Bio
Tortoise and Hair is Adrienne and Dustin Cottrell. They’re a husband and wife team which has been making music for more than 10 years. They started under the name ACDCunplugged, a clever word play using their initials. However, after confusing and dissapointing many 80’s metal fans, they decided to switch to Tortoise and Hair. The name came to them out of the blue in the summer of 2007 and has been their calling card ever since.
They got into music early. Adrienne grew up in Gainesville, FL playing piano, participating in community musical theatre, and frequently performing at Grace United Methodist church. She later picked up the guitar and began writing songs. Dustin also hails from Gainesville FL, and he too grew up singing and playing guitar and piano, seeking out every performing oppurtunity he could find. The two met at Grace United Methodist and became an inseparable duo.
Both young muisicians went to Florida State University in 1999 to study music. Adrienne focused on classical piano and pedagogy, while Dustin pursued a strong interest and talent in jazz. Meanwhile, the two always found oppurtunites to perform the folk and popular songs they grew up on.
In 2005, the couple, now three years married, moved to Atlanta, Ga and set up shop teaching music and frequently performing. Dustin originally continued on the jazz piano path, performing at some of Atlanta’s premium venues: Churchill Grounds, Sambuca, The Blue Room, Studio 281, Sassafras Jazz Bistro, and many more. However in 2007, the couple decided to truly focus their energy on the call of their hearts to perform together the kind of songs they grew up on. With a new name and a renewed dedication Tortoise and Hair began showing up on the folk-singer/songwriter scene more than ever before, with no signs of stopping.