Singer-songwriter and four-time Grammy winner Joy Williams is a true American artist. Born just outside of Santa Cruz, California, she grew up listening to Billie Holiday and Janis Joplin. She later stole a lot of hearts as one half of the now-disbanded folk/Americana duo The Civil Wars.
Now out with her own solo album, “Venus,” she joins Here & Now’s Robin Young for our occasional American music series, asking musicians and music lovers to share a playlist of what they think is quintessentially American music.
5 American Song Picks From Joy Williams
“Them There Eyes,” performed by Billie Holiday (1949, Decca version)
“Mercedes Benz” by singer Janis Joplin (Pearl)
“Gimmie All Your Love” by Alabama Shakes (Sound & Color)
“Whiskey And You” by Chris Stapleton (Traveller)
“Sweet Love of Mine” by Joy Williams (Venus)
Guest
- Joy Williams, four-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, formerly of the duo The Civil Wars. Her new album is “Venus.” She tweets @joywilliams.
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