Award winning singer-songwriter Essence Goldman has been immersed in art and music since childhood. Her birth name really is ‘Essence.’ A sixth generation native of San Francisco, her parents were two free spirited bohemian artists from the Haight-Ashbury ‘Summer of Love.’ Essence has released six albums on both indie and major labels. She has had her original songs placed in both TV and film and shared the same stage with The Old Crow Medicine Show, Sheryl Crow, and Tom Petty. Her forthcoming album “Father’s Daughter” is an honest and at times humorous account of her losses and wins; to the bone and from the heart. The album is fully steeped in the rich traditions of Appalachian, Americana and Country music that Essence grew up on, with a nod to the spirit and sound of songwriting legends like John Prine, and EmmyLou Harris, Dolly Parton and Gillian Welch. It is a collection of songs that could not have been written without real life living. It is at once deeply personal and immediately relatable; emotionally vulnerable and lyrically brave.


When Essence isn’t in the studio recording or on the road playing shows she teaches voice, guitar and songwriting. Essence has received national and international acclaim on NPR and BBC for her work with one of her students by the name of Bernie Dalton. Bernie suffered from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and when he could no longer speak, sing, or use his hands to play guitar he asked Essence to become his voice and put music and melody to his words. With the help of several talented musical collaborators an album called ‘Connection’ was born and became Bernie’s musical legacy. The project was named Bernie & The Believers. “The story of Bernie and the Believers is the most powerful I’ve ever come across at the Tiny Desk.” – Bob Boilen, (host and creator of NPR’s online music show All Songs Considered and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts series.) A feature film shining light on the story and music of Bernie & The Believers featuring Essence is currently in development by Weed Road Pictures/Paramount. Essence is the founder and executive director of a non-profit called ‘Believe Music Heals’ that is dedicated to transforming lives through the healing power of music. She is also the dedicated mother to a 16 year old son and a 11 year old daughter.