana-born singer and one of the lead voices of the Grammy-winning bluegrass family band The Cox Family. She is known for her work with Alison Krauss, her contributions to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, and her role in helping preserve traditional bluegrass, gospel, and roots music for new generations of listeners.
Is Suzanne Cox Brandon Ratcliff's mother?
Yes. Suzanne Cox is the mother of Nashville singer-songwriter Brandon Ratcliff. The two have gained national attention through their Mother/Son performances, Grand Ole Opry appearances, and collaborative recordings, including Mother/Son Volume 1.
What is The Cox Family known for?
The Cox Family is known for its distinctive family harmonies and its influence on bluegrass, gospel, and roots music. The group earned a Grammy Award alongside Alison Krauss for I Know Who Holds Tomorrow and gained widespread recognition through its contributions to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.
How did Alison Krauss discover The Cox Family?
According to Suzanne Cox, Alison Krauss first heard The Cox Family through a recording brought to her by banjo player Mike Harman after hearing the group perform at a bluegrass festival. The two artists later met and developed a long-running musical partnership that resulted in several acclaimed recordings.
What songs did The Cox Family perform on O Brother, Where Art Thou?
The Cox Family is best known for performing "I Am Weary (Let Me Rest)" on the Grammy-winning O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. Their performance helped introduce the group's signature family harmonies to a broader audience.
What is Mother/Son Volume 1?
Mother/Son Volume 1 is a collaborative project featuring Suzanne Cox and Brandon Ratcliff. The collection blends family harmonies, bluegrass and gospel influences, and songs that showcase the musical connection between mother and son.
Where is Suzanne Cox from?
Suzanne Cox is from Cotton Valley, Louisiana, a small town in north Louisiana that played a significant role in shaping her musical roots and family traditions.
What Grammy did Suzanne Cox win?
Suzanne Cox and The Cox Family won a Grammy Award with Alison Krauss for I Know Who Holds Tomorrow, which earned Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album. The project remains one of the most celebrated recordings of her career.
Interview Highlights & Extended Transcript
Suzanne Cox & Brandon Ratcliff | Louisiana Country Music Live
Suzanne Cox on Growing Up Around Music in Cotton Valley, Louisiana
Ronnie: Did you grow up in a musical family?
Suzanne Cox: Music was everywhere when I was growing up. My parents actually met through music, and we spent a lot of time around family members who played and sang together. We'd be in living rooms, around kitchen tables, and at family gatherings where music was just part of everyday life.
On my mother's side, there was a long musical heritage. My grandfather and his twin brother both played fiddle, and there were musicians throughout the family tree. My father loved traditional country music, while my mother enjoyed groups like The Andrews Sisters, so we were exposed to a wide variety of sounds.
We were simply around it all the time. It wasn't something separate from our family. It was part of who we were.
Suzanne Cox on Finding Her Voice in The Cox Family
Ronnie: When did you realize you could sing?
Suzanne Cox: My family always tells the story that they were looking for another harmony part one day while I was sitting on the floor playing with Barbie dolls.
My mom looked over and said, "There's your part right there."
They asked if I could sing a certain harmony. I did. Then they asked me to sing another one. I did that too.
Finally they asked, "Why haven't you ever told us you could do this?"
And I said, "You never asked."
I was only about six years old.
At the time, I didn't think there was anything unusual about it. We were constantly surrounded by music, and harmony singing was just part of life.
I was also incredibly shy as a child. If you met me off stage, I probably wouldn't have said much at all. But something happened whenever music was involved.
I could stand in front of a crowd and sing a Tanya Tucker song without any problem, then immediately go hide behind my mother afterward.
Looking back, that moment with the Barbie dolls became the beginning of a lifelong musical journey that none of us could have fully imagined.
Building The Cox Family Sound Through Family Harmonies
Ronnie: How did The Cox Family develop those harmonies people know today?
Suzanne Cox: It took years.
My older sister Evelyn was very serious about getting everything right. We'd spend Saturdays on the front porch at the old home place while my mother cooked inside. We'd work through songs, experiment with different harmony parts, and figure out who should sing what.
Everybody had input.
Sometimes someone would bring in a song and we'd try different arrangements until the right voice found the right place.
Evelyn had a tremendous ear for harmonies and arrangements. She was always listening closely and thinking about how parts fit together. A lot of what people eventually recognized as "The Cox Family sound" was shaped during those informal afternoons spent singing together.
It wasn't something that happened overnight. It was built through years of singing together as a family.
Those front porch rehearsals became the foundation for the harmonies that would later be heard on festival stages, recordings, and Grammy-winning projects.
Life on the Bluegrass Festival Circuit
Ronnie: What were those early bluegrass years like before Alison Krauss came into the picture?
Suzanne Cox: We played anywhere we could.
