Caryl P. Weiss

American folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Weiss moved to Austin, Texas in 1984 and later relocated to Annapolis, Maryland.

During her career, she was part of sea shanty trio Liverpool Judies (“America’s first all-female shanty group¹“), the maritime quartet Outward Bound, and folk band Jim Six & City Limits.

Caryl P. Weiss is a performer of 500 years of folk music from both sides of the Atlantic, and has played about 38 instruments. She’s released eight albums, and has appeared on many others. Her touring has taken her to 26 states and 12 countries, and she’s appeared on numerous TV and radio broadcasts (including NPR’s “A Prairie Home Companion” ). She’s won a number of songwriting awards, has published three music books, and has appeared in four movies and on TV’s “Walker, Texas Ranger”. She was commissioned an Admiral in the Texas Navy by Governor Ann Richards.

She passed away quickly from Stage IV cancer May 29, 2012.

All Around Annapolis Interview

Weiss’ friend, Christine Albert, on Facebook, cites Caryl’s dates as 5 May, 1950 – 3 June, 2012; which is different from what All Around Annapolis reports.

Weiss appeared as a solo performer at the 2010 Chicago Maritime Festival, which also featured performers: Rick Spencer, John Roberts, The 97th Regimental String Band , and Tom & Chris Kastle.

1 Chris Roche, of The Shanty Crew, in a letter dated 12 Feb, 2024.