Raised in Hermann, Missouri, Nathaniel Rateliff began his music career playing drums in his family’s church band. Following a decade of performing mostly as a folk-inspired solo act, Rateliff formed the rock outfit Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Since their 2015 self-titled breakthrough album, the band has established themselves as generational talents through their dynamic live performances and growing catalog of essential studio recordings, including Platinum and Gold RIAA certifications. The band has appeared on Saturday Night Live, released four LPs, two EPs, and a live album. Their most recent, highly acclaimed LP South of Here was awarded Album of the Year at the 2025 Americana Honors & Awards; in support of the album, the band’s first arena tour included a landmark, sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. Rateliff is the first artist appointee to the Newport Folk Festival’s Stewardship program since Pete Seeger, and has chosen to devote his three-year term to artist advocacy, fellowship and mentorship both at the Fort and beyond. Rateliff was also this year unanimously appointed to the Farm Aid board of directors, the third artist to be added to Farm Aid’s Board since its founding. Rateliff will work alongside founders Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp, fellow artist board members Dave Matthews and Margo Price and a team of industry professionals.