Her Story Her Song

Lucinda Williams is one of the greatest living American songwriters. She’s not just a great storyteller, she’s a poet…it’s in her blood.

Born in 1953 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the daughter of a poet and literature professor, Miller Williams. Lucinda started playing music at an early age. She started making records in the late 1970s, but it wasn’t until the late 80s and early 90s where she started gaining a wider audience and the respect of her peers. Her songs were recorded by folks like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tom Petty, Emmylou Harris, establishing Lucinda Williams as a songwriter’s songwriter.

Lu took another giant creative stride in 1998 with the release of her fifth album, Car Wheels On A Gravel Road. The album was a critical and commercial success, leaving no doubt that Williams was a guiding light in the world of alternative country and Americana.

She has gone on to release several albums full of great songs. Her ability to mix poetic imagery with gut-punch honesty made her one of the most revered artists of her generation.

Lucinda Williams is still out there. Still writing songs that are better than ever, still pouring her heart into every performance, her voice as strong as ever, still unmistakably Southern, still Lucinda Williams.

Brian Blauser /Brian Blauser Photography

Shemekia Copeland was born to sing the blues. Born in 1979, the daughter of Texas blues man, Johnny Copeland, Shemekia got her start at a very young age. She was playing gigs with dad by the age of 16, and released her debut album just a few years later. From that point on, Shemekia demanded attention with her raw, powerful voice and devotion to the blues.

Copeland has released 12 award winning albums, each one expanding her sound to include elements of rock, soul, Americana, and of course-the blues. Whether she’s singing about heartbreak, resilience, or the struggles of everyday life, Shemekia’s music always comes from the heart. It's no wonder she’s been called “one of the best blues singers of her generation” by Rolling Stone. But it’s not just her voice — it’s her passion, her fearless commitment to keeping the blues alive and relevant.

And in a world that’s constantly changing, Shemekia Copeland’s music is a reminder that the blues will always be there, pulsing with life, emotion, and truth.

Alison Krauss is one of the most influential figures in bluegrass and country music. Born in 1971 in Decatur, Illinois, Krauss started playing the fiddle at age 5 and quickly made a name for herself. By 14, she had signed her first record deal, establishing her as one of the youngest stars in the genre.

Krauss’s distinctive voice and ability to blend bluegrass, folk, and country set her apart in a male-dominated industry. She’s released 14 studio albums and has won over 27 Grammy Awards, making her the most-awarded female artist in Grammy history. But it was her work on the soundtrack for the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou? that introduced her to a wider audience. The album became a cultural touchstone, winning five Grammys and bringing bluegrass to a new generation.

Her collaborations, particularly with Union Station and with Robert Plant on Raising Sand from 2007 have also broadened her musical reach, earning both critical and commercial success.

Alison Krauss’s career has been a game-changer for bluegrass, proving that talent, innovation, and a fresh perspective can redefine a genre.

Today I want to talk about Iris Dement. Her and that beautiful, unique voice of hers--slightly broken, yet totally in control. A perfect instrument for her deep, searching songs about rural livin’, family, individually. Songs that aren’t afraid to ask; ”what does it all mean?”.

Born the 14^th and youngest child of Pat Dement and Flora Mae in Paragould, Arkansas back in 1961, Iris Dement was raised in a Penecostal family. She was inspired partly by her mother Flora Mae, who had aspirations of her own to be a country singer in Nashville.

She got her start singing gospel music with her sisters and eventually became a folk singer in her late teens. She wrote her first song at age 25, the folky classic, “Our Town”

That song appeared on her debut album Infamous Angel in 1992. An instant classic, the album is a showcase for Dement’s one-of-a-kind voice, and sharp, witty lyrics, made evident in songs like “Mama’s Opry” and “Let The Mystery Be”.

Iris went on to release several great albums and gain the respect of not only her peers, but her heroes. In 1999 she recorded her beloved duet with John Prine, the heartfelt and hilarious “In Spite of Ourselves”

Her latest album 2023’s Working on A World explores political and religious themes, discussing activism and hope for the future. Proving that the world is a better place, because of Iris Dement.

The Roches, a trio of sisters from New Jersey, have been a beloved fixture in folk music for over four decades. Maggie, Terre, and Suzzy’s unique harmonies and witty, insightful lyrics have made them stand out in the American music scene since their debut in the late 1970s. Their sound—rich, layered, and often deeply personal—combines elements of folk, pop, and classical, creating something entirely their own.

Their breakthrough came with their self-titled album in 1979, but it was songs like “Hammond Song” and “The Married Men” that truly cemented their place in the hearts of listeners. Known for their close-knit harmonies and an uncanny ability to blend humor with vulnerability, The Roches captured life’s complexities in ways that were both profound and accessible.

