The lyrical gifts of songwriter Lucinda Williams

Grammy-winning songwriter Lucinda Williams was a late-bloomer as a singer, blurring rock, country, folk and blues into such hit albums as "World Without Tears", "West" and "Little Honey." With a new memoir ("Don't Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You"), and a new album ("Stories from a Rock 'n' Roll Heart"), 2023 is shaping up to be a big year for the 70-year-old, just three years after she'd suffered a stroke. Correspondent Lee Cowan talks with Williams about her recovery, and her hard-won, late-blooming success.
‪@LucindaWilliamsOfficial‬
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[@MrPauliez67]

Lucinda defines Americana, an original if ever there was one.

[@johnalbertkidd]

Love Lucinda!

[@kimberleebishop-vanheulen1640]

In the car this morning with my19-year-old ADHD/OCD/ASD son, her song Those Three Days came on Pandora and my son said "Who is this? This is good!" So I played a couple songs for him. He's a fan now.

[@roevega9902]

I love Lucinda. I didn’t know she had a stroke. Hang tough sweet lady.

[@rcpsammy7186]

She had the stroke when she was getting ready to shower... Her husband found her on the floor... Can you imagine that?

[@dbd3267]

She always has the best band playing behind her.

[@tomkat69pc]

and her records were produced so well - someone once said: "the art of slopiness" .. .

[@tkreitler]

I love artists who are authentic and not some corporate creation. The corporate creation people shouldn't be referred to as artists. Lucinda is definitely a real artist worth listening to.

[@TrippedGian1]

Maybe say Taylor Swift is a little of both? Still, Lucinda is a true Queen

[@donaldcruse3402]

Totally agree. Artists are real: Ann Wilson, Cher, Lucinda Williams, Alanis Morissette, and so many more. They’re genuine, and I love that.

[@kennethozelie2082]

​@@donaldcruse3402agree with the exception of Cher.

[@KianaMckinney-o1t]

She's a true original, and I love her SO SO SO MUCH!!. Lucinda Williams is a national treasure️.

[@NevadaBoss]

America's greatest living female recording artist. Hands down. Anyone who knows anything about music would tell you the same thing. One of the last of the 'real deals'--and whether she sells 50K or 5million albums, her songs resonate. To paraphrase her friend Mr Young, "long may she run."

[@michelesmith85]

Yes yes yes. Lucinda is just awesome.

[@porterhane8148]

As a 20 year old who grew up with my parents listening to her. She is fantastic I never truly understood her music until I grew up but now that I’m old enough it all makes sense she is nothing short of excellence.

[@jbri1]

Massively subjective

[@ub1953]

If ever there were a more deserving KENNEDY CENTER nominee...

[@kurtwolf5373]

That's a complete understatement! She' has always says she loves songs..yeah, sing the Chrome off of a trailer hitc, according to emmylou.

[@ronkirk5099]

I play her CD's quite often. The music never ages. The daughter of a poet, explains a lot.

[@owenwilberforce6138]

She is the real Queen of Americana. There may be younger and more well known female artists running around with stadiums full of fans, but none even deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Lucinda Williams.

[@GreenArrowNetwork]

Sure, great songwriting. But listen to her voice. Her "instrument" is just so harmonically rich and beautiful. Listen, it's amazing. Love Lucinda.

[@sunshine3914]

She’s always had only the best of band members, so obviously she’s well respected amongst her peers.

[@rkoonce53]

I love her Smithsonian Folkways album Happy Woman Blues. Early Lucinda from her roots.❤

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

Lucinda Williams is a national treasure❤☮️🎸🇺🇸

[@r.d.493]

Fun fact: Rolling Stone magazine called Car Wheels on a Gravel Road an Essential Recording of the 90s.

[@pattyayers]

… as it says in this video 😊

[@curragh4635]

rolling stone magazine is trash

[@angelariebli4843]

She's a true original, and I love her SO SO SO MUCH!!

[@kennethozelie2082]

A favorite, Love her music and songs, brilliant!!

[@joemartinez331]

One of the greatest American songwriters over the last 60 years. I’ve been lucky to have seen her live a few times. I wish her a speedy recovery.

[@wsidechris]

I have spent countless hours with Lucinda’s music. And much of it is active listening, not just playing it in the background. She’s one in a trillion!

[@johntuohy1867]

Lucindas light shines in the dark. ❤

[@ksisson955]

Thank you for recognizing her! She's always been tried & true.

[@hobsonbeeman7529]

She is so pure with her talent

[@robertalegrand7781]

I love the way her voice sounds with Bruce Springsteen's! Would love a whole Gram & Emmylou-style album of Lucinda-Bruce duets!

[@josandlin6609]

Love ya lucinda, glad i finally found you after all these years.

[@michaellaverty1844]

She’s one of a kind

[@thyslop1737]

Lucinda Williams is super talented.

[@jaymiewright526]

Heal all the way my dear Lucinda! So grateful for all the gifts you’ve bestowed on us!

[@leestimson12]

Car wheels on a gravel road, I jump to hear it every time it comes on.

