Keynote performer, activist, independent artist, and cultural thought leader.
Arts organizations, universities, activist groups, creative professionals, and audiences seeking thought-provoking storytelling, cultural commentary, and creative inspiration.
Ani DiFranco is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, poet, and activist whose fiercely independent career has reshaped modern music and empowered generations of artists. Known early on as the “Little Folksinger,” Ani quickly transcended labels, evolving a sound that spans folk, punk, funk, jazz, hip hop, soul, electronica, and more.
Her collaborations reflect this breadth, pairing her with visionaries such as Utah Phillips, Maceo Parker, Prince, Billy Bragg, Pete Seeger, Michael Franti, and Chuck D. Ani has shared stages with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and other cultural legends, solidifying her influence across genres and eras.
Rejecting major-label conventions, Ani founded Righteous Babe Records and built a career rooted in creative freedom and principled independence. Prince once remarked that her power came from having “no ceiling over her,” capturing the ethos that continues to define her work. Her acclaimed 2017 album Binary and her bestselling 2019 memoir No Walls and the Recurring Dream reflect her evolution as both an artist and a cultural commentator.
Widely considered a feminist icon, Grammy winner Ani DiFranco is the mother of the DIY movement, being one of the first artists to create her own record label in 1990.
While she has been known as the “Little Folksinger,” her music has embraced punk, funk, hip hop, jazz, soul, electronica and even more distant sounds. Her collaborators have included everyone from Utah Phillips to legendary R&B saxophonist Maceo Parker to Prince.
Ani DiFranco has shared stages with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger, Kris Kristofferson, Greg Brown, Billy Bragg, Michael Franti, Chuck D., and many more. Her most recent album Binary was released in June 2017 on Righteous Babe Records and her memoir No Walls and the Recurring Dream was released in May 2019 by Viking Books.
Rejecting the major label system, Ani DiFranco has referenced her staunchly-held independence (and the accompanying creative freedom) in song more than once, including in “The Million You Never Made” (Not a Pretty Girl), which discusses the act of turning down a lucrative contract.
“The Next Big Thing” (Not So Soft), which describes an imagined meeting with a label head-hunter who evaluates the singer based on her looks, and “Napoleon” (Dilate), which sympathizes sarcastically with an unnamed friend who did sign with a label. After recording with Ani in 1999, Prince described the effects of her independence.
“We jammed for four hours and she danced the whole time. We had to quit because she wore us out. After being with her, it dawned on me why she’s like that – she’s never had a ceiling over her.”
Her lyrics are rhythmic and poetic, often autobiographical, and strongly political. “Trickle Down” discusses racism and gentrification, while “To The Teeth” speaks about the need for gun control, and “In or Out” questions society’s traditional sexuality labels.
Her 2016 single “Play God” has become a battle cry for reproductive rights. Rolling Stone said of her in 2012, “The world needs more radicals like Ani DiFranco: wry, sexy, as committed to beauty and joy as revolution.”
Over the years she’s performed at countless benefit concerts, donated songs to many charity albums, and given time and energy to many progressive causes. She has learned from and demonstrated beside Gloria Steinem, Jesse Jackson and Dennis Kucinich. In 2004, she marched in the front row of the March for Women’s Lives along with Margaret Cho, Janeane Garofalo, Whoopi Goldberg, and many others, later performing on the main stage.
Ani DiFranco has beaten the drum for voter registration and turnout with “Vote Dammit” tours in multiple presidential election years, including most recently in 2016. She’s currently on the board of Roots of Music, an organization that provides at-risk youth with support and musical education in New Orleans, and the creative council of EMILY’s List, which helps elect pro-choice Democratic women to office.
As a songwriter and social activist, she has been the inspiration for woman artists and entrepreneurs for over two decades. Featured on the covers of SPIN, Ms., Relix, High Times, and many others for her music and activism.
Ani DiFranco is the idol of empowered women who came of age in the 90s and continues to bring younger fans into her fold. From Alice Walker to Amy Schumer, Ani is respected by wordsmiths across milieux and generations.
She blazed the trail for self-directed artist careers and has been cited by musicians from Prince to Bon Iver as an inspiration to release their own art outside of the major label system.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on LinkedIn
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
New York Times Bestselling Author, Peloton Instructor, Nike Athlete and Motivational Speaker, Tunde Oyeneyin, has quickly become a household name, developing a global audience who have been moved by her mission to inspire and create great change. Tunde is a Texas native of Nigerian descent. Growing up, she struggled with her own body image and […]
Ford Saeks has become synonymous with business success, revolutionizing the traditional paradigms with his innovative strategies. With a track record that speaks volumes, he has spearheaded initiatives that have collectively propelled companies to surpass the billion-dollar mark in sales on a global scale. As a seasoned Business Growth Profit Innovator, Saeks has left an indelible […]
First Sergeant Matt Eversmann’s harrowing experience during the Battle of Mogadishu, famously depicted in “Black Hawk Down,” has become a testament to courage and leadership under fire. His story not only highlights the chaos of combat but also underscores the profound lessons of duty and resilience that are essential in both military and civilian life. […]
Jon Dorenbos played 14 seasons in the NFL, notably making the Pro Bowl twice as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2016, Jon competed on America’s Got Talent where he showcased his skills as a sleight-of-hand magician, making it to the finals and placing third overall in the competition amongst tens of thousands of […]
Lisa Forte is a globally recognized keynote speaker and cybersecurity expert, specializing in ethical hacking, cyber resilience, and social engineering. With a dynamic approach to cybersecurity, she combines her deep technical knowledge with a talent for delivering impactful and relatable talks that engage audiences worldwide. Lisa has earned a reputation for transforming complex cybersecurity concepts […]
Mark Denton’s life and career are a testament to the power of leadership, teamwork, and resilience in navigating the most challenging circumstances. Drawing from his exceptional background as a professional sailor and captain, Mark has mastered the art of leading under pressure, guiding teams to success, and inspiring resilience amidst adversity. Through compelling storytelling and […]
Rebecca Lobo is a basketball legend who transformed her passion for the game into an influential career as a motivational keynote speaker and sports analyst. A former WNBA All-Star and NCAA Champion, Rebecca’s experiences both on and off the court have made her a prominent voice in women’s sports. Her in-depth knowledge of basketball, combined […]
Jonathan Brill is a globally recognized futurist, innovation strategist, and thought leader, ranked as the #1 Futurist in the World by Forbes. Renowned for his ability to foresee and navigate complex business landscapes, he has advised Fortune 500 companies, governments, and leading organizations on how to anticipate disruption and leverage emerging opportunities. His insights on […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