Over the years, they collaborated with the likes of Paul Simon and Philip Glass, but it’s their raw, intimate performances that continue to resonate. Their voices—distinct, powerful, and unmistakably theirs—remind us of the magic that happens when siblings create music together.

Even after all these years, The Roches remain a testament to the power of family, creativity, and unforgettable melodies.

In the heart of the civil rights movement, there was one voice that stood apart—a voice that spoke of struggle, resilience, and hope. That voice belonged to Odetta Holmes, known simply as Odetta.

Born in 1930, Odetta grew up with a deep connection to the music of her heritage. By the time the 1950s rolled around, she was performing in clubs, blending folk, blues, and spirituals into a sound that would change the world. Her music resonated with the fight for freedom, giving voice to those who felt unheard. Her powerful renditions of songs like "Ain't No Grave Can Hold My Body Down" became anthems for the civil rights movement, echoing through marches and protests, as a reminder that the struggle for equality could never be silenced.

But Odetta wasn’t just a singer. She was a force. Her deep, rich voice carried the weight of history and hope, a voice that transcended music and became part of the very fabric of the fight for justice.

For Odetta, her music was more than art—it was a mission. Her songs united, inspired, and uplifted people, serving as a soundtrack for a movement that would forever change America.

Odetta’s legacy continues today, not just in the music she created, but in the spirit of those who continue to fight for equality, with her voice still ringing clear in the hearts of all who listen.

Gillian Welch has always existed in the space between time and place. Her music, a haunting blend of folk, bluegrass, and country, feels like an echo of the past—and yet, it’s unmistakably her own. Born in New York in 1971, Welch emerged in the late ’90s, creating songs that felt both ancient and urgent, steeped in the kind of raw honesty that transcends eras.

Her debut album Revival was a revelation—a stark, stripped-back masterpiece that introduced the world to her spare, poetic songwriting and distinctive voice. With her longtime collaborator, guitarist David Rawlings, Welch created a sound that felt as though it had been handed down through generations. Songs like I Dream a Highway and Orphan Girl spoke of longing, loss, and the quiet strength required to carry on.

But while many of her songs tap into the traditions of Appalachian folk and country, they never feel like mere nostalgia. There’s a timelessness to Welch’s work—a reflection on the human condition that feels as relevant today as it did when she first picked up a guitar. Her songs aren’t just about heartbreak; they’re about survival. Look at Miss Ohio, for example, is a sharp commentary on the pressures and expectations placed on women, delivered with Welch’s signature blend of wit and tenderness.

Gillian Welch’s music is rooted in the past, but it’s always moving forward. Her latest album with Rawlings, 2024’s Woodland, continues to push the boundaries of what Americana can be, while honoring its roots.

Whether she’s harmonizing with others, or taking the lead, Emmylou Harris makes everything sound a little bit sweeter.

Emmylou Harris was born into a military family in Birmingham, Alabama in 1947. She developed an interest in folk music at an early age. She started performing in New York’s Greenwich Village folk scene in the 1960s. After paying her dues, she finally caught her big break when she met Gram Parsons of The Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers.

Her collaborations with Parsons are considered by many to be the birth of Americana music. After Parson’s died tragically in 1973, Harris began a solo career that has lasted over 5 decades.

She may also be the most sought after backing vocalist in history. Her long list of collaborators includes Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Rodney Crowell, Lucinda Williams, Bright Eyes, Gillian Welch, Shery Crow-just to name a few. She also teamed up for a Trio with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt.

Emmylou Harris, the ethereal voice of Americana.

Koko Taylor’s journey to becoming the 'Queen of the Blues' was as powerful as her voice. Born Cora Walton in 1928 on a farm near Memphis, Koko grew up surrounded by the sounds of gospel and blues, which sparked her passion for music at a young age.

But it wasn’t always easy. Koko worked as a maid to make ends meet, but her love for music never faded. In 1953, she and her husband, “Pops Taylor” migrated north to Chicago, where she caught the ear of blues legends Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon.

Her big break came in 1966 with the release of Wang Dang Doodle, a song that defined her career and became a blues anthem. But Koko didn’t stop there—she poured her soul into every performance, eventually earning a spot with Alligator Records, becoming the first female artist on the label.

Koko Taylor's influence can be heard in artists like Bonnie Raitt, Shemekia Copeland and Samantha Fish...

In her later years, she performed over 70 concerts a year in the city she loved, Chicago. She passed away in 2009, but her voice, her spirit, and her legacy live on.

Koko Taylor, forever the Queen of the Blues.