[@mililaniman]

Lucinda is such a talented word smith and singer. She still looks beautiful too.

[@allisontakata5119]

Love Lucinda!!! She is all that!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😘

[@agapelovebomb7208]

Truly gifted. I feel her songs in my bones.

[@Hklbrries]

Lovely. You did Lucinda just, Lee Cowan. 💕

[@shayeasy]

an incredibly inspiring songwriter and lyricist

[@sammyb1001]

Lucinda you wrote a phenomenal book and I was introduced to an amazing lady!!! What a life wow!!!

[@aliceflanagan3672]

Lucinda is a true gift. If you like music you LOVE this woman.

[@markantinore6418]

She’s simply spectacular!

[@lisag18]

She is the definition of awesome. She isn't phony. She's us .

[@andrewblackmore9705]

Thou bright and shining light...

[@lastname6584]

One of my all-time favorites.

[@davidmccaffery7977]

Strokes are tough, real tough...Day at a time....love Lucinda ❤...great supporting artists,great bands... keep on rocking... national treasure

[@ChuckSchickx]

Her songs definitely speak to me in a deep, powerful , and personal way.

[@gracefeutz997]

I could not have said this any better!

[@jayt4835]

Emmylou & Linda often remind me of one another. Such purity.

[@richardtaylor8595]

I love Lucinda with my heart and soul.

[@j.c985]

She is absolutely genius at making music.

[@mikeholmes7828]

Saw her in concert many times.

[@elvisfan61]

I loved this interview. Lucinda seems so humble and I've heard of her, but I don't really know any of her songs, but loved what I heard of Passionate Kisses. Really enjoyed this piece and will be researching Lucinda's music. Those legal pads are used by both artists featured on your show today. By the way, today's episode was one of my favorites. So many interesting stories. Thank you for a great show. It starts my Sunday off just right!

[@boise2Talay7886]

If you listen to the entire Car Wheels on a Gravel Road album start to finish more than a couple times, it will quickly become one you'll continue to listen to over and over. I bought the CD in 1999 and still listen to it regularly today.

[@JackycClark]

Also listen to Mary Chapin Carpenter who recorded Passionate Kisses . She's a singer/songwriter who is well respected and entertaining .

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

I discovered Lucinda Williams on an Austin City Limits show, which featured Bruce Cockburn, Rosanne Cash, and herself. I’d never heard of Lucinda before - but I became an instant fan. Rosanne said, “if this music thing doesn’t work out for me, I think I’ll just become a Lucinda groupie” - made me laugh

[@michael4930]

My favorite songwriter. Thanks for the inspiration Lucinda.

[@nettied7241]

One of the all time best. I have listened and I love all of Lucinda’s music.❤❤❤keep rocking grrrrllll

[@lindamattioli7943]

Love her cartwheels on a gravel road was the best CD. That's when I found Lucinda Williams

[@kimkimball1921]

I’ve been a fan of Lucinda since about 1992. There’s no other songwriter or singer or live performer like her.

[@zippitydoodah5693]

One of my all-time favorite concert moments was a birthday gift from my wife --- front row center at the Ryman Auditorium to see Lucinda. The number of famous people in the audience was awe inspiring. From music writers, singers, and performers to White House politicians, senators, mayors, etc., to actors, actresses, and directors. It was a heady mi of artists and patrons packing the sold out Ryman. You could look back at the sweet seats and see all of the famous people there for a taste of brilliance. I've seen Lucinda 7 times now. Never a bad show.

[@debrahelmlinger6256]

Found Lucinda over 20 years ago when I listened to Happy Woman Blues, been hooked ever since. Have seen her twice and is on my bucket list to hear her live somewhere in Louisiana 🤗 7:42

[@JuliaCozbyMusic]

Someone to look up to, such a talent. 💝💝Hope I'm making an album at 70.

[@sirdouglas2010]

So beautiful and honest and one of our greatest artists!!! We love you Lu. We hope you recover 100%

[@christinemidora9514]

Bless her. Keep on singing.

[@romstar]

Sweet beautiful Lucinda 🌹😍 Im so glad 😊❤️ shes doing better and continues to share her gifts 🧧🙏 with us 😭😅😍🙏🙏🥰

[@JackycClark]

These are the stories I want . Thank you .

[@peterbaruxis2511]

Hanging out with dad's poet friends is a pretty beatnick thing, I think it showed-up in her music. She is amazing.

[@zeldasmith6154]

She definitely has guts and drive. She busked in Austin on Guadalupe. She's a good writer.

[@lynnaridgeway2104]

Really enjoyed this interview. I like that she talks how she sings.

[@marcbernicker206]

Love her performance on Austin City Limits from the nineties

[@squirrelcovers6340]

OMG, I love her music.

[@curiousone6435]

We've got so much great music in this country -- I wish we'd bring it back to our schools, support our artists, and have outlets to express ourselves in healthy ways and to be inspired by the thoughts and emotions of others. Lucinda is a class act. I'm thrilled CBS interviewed her and this got 65K views at this moment in time. America did one thing better than anyone else: make the best damn music this earth has ever created. Wish we could get behind how awesome that is. That inspired people more in this world than our military ever did.

