Bailey Marie Griggs: Singer, Songwriter, Homeschooler

Bailey Griggs, known by her stage name Bailey Marie, is a 17-year-old songwriter, singer, and national recording artist from North Carolina. She had been interested in acting and singing from a young age, and singing became her favored skill. Being the youngest of five children in a family with no musical background, Griggs said she and her siblings often refer to her abilities as a God given talent.

After years of vocal lessons and small shows, Bailey’s music career took off almost immediately after her parents signed her up for an amateur performance night at New York City’s Apollo Theater when she was 10. Griggs caught the attention of notable figures in the music industry, including Dolly Parton’s producer, Kent Wells. She has since performed at venues across the country, even the Roxy in Hollywood! She’s been honored to perform the National Anthem for professional sports as well as NASCAR.

Recently, Griggs assembled a full band, most of which are musicians from the Gastonia church that she and her family attend. While her writing style fluctuates, Griggs said she finds inspiration for her songs in pop and country music, especially Zach Bryan’s writing style and Kelly Clarkson’s vocals. Bailey has been performing wherever she can to share her music with others. Her overarching goal since she began has been to perform to large crowds.

Southern Entertainment’s Bob Durkin, producer of the Field & Stream Music Fest, told WCNC Charlotte, “I think people should be rewarded for that, and they should talk about how strong and kind of independent it is for such a young person at that age to take it upon themselves to get in front of all those people. I think she should be supported for that.”

Despite her success, Bailey faced controversy when she was expelled from Cramerton Christian Academy for performing in venues that serve alcohol. The school said that she could not return for her senior year due to policies that prohibit students from “attending night clubs or bars,” and “attending gatherings with alcohol or drugs present.” So for now, she has been focusing on her music career and homeschooling.

Bailey was technically homeschooled all along, since her demanding schedule frequently required traveling for her singing jobs, but she’d been enrolled in Cramerton Christian Academy through their homeschool bridge program. This allowed her to participate in sports, extracurricular school activities, and social events. Griggs was the captain of the cheerleading team, and she made many friends there.

“Being unable to return to school, especially for my senior year, was shocking,” Bailey said, admitting that “I performed at any venue I could to connect with fans and pursue my dreams.” But always the optimist, she added, “I truly believe in the saying, ‘When one door closes, another opens.'”

Bailey’s mother, Jennifer, expressed frustration with the school’s decision, pointing out that her daughter was not engaging in any inappropriate behavior but was simply doing her job. The school’s rules do seem rather arbitrary – after all, who hasn’t attended a family gathering at a restaurant that also serves alcohol? Bailey did perform a cover of “Tennessee Whiskey,” so there’s that. But she clarifies “Okay guys, it’s just a song, I don’t actually drink whiskey.” In spite of the drinking metaphors, it’s basically a bluesy ballad about the intoxicating power of love.

Despite the initial disappointment, Bailey chose to pick up a guitar and channel her emotions to make the situation a source of inspiration for her music, using her experience to produce new songs. “It really tears you down,” she told WCNC. “But at the end, when you are overcoming it, you realize it’s beautiful it happened. You will come out on top.” She said that the support she has received in light of the situation has brought her closer to her faith and given her a stronger sense of community. In fact, the teen’s career has skyrocketed since her story made headlines, with invitations to perform at festivals and more.

Bailey was invited to sing at the inaugural Field & Stream Music Fest scheduled for October 4-6 in Winnsboro, South Carolina, where she would be joining a star-studded lineup featuring Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more. Unfortunately, the event had to be postponed due to Hurricane Helene. There was extensive damage in the area with no power on site and flooded roads leading to the festival grounds. Festival equipment such as restroom trailers, generators, and food supplies were redirected to assist emergency services and those impacted by the disaster.

After the hurricane, Bailey posted on her Facebook page, “I’ve seen so much political division that it almost seems like the normal way of life but this past week has shown me that here in NC, people take care of things and it doesn’t matter what political side you are on … Not only are you saving lives, you are showing my generation including myself just how blessed we are to be from North Carolina!” Bailey herself played at a benefit concert “Appalachian Aid Jam” to help the Western North Carolina mountain communities and farming families affected by Helene.

Bailey’s music career has been a major part of her life, and her performances are not just a hobby but a professional pursuit. She continues to work with producer Kent Wells often and they continue to produce country songs with a pop twist. Looking back, she offers words of encouragement to her former self. “I would tell myself, first of all, that you’re going to have an amazing year. Because knowing the things that I know now, knowing where I’m going to attend, and knowing how my future is going to go, it’s going to be really great and really fun,” she said.

Follow Bailey on Facebook and subscribe to her YouTube Channel.

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