Welcome to Pam Setser Music

Pam Setser is a traditional folk musician and vocalist from Mountain View, Arkansas. With over five decades of experience, she is known for blending folk, bluegrass, gospel, country, and 1930s swing. Pam has released three solo albums, including her latest, Now, which features 13 American music songs. Her musical talents have earned her recognition and numerous awards, including the Governor's Arts Award and the Cabin Award.

"Pam Setser has the voice of an angel. She has assembled some beautifully written songs with some of the greatest musicians on earth, not to mention making this album a must-have for anyone who appreciates a wonderful musical escape to the Ozark Mountains. I know you're going to enjoy this! Now, listen to "NOW"!" ” - Shawn Camp

Award-Winning Artists and Songwriter

Pam Setser's story is a life of music. 

Pam Setser is a traditional folk musician and vocalist who has been making music for over five decades. Born and raised in Mountain View, Arkansas, Pam started singing with her family band, The Simmons Family, at five. Her love for music grew stronger as she grew up, and she continued to sing and play instruments. Pam's music blends folk, bluegrass, gospel, country, and 1930s swing. She is known for her sweet voice and ability to play multiple instruments, including the autoharp, mountain dulcimer, spoons, guitar, and upright bass. Her musical influences include Anne Murray, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, The Whites, James Taylor, and John Prine.

Pam's musical career has been a long and successful one. She has released three solo works, including her latest album, Now, which features 13 American music songs. Her voice has been heard on numerous albums with her parents and five mountain dulcimer projects with her mother. She has also appeared as a solo artist and performed with legendary greats such as Maybelle Carter, Doc Watson, and Merle Haggard. She has shared the stage with Grandpa and Ramona Jones, The Whites, and Joni Bishop, to name a few. One of Pam's recent appearances includes the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC., where she represented folk music from Arkansas.

Pam's dedication and hard work have contributed to Arkansas' vibrant and diverse music scene. In addition to her music career, Pam is a working mother who raised her own family while continuing to make music. She has also created opportunities for musicians to showcase their talents and connect with the community through her work in Arts Community Development. Pam grew up in the charming, historic town of Mountain View, Arkansas, a city of 2,800 or so in the Ozarks with a rich tradition of preserving folk music and culture. She still calls Mountain View home and has performed at the Ozark Folk Center since 1973.

Pam's musical talents have earned her recognition from fellow artists and songwriters. Shawn Camp has praised her latest album, saying, "Pam Setser has the voice of an angel. She has assembled some beautifully written songs with some of the greatest musicians on earth...Now, listen to 'NOW'!" Her dedication to her craft has not gone unnoticed, as she has been honored with several awards. In 2024, she received the Governor's Arts Award for her crucial role in shaping and supporting the state's music community. She has also been honored with the prestigious George D Hay Cabin Award in 2023 for her outstanding contributions to the music industry. Pam's latest album, Now, has also appeared on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart, reaching number 15.

Whether you are a fan of traditional folk music or appreciate great music, Pam Setser is a name you should know. Her contributions to the music industry, both in Arkansas and beyond, have made her a respected figure in the community.

Main Achievements and Awards

- 3 Time ACMA Nominee (Arkansas Country Music Association)

- In 2024, she received the Governor's Arts Award for her crucial role in shaping and supporting the state's music community. She has also been honored with the prestigious Cabin Award in 2023 for her outstanding contributions to the music industry. Pam's latest album, Now, has also appeared on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart, reaching number 15.

- Met Doc Watson and Maybelle Carter when she was 9.

- Sang a song to Merle Haggard.

- Was on Hee Haw with her mom.

- Played at the Ozark Folk Center in her home state of Arkansas since it opened in 1973.  

- Performed with her family band for Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton.

- Performed with her mom at a luncheon honoring Hillary Clinton and Tipper Gore.

- Has been on stage with Grandpa, Ramona Jones, The Whites, and Joni Bishop.

Pam Setser is a Recipient of the 2024 Governor's Arts Awards

We are thrilled to announce that Pam Setser has been selected as one of the 2024 Governor's Arts Awards recipients! Pam has been a prominent figure in the Arkansas music scene for many years, and we are excited that her contributions to the arts community are being recognized. Her work in Arts Community Development has been instrumental in shaping and supporting the local music scene, and we couldn't be prouder of her achievements. Pam's passion for music has driven her to create opportunities for musicians to showcase their talents and connect with the community. Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we are honored to have her as a part of our music community. Congratulations, Pam! #GovernorsArtsAwards #ArkansasArtsCouncil #ArtsCommunityDevelopment #PamSetser #ArkansasArtsCommunity

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, is pleased to announce the 2024 Governor's Arts Awards recipients. The recipients will be honored at a March 8, 2024, ceremony in Little Rock.

Since 1991, the annual awards program has recognized individuals, organizations, and businesses in Arkansas for their outstanding contributions to the arts. Recipients are nominated by the public and selected by an independent panel of arts professionals.

"The Governor's Arts Awards recognizes and honors the supporters, patrons, and artists who have helped build and strengthen Arkansas' thriving arts community," said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. "This annual program allows us to showcase their contributions to Arkansas' arts and creative economy, improving the quality of life for all Arkansans."

The 2024 recipients are:

Pam Setser of Mountain View, Folklife Award

Garbo Hearne of Little Rock, Arts Community Development Award

Virmarie DePoyster of North Little Rock, Arts in Education Award

General Mills in Rogers, Corporate Sponsorship of the Arts Award 

Stephen Driver of Ozark, Individual Artist Award

Gay Bechtelheimer of El Dorado, Judges Recognition Award

Tony Waller of Bentonville, Patron Award

Charley Sandage of Mountain View, Lifetime Achievement Award

Arkansas Arts Council

 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism

Pam Setser - Performs at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC

FEATURED SINGLE!

Latest Album Release with Brad Apple

Latest Single "Home Where the Music Is"