Elsie Franklin sings and plays acoustic country-blues, ragtime and jazz on her trusty National resonator. Growing up on the south coast of England, Elsie learned from renowned blues guitarists; her father Adam Franklin and US friends Steve James and Del Rey.
​She began her career in York, where she played residencies at venues such as The Hi Ho Club Speakeasy and regularly busked in the streets. Now based in London, she is a rising talent on the UK blues scene, playing regularly at noted London venues such as Ain't Nothin' But The Blues Bar in Soho, as well as venues all over the country.
Elsie is often praised for her authentic, yet unique take on early blues and jazz, drawing influence from legendary female blues artists such as Memphis Minnie and Bessie Smith. 

Elsie Franklin and Roni Reeds on Washboard

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"Outright superb and exciting"
Frank Matheis
"Memphis Minnie, Jo Ann Kelly, now Elsie Franklin..."
​Dave Kelly
​"There's no doubting that the engaging Elsie Franklin is on an upward trajectory."
Russ Cottee, Blues in Britain
​"I am among a growing number of people who feel her considerable creative energy should be recognized and supported."
Steve James

Elsie Franklin and the Rockettes at The Ritzy, Brixton.

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​You can catch Elsie playing her unique and increasingly popular show solo, as a duo (either with Francesca Shaw on double bass, Roni Reeds on washboard, or her Dad on a second resonator guitar) or with her all-female, all-acoustic blues trio: Elsie Franklin and the Rockettes.

Upton Blues Festival, 2025. With Francesca Shaw

'The Franklin's Blues Bar House Party' at Ain't Nothin But the Blues Bar, Soho London.

Jazz Night at the Hi Ho Club with Elsie Franklin & Friends, York