A long-time standard-bearer of contemporary country music, Kelly Willis has made herself scarce in recent years. But the Austin, Tex.-based singer-songwriter returned in 2007 with both a new album and a tour stop at Mountain Stage, performing on location in Bristol, Tenn./Va.
Willis' career has spanned rockabilly and alternative country-rock ever since she was first championed to major record labels by famed folksinger Nanci Griffith. Willis broke into the mainstream with hits such as "Heaven's Just a Sin Away" and the "Whatever Way the Wind Blows" from her self-titled 1993 album.
After a five-year hiatus spent raising her four children with husband and songwriter Bruce Robison, Willis returned last year with Translated From Love. Produced by longtime collaborator Chuck Prophet, Translateddraws songs from a variety of sources, including Prophet, Robison, Jules Shear, and even Iggy Pop. After touring in support of the album, she recently announced another indefinite break from performing.
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