Tomball: Kelly Willis with Dallas Burrow at Gruene Hall

Kelly Willis is the honey‑soaked, honky‑tonk angel of Texas. She has been weaving her voice through country and Americana since the late ’80s. Born October 2, 1968 in Virginia and raised in Texas, Willis cut her teeth in rockabilly bands like Kelly Willis & the Fireballs and Radio Ranch before landing in Austin’s vibrant singer-songwriter scene alongside Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett.

Kelly Willis is cherished for reinventing country—melding rockabilly, Americana, and timeless roots. Her lean, emotive voice, sharp songwriting, and independent spirit have earned her critical acclaim, devoted fans, and a legacy as Austin’s Queen of Americana.

Signed at just 20 by MCA Records after Griffith’s tip to producer Tony Brown, she released Well Travelled Love (1990), followed by Bang Bang (1991) and a self-titled third album (1993). Despite critical praise and national magazine coverage, these records sold modestly, prompting her departure from MCA.

In 1999, that creative freedom paid off with What I Deserve, released through Rykodisc. The album was a triumph—praised by No Depression and Rolling Stone, and named Album of the Year at the Austin Music Awards.

Willis is known for a heartfelt, era‑blending voice—equally at home singing sad country or rock‑tinged swing. Rolling Stone, NPR, and the New York Times praised her blend of traditional twang and modern energy.

After MCA, she embraced independence—producing compelling works including Easy (2002) and Translated from Love (2007). She then collaborated extensively with husband Bruce Robison on duo albums like Cheater’s Game (2013) and Our Year (2014).

In 2018, Kelly made a solo comeback with Back Being Blue, produced in her Texas studio and lauded for its timeless sound and emotional depth. Recently, she’s performed in a trio with Brennen Leigh and Melissa Carper at festivals including Kerrville Folk in 2023.