The crowd at a dubstep concert at The Fox Theater. (CU Independent/Jake Fojtik)
Lucinda Williams, a three-time Grammy winner, has made history with her unique blend of contemporary folk and alternative country rock, crafting a sound that has defined Americana for the last 45 years.
This fall, Williams and her band stopped in Boulder on the “Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets Tour.” Many of the fans in the audience had followed her for more than 30 years. Despite facing challenges, Williams released her 15th studio album, “Stories from a Rock ‘n’ Roll Heart,” continuing to inspire her fans.
Her performance was unlike any typical concert. Combining autobiographical storytelling with music, Williams shared intimate details behind her songwriting, supported by visuals from home videos. As the lights dimmed, Williams took the stage to thunderous applause. Even at 71, she exuded the iconic coolness she has become known for. Her silver hair, once blonde, added to her lasting rock star persona.
Williams began by recounting her life as a young girl, pairing her songs with rich backstories and home videos. Fans, mostly aged from their 40s to 80s, gained deeper insight into the songs they’ve cherished for decades. Williams paid homage to early inspirations like Elizabeth Cotten and Bob Dylan, showcasing her ability as a cover artist. She skillfully interpreted and performed songs by other musicians, making them her own.
“I’ve had an album of her covers of Bob Dylan’s songs called ‘Bob’s Backpages,’” said Andrew Swadener, a longtime fan. “(It has) incredibly interesting choices of songs, and I like it a lot.”
As she recalled her introduction to Dylan’s music, Williams reflected on the golden era of music, recalling the album cover featuring a lanky young man with soft, curly brown hair, dressed in jeans and a motorcycle T-shirt. She described how smitten she was by him, transported back to her youthful infatuations. But more powerfully, she remembered hearing Dylan’s music for the first time.
“There was just something about it,” Williams said.
With that, she launched into a performance of Dylan’s “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry,” making the song distinctly her own. Applause and declarations of “I love you!” echoed through the crowd.
Simon Zalkind, another longtime fan, praised Williams’ cover album “Bob’s Backpages,” noting her unique interpretations of Dylan’s classics.
“Her approach shows not only her deep respect for Dylan but also her ability to make these iconic songs her own,” Zalkind said.
Williams performed hits from her early albums, “ Ramblin’ on My Mind” and “Happy Woman Blues.” Her band’s precision was evident throughout the performance. Doug Pettibone, a longtime collaborator and music director, showcased his talent as a multi-instrumentalist, seamlessly switching between pedal steel guitar, resonator and vocals.
The band’s effortless collaboration highlighted their years of experience in the music industry. After suffering a stroke that limited her ability to play guitar, Williams continues her legacy through Marc Ford, whose masterful guitar work honors her signature sound while infusing it with his own style. David Sutton’s stage presence brought added energy, while Brady Blade commanded the performance with his intense drumming.
As Williams continued her performance, she delved into themes like politics, collaboration and her childhood. She dedicated songs such as “Little Angel, Little Brother” and “Dust” to her family, reflecting on her childhood home in tracks like “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” and “Highway 20.” She also explored heavier topics like suicide and the death of loved ones with “Sweet Old World,” adding darker layers to her music.
Williams candidly recalled her romantic past and self-destructive relationships with magnetic men in songs like “Drunken Angel.”
Near the end of the show, Williams expressed heartfelt gratitude for her band and the crew. The collaborative spirit was evident in their interactions on stage.
At the beginning of the show, University of Colorado Boulder faculty member and longtime fan Amanda Alba was visibly moved by Williams’ performance.
“I have a special love for her,” Alba said.
She recalled seeing Williams perform at the New Orleans Jazz Festival years ago, during a time when she was experiencing a spiritual crisis.
“The way most people do in their early twenties—what you grew up with is not what’s true for you anymore, and you don’t know what comes next. From the stage, she met me in that moment of transition, and now, many years later, it’s still there,” Alba said.
Lucinda Williams’ performance in Boulder was more than just a concert — it was a testament to her resilience, artistry and timeless appeal. For over four decades, she has remained a powerful force in American music, blending personal storytelling with a sound that transcends genres.
As she guided the audience through her journey — from her Southern roots to her struggles and triumphs — it was clear why longtime fans feel such a deep connection to her. Her music touches on universal themes of love, loss and self-discovery while serving as a beacon of authenticity.
As the night ended, it was evident that Williams’ spirit and music continued to resonate, leaving a lasting impact on all who experienced her performance.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Enya Bayaraa at enya.bayaraa@colorado.edu