Churches. Hayrides. Community events. Bluegrass festivals.
My first stage performance was at the North Caddo Hayride in Vivian, Louisiana, where I sang "Wedding Bells Are Ringing in the Chapel."
As the years went on, we traveled throughout Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and beyond. Sometimes we'd leave on Wednesday, come home Monday, do laundry, and head right back out again.
But when I look back on those years, what I remember most is the community.
People would park their RVs in circles. Everyone shared meals. There were church services on Sunday mornings. We'd sit around playing music until the sun came up.
I was telling Brandon recently that we'd literally jam all night long.
Those friendships lasted for decades.
How Alison Krauss Discovered The Cox Family
Ronnie: How did Alison Krauss first hear The Cox Family?
Suzanne Cox: We were performing at a festival in Hannibal, Missouri when Alison's banjo player, Mike Harman, made a small recording of us.
He took it back to Alison.
She listened and asked, "Who are these people?"
Eventually we ended up on the same festival bill in Texas. She came over and introduced herself and we immediately connected.
Later she started recording songs written by my brother Sydney and eventually approached us about making an album together.
A lot of people know Alison and The Cox Family together, but my brother Sydney was a huge part of that story too.
She loved his songwriting. Some of the songs he wrote became part of that relationship and helped open doors for all of us.
Sydney had a gift for writing songs that connected with people.
That led to one of the most important musical relationships of our career.
Suzanne Cox on Winning a Grammy with Alison Krauss
Ronnie: What was it like hearing that you had won a Grammy for I Know Who Holds Tomorrow?
Suzanne Cox: Honestly, I don't think I fully understood the magnitude of it at the time.
When you're from a small town like Cotton Valley, Louisiana, you don't grow up expecting something like that to happen.
It was an incredible honor.
One thing I appreciated about that project was how much Alison respected who we already were as a family group. She didn't try to change us. She wanted the little imperfections, the family harmonies, and the natural character of our voices.
That album brought together songs we'd loved for years, and it was very special to see those songs recognized in such a big way.
Suzanne Cox on O Brother, Where Art Thou?, George Clooney, and the Grammy-Winning Soundtrack
Ronnie: What do you remember most about being part of O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Suzanne Cox: A booking agent named Denise Stiff called and asked if we'd be interested in auditioning for a movie.
She mentioned the Coen Brothers and all these details that honestly went right over my head at the time.
We went and sang for them and eventually got the call that we were part of the project.
I never dreamed that movie would become what it became.
We spent time filming in Mississippi and got to meet people like George Clooney, Tim Blake Nelson, The Whites, and many others connected to the project.
Later we performed at Carnegie Hall and participated in events connected to the soundtrack.
What started as another recording opportunity became one of the most important cultural moments in roots music.
The soundtrack introduced bluegrass, gospel, and traditional American music to a completely new audience. Even today, people still talk about that project and how it helped them discover the music.
I really think for years to come it will be a classic.
Looking back, she still sounds amazed by the impact it had. What began as a single audition ultimately became one of the defining chapters of both The Cox Family's story and modern roots music history.
The Cox Family Album That Waited 17 Years
Ronnie: One of the stories people may not know is that The Cox Family had an album sit unreleased for years. What happened?
Suzanne Cox: After some of the success we had, we signed with Asylum Records, which was part of Warner Brothers at the time.
We recorded an album that we were really proud of. My brother Sydney had written some wonderful songs for it. But the project didn't perform the way the label hoped, and around the same time there were changes in leadership at the company.
When that happened, the album essentially got shelved.
For years I would talk to Alison Krauss about it because I always felt like there was unfinished business there. It was a good album and I hated seeing it sit on a shelf.
Eventually Alison tracked down the right people and helped us get access to the recordings again.
Years later, we were able to go back into the studio, finish what needed to be finished, and finally release the project.
It was a long journey, but it felt good knowing those songs eventually got their chance to be heard.
Family, Faith, and Caring for Her Parents
Ronnie: At one point your family stepped away from touring. What led to that decision?
Suzanne Cox: Family.
My parents had always sacrificed for us. They drove us all over the country, managed schedules, booked shows, and did whatever needed to be done to keep us moving forward.
As they got older and their health changed, it became our turn to be there for them.
There was never really a question.
We stepped back from a lot of the traveling and focused on caring for family.
Looking back, I'm grateful for that time. Those years taught me a lot about priorities and what's truly important.
The music was always there, but family came first.
I've always believed that.
There are moments in life when careers, schedules, and accomplishments have to take a back seat. For Suzanne, caring for her parents was one of those moments.
While stepping away from music wasn't always easy, she spoke about that season with gratitude rather than regret. The time spent with her parents became one of the most meaningful chapters of her life and reinforced values that continue to guide her today.