[@tomstiel7576]

sadly the country has changed,,,more important now to shove sexuality at adolescents,,,third graders as a whole cant read,write or do simple math

[@johntuohy1867]

Right so. No better representative of what the best American can be. Politicians are embarrassing. Like loud fast talkin radio and TV people bombarding us with useless news advertising info- mercials and toxic shopping. Lucinda generates the good.

[@DebSherr]

I've never heard of her! She's awesome! I'm looking forward to hearing her songs! Thanks 😊

[@lynnturman8157]

She's got tons of great songs. You are in for a treat.

[@artnouveau7633]

Start with car wheels on a gravel road,essence, sweet old world , world without tears

[@tommytwotoes3880]

Listen to "Lake Charles". A deep song about her friend who committed suicide.

[@b.visconti1765]

She's the poet songwriter we all have in our hearts..she was able to get it out an on paper.. love her❤

[@adelaferreira4575]

Wow what a poet !

[@davidsullivan3205]

I never heard of her until I heard "Righteously" about two years ago. Her lyrics and melody hooked me. ❤

[@vessymink]

Beautiful. I love you Lu!!!!

[@GwenMckee-g9i]

an incredibly inspiring songwriter and lyricist. She always has the best band playing behind her..

[@carlquance2542]

Favorite Lucinda Williams lyrics? East Side of Town. Favorite tune ever? Passionate Kisses.

[@SubtractiveMoves]

Reason to cry and Overtime get me everytime.😊

[@danielburke4113]

Hang in there beautiful lady!

[@stacierenee6652]

A true American treasure.

[@flamencoprof]

"Lucinda Williams - Sweet Old World (1992) 1992 A student radio program I listen to while working in the garage gets me interested in "Countryish" and female artists. This is heart-wrenching and emotional music." From a biographical list of mine. I am a great admirer of her ability to express her own emotions in a way that strikes a chord with the listener. I like "The Night's Too Long".

[@bretthardin9239]

the lady willie nelson one of The best artist alive

[@cesaralvarado6218]

Bravo, Lucinda! Your second wind will b your best!

[@pseudosun]

respect! 👍

[@Bob_Suruncle]

I used to watch Sunday morning faithfully because of good stories like this one. Now you have to watch 3 or 4 shows to get one good story. Glad this one caught my eye on KZbin or i would have missed it. To me most of the show now is about left and right issues and not anything interesting.

[@juliagetty-gordon2500]

😢 I love her music so much ❤️ and her deep , sweet soul✨

[@stevenbudnick1252]

Lucinda is one incredible singer, rocker, blues singer who has exceptional talent as a writer . I have seen her several times over the last 30 years !

[@LilyBecca]

She is my all time favorite. I've seen her live many times simce the 90's and she came into a bar I was at in Nashville once and walked up to our table and said hello to one of my friemds who had played guitar with her. I was so awe struck thaty hero was standing there, I just froze.

[@eclecticmusica]

Seeing her play in Austin in her prime was bliss. She is even better now.

[@Joel-ls6fn]

living Angel. Love you, Lu!

[@juliemolthop8980]

She's amazing! Love her so much. Sorry to hear about her health issues 😢

[@rgalor1]

World without Tears is such an underrated album. Start to finish.

[@TrippedGian1]

PREACH

[@timmillan6701]

I was lucky enough to see Lucinda in the 90s. She was quite enjoyable and I only wonder why it took so long to get this acclaim

[@joannemarichalar1952]

A friend brought Car Wheels on a Gravel Road to me after I found myself recovering in St. Joe's. I didn't remember the lear jet, to get me home to Phx AZ by way of San Antonio TX! Back to Lucinda William's, SHE GOT TO ME. Get Right w/GOD. I saw her at Celebrity Theatre couple guys ago. Love what I've found. Thx Babe.

[@charlesclark2963]

Love Lucinda Williams. Wish I would've told her when I saw her last but I was too buzzed by the end of her set. Amazes me how many people still don't know who she is but at the same time like it. It's like I belong to a special club. Like living in Montana. You want people to know about it's beauty, you just don't want em' all moving in.

[@johnkeith2450]

What a treasure she is

[@mrchildgrownold3852]

John Prine is how I found Lucinda. Thanks John, I miss you

[@Spiritualfamilyreunion]

Hasn't gotten enough attention for her music and gifts!!!

[@JodyKenyon]

When she lists the male songwriters she is the female member, I was hoping for a Joni mention. I know she is a big fan.

[@mol588]

Lovin this lady .. from across the pond 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🎸 🎼

[@doreekaplan2589]

Shes GREAT

[@littleo353]

No mention of "Sweet Old World" ? Quite an omission of an outstanding song.

[@diegosemerene]

She is Legendary

[@Moontunas]

One the most talented songwriters to ever do it.

[@kyleroy1630]

I would consider her live at the filmore one of the best albums i have ever heard.

[@randyland1000]

I've been binging on it all week!