When we talk about the pioneers of rock 'n' roll, names like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley often come to mind. But long before them, there was a groundbreaking woman who helped shape the sound we love today—Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

Josh Weilepp

Born in 1915 in Arkansas, Tharpe was a gospel singer and guitarist whose style blended religious music with the raw energy of rhythm and blues. She started performing at just four years old, and by the 1930s, she was already a star in the gospel world. But it was her electric guitar playing that set her apart.

Her 1944 hit, "Strange Things Happening Every Day," is often cited as one of the first rock 'n' roll songs, mixing gospel fervor with a driving rhythm. Tharpe's guitar solos were unmatched, and her stage presence was electric—she was a force of nature, both onstage and off.

Though she wasn’t fully recognized during her lifetime, today, Sister Rosetta Tharpe is hailed as one of the key architects of modern music. Her blend of gospel, blues, and early rock'n'roll opened doors for countless musicians. Without her, rock 'n' roll might not have sounded the same.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe—often called the "Godmother of Rock & Roll"—truly rocked the foundations of music. And her legacy continues to inspire artists everywhere.

Joan Baez has been folk music royalty ever since she took the stage at the Newport Folk Festival in 1959. Born in 1941 in New York City, Baez rose to prominence in the early 1960s. She became very well known for her angelic voice, powerful lyrics, and deep commitment to social justice.

She performed at the Lincoln Memorial the day the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his riveting “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington, and she lent her voice to immigrant labor demonstrations, anti-war protests, and other causes she believed in.

Baez’s distinctive voice and style influenced generations of musicians, including one Bob Dylan, with whom she had a personal and professional relationship. Baez performed and recorded many of Dylan’s tunes throughout her six decade career. She wrote a hit song about her relationship with Dylan… 1975’s “Diamonds and Rust” is considered by critics and fans to be one of her best compositions.

She received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in 2007 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 10 years later. Joan Baez is still regarded as one of the most important and influential folk artists in history.

Maybelle Carter was a pioneering American country music musician, best known for her innovative guitar playing and as a key member of the legendary Carter Family. Born in 1909 in Virginia, she became famous for her distinctive "Carter Scratch" technique, where she used her thumb to play the melody on the bass strings while her fingers strummed the rhythm. This technique revolutionized country guitar playing and influenced generations of musicians.

Maybelle joined the Carter Family in 1927, along with her husband, Ezra, and her siblings-in-law, A.P. and Sara Carter. Their group became one of the most influential acts in the early years of country music, known for songs like Wildwood Flower and Keep on the Sunny Side.

Maybelle was a groundbreaking female artist in a male-dominated field, and her contributions shaped the sound of modern country and bluegrass. She was the first woman inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The plaque states that the Carter Family is "regarded by many as the epitome of country greatness and originators of a much copied style."

Influential folk and blues guitarist Elizabeth Cotton was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 1893. She bought her first guitar at the age of 12 for $3.75. Since Elizabeth was left handed, she had to teach herself to play the instrument upside-down, developing her own unique style. By her early teens, Elizabeth Cotton was writing her own songs, including what would become one of her most well-known tunes, “Freight Train”. She ended up getting married at the age of seventeen and stopped playing guitar to raise a family and attend church. Besides the occasional church performance, Cotton retired from playing guitar for over 25 years.

Then, while working as a housekeeper for the famous folk-singing Seeger family, she picked up the instrument again. It wasn’t until she was in her 60s that she started recording her songs and performing publicly with big names like Muddy Waters and Mississippi John Hurt. In 1967, Cotton released a record she recorded with her grandchildren.

You can hear her granddaughter Brenda Joyce Evans, accompanying her on vocals for the classic, “Shake Sugaree”. While Brenda went on to sing with Motown recording artists The Undisputed Truth, Elizabeth Cotton went on to record and release several records well into her 80s. She won a Grammy award in 1984. In her acceptance speech,

she said “Thank you, I only wish I had my guitar, so I could sing a song for you all”

Bonnie Raitt is a name that commands respect in every corner of music. Over the last five decades, she’s crafted a legacy that blends blues, rock, pop, and Americana into something uniquely her own.

Born in 1949 in Burbank, California, Bonnie Raitt took up playing guitar at an early age, Inspired by the folk and blues music she grew up listening to in the 50s, as well as the beatnik movement, She honed her skills while attending summer camp in the 1960s.

By the time the 1970s rolled around, Bonnie Raitt was already a respected singer and guitarist. She released her critically acclaimed debut album in 1971, showcasing her emotional vocal style and brilliant slide guitar.

Raitt enjoyed varying degrees of success throughout the 70s and 80s, but it wasn’t until the late 80s and early 1990s when Bonnie Raitt became a household name with award winning albums like Nick of Time and Luck of the draw.

Raitt still continues to wow audiences and win Grammys, and she doesn’t show any sign of stopping.