Raising Brandon Ratcliff and Letting Him Find His Own Path
Ronnie: Did you always know Brandon would end up in music?
Suzanne Cox: No, and I never wanted to force it.
When he was younger, he wanted drum lessons, so we got him drum lessons.
Then it was guitar.
Then piano.
Whatever interested him, we supported it.
But I never wanted him to feel like he had to follow in our footsteps.
I wanted him to choose it for himself.
As he got older, he started writing songs and taking music more seriously.
Then one day he told me he wanted to move to Nashville.
That was scary.
Probably more for me than for him.
But he found good people, built relationships, and worked hard.
Watching him grow into his own artist has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
For all the things I've been fortunate enough to accomplish in music, my greatest accomplishment has always been my family.
The Mother & Son Project That Took Off Online
Ronnie: How did the Mother & Son project begin?
Suzanne Cox: Completely by accident.
During the pandemic we started making videos together and posting them online.
There wasn't a strategy behind it.
We weren't trying to build a brand.
We were just making music together.
Then people started watching.
The first video did well.
Then another one did well.
Then another.
Before long, audiences from all over were connecting with what we were doing.
I think people responded because it was real.
We weren't trying to create something viral. We were simply spending time together and sharing music that meant something to us.
A lot of people would comment that it reminded them of their own families, and I think that's part of why the videos resonated.
It wasn't manufactured.
It was simply a mother and son making music together.
Brandon Ratcliff: I honestly didn't know what to expect.
I had almost started keeping social media at arm's length because so many artists get discouraged by it.
Then Mom and I started posting these videos and everything just started growing.
It was surprising for both of us.
Grand Ole Opry Performances and an Unexpected Invitation
Ronnie: How did the Grand Ole Opry performances happen?
Brandon Ratcliff: I actually posted online and tagged the Opry asking if they'd let us come perform.
I didn't think much would come of it.
A few hours later they sent a message back.
Basically, "We heard. Come pick your date."
I couldn't believe it.
Suzanne Cox: It was special for a lot of reasons.
I grew up attending the Grand Ole Opry. Like so many country and bluegrass artists, it always represented something special.
People assume The Cox Family played there all the time, but many of our appearances happened through collaborations with Alison Krauss and other projects.
Getting to stand on that stage with my son felt completely different.
It was a full-circle moment.
Sharing that experience together made it even more meaningful.
For all the stages I've been fortunate enough to stand on throughout my career, those performances with Brandon are among the memories I'll cherish most.
Mother/Son Volume 1 and Bridging Generations Through Music
Ronnie: What does Mother/Son Volume 1 mean to both of you?
Suzanne Cox: It represents a bridge between generations.
The songs reflect where I come from, but they also reflect where Brandon is going.
We've learned from each other throughout the process.
I've spent most of my life working in a music industry built around records, radio, and touring. Brandon understands streaming, social media, and all the new ways artists connect with audiences.
So we're both learning.
Brandon Ratcliff: That's one of my favorite parts of it.
There are things I learn from Mom every day about songs, harmonies, and musical traditions. At the same time, there are things I'm able to help with on the modern side of the business.
It's been a really rewarding collaboration.
Suzanne Cox: What makes this project special is that it isn't just about recording songs. It's about bringing two different generations together through music.
The response from audiences has been incredibly encouraging, and it's been rewarding to see longtime Cox Family fans connecting with Brandon while newer listeners discover our family's music for the first time.
That's something neither of us expected when we started posting videos online.
What's Next for Suzanne Cox and Brandon Ratcliff?
Ronnie: What's next for the two of you?
Suzanne Cox: We're not finished yet.
We've been working on a gospel project that we're excited about.
There are also plans for another collection of music inspired by bluegrass and Americana traditions.
The response to Mother/Son Volume 1 has been so encouraging, and we're looking forward to continuing to make music together.
Brandon Ratcliff: It's funny because none of this was really planned.
One thing led to another.
Now we're making records, playing shows, and reaching people we never expected to reach.
We're grateful for all of it.
Hearing The Cox Family Legacy in Brandon's Voice
Ronnie: When you listen to Brandon sing, do you hear The Cox Family in his voice?
Suzanne Cox: Absolutely.
It's a blend.
There are little things I hear in his voice that remind me of myself and other members of our family.
My sister Evelyn used to call them "furbelows."
Those little vocal flourishes that make a voice unique.
I'll hear something Brandon does and think, "That's mine."
That's always fun.
Brandon Ratcliff: I hope I got some of it.
Suzanne Cox: He did.
He's so amazing.
Honestly, he's surpassing me.
But that's okay.
Ronnie: That's a pretty incredible thing for a mother to say.
Suzanne Cox: That's what you want.
You want the next generation to take it further.
And it's been a joy watching him do exactly that.
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