Grew Up Under Sanctions and War! Shocking revelations you probably didn’t know about Ana Popović

Ana Popović, the Serbian blues guitarist and singer, has had an impressive career, but here are some lesser-known and surprising facts about her:

 Nearly Gave Up Music

Despite being a prodigious talent, Popović faced moments of doubt early in her career. At one point, she almost abandoned music due to financial struggles and the difficulty of breaking into the male-dominated blues scene.

 First Serbian Artist to Be Nominated for a Blues Music Award

Ana was the first Serbian musician to receive a Blues Music Award nomination, paving the way for other European blues artists to gain recognition in the U.S.

 Turned Down Major Record Labels

She rejected several mainstream record deals because they wanted to change her bluesy, guitar-driven style into a more commercial pop sound. She remained independent to stay true to her roots.

 Survived a Serious Health Scare

In 2020, Ana was diagnosed with breast cancer but kept it mostly private until she completed her treatment. She continued touring while undergoing therapy, showing her incredible resilience.

 Plays Barefoot for a Reason

She often plays guitar barefoot on stage—not just as a style choice, but because she says it helps her feel more connected to the music and her instrument.

 Trained in Jazz, Not Just Blues

While she is known for blues, Ana originally studied jazz guitar, which explains her sophisticated phrasing and improvisational skills in her solos.

 A Self-Taught Slide Guitarist

Despite her formal training, Ana taught herself slide guitar by studying recordings of Duane Allman and Elmore James, developing her signature sound.

 Moved to the U.S. for the Blues Scene

Although she had success in Europe, she relocated to the U.S. to fully immerse herself in the American blues circuit, proving her dedication to the genre.

She Was a Teenage Blues Star in Serbia

Ana started playing in a band called Hush when she was just a teenager in Serbia. Despite coming from a country with little blues tradition, she quickly gained recognition as a gifted guitarist.

 Grew Up Under Sanctions and War

Born in Belgrade in 1976, Ana grew up during a time of political turmoil, economic sanctions, and war in the former Yugoslavia. Despite these challenges, she pursued music with relentless passion.

 Her Father Introduced Her to Blues at a Young Age

Ana’s father, a passionate blues fan, had a huge record collection and often played guitar at home. This early exposure to legends like B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Albert King deeply influenced her style.

 She Was One of the First Female Guitarists to Headline Major Blues Festivals

At a time when female guitarists were rare in the blues scene, Ana broke barriers by headlining major international festivals like the Montreux Jazz Festival and Notodden Blues Festival.

 Worked With Legends Like Joe Bonamassa and Buddy Guy

Ana has shared the stage with blues icons, including Joe Bonamassa, Buddy Guy, and Keb’ Mo’. Bonamassa even praised her as one of the best blues guitarists of her generation.

 She Can Play Multiple Instruments

Although famous for her guitar skills, Ana is also proficient on the bass and keyboards, often using these instruments in her songwriting process.

 She Was One of the First European Blues Artists to Succeed in the U.S.

Unlike many European blues artists who remained local, Ana made a bold move to the U.S., where she competed in a highly competitive blues scene and earned a loyal American following.

 Overcame Gender Barriers in the Blues Scene

When she first entered the blues industry, she faced skepticism from male musicians and critics who doubted that a woman—especially from Serbia—could play the blues authentically. She proved them wrong with her fiery performances.

 Plays Up to 150 Shows a Year

Ana is known for her relentless work ethic, often performing over 150 shows per year across multiple continents, making her one of the hardest-working musicians in the blues industry.

 She’s a Fashion Icon in the Blues World

Unlike many blues musicians who stick to casual styles, Ana is known for her glamorous stage outfits, often combining bluesy grit with high-fashion elegance.

 First European Woman to Be Featured on the Cover of Guitar Player Magazine

In 2019, Ana became the first European female guitarist to grace the cover of Guitar Player Magazine, a major milestone in blues history.

 Maintained a Career While Raising a Family

Ana has successfully balanced her career while raising children, proving that it’s possible to be a touring musician and a devoted mother.

Her journey is a testament to perseverance, talent, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.