The many different forms of the roots rocker's superb Americana.
About Lucinda Williams
Hometown
Lake Charles, LA, United States
Born
January 26, 1953
Genre
Rock
Lucinda Williams’ powerfully poetic lyrics and rough-hewn but vulnerable vocals made her one of the key figures of alt-country and Americana. Born in Lake Charles, LA, in 1953 to a piano-playing mother and a poet father, Williams came by her gifts organically. After soaking up multiple strands of American roots music, she released her debut album in 1979, starting out with a stripped-down blend of folk and blues before adopting a stronger country influence. Williams broke through to a wider audience with her self-titled 1988 album, on which she added a dash of rock. Mary Chapin Carpenter’s 1992 hit cover of “Passionate Kisses” helped position Williams for a major-label deal; the eventual result, 1998’s Car Wheels On a Gravel Road, was her real breakout record. With its raw-boned roots rock and intensely personal tales, it became an Americana milestone and earned her an iconic status she burnished over several more albums. A 2020 stroke temporarily took her away from music, but the indomitable Lucinda came roaring back with 2023’s Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart.
Lucinda Williams has also released music as a member of Buick 6.
Musical InfluencesLucinda Williams's musical influences include Eagles, Emmylou Harris, Neil Young and more.