Cris Williamson (rock, folk rock / USA)

Cris Williamson is an American feminist singer-songwriter and political activist, born in 1947 in Deadwood, South Dakota, although her family moved to Colorado and Wyoming when she was still young. Her musical idol at the time was Judy Collins, and Williamson developed a musical style and sound that was similar to that of Collins. She released her first album, The Artistry of Cris Williamson in 1964, when she was sixteen. She became a local musical sensation in Sheridan, Wyoming, releasing two following LPs afterward.  

Instruments: piano, guitar

Years active: 1964 - present 

She achieved fame as a recording artist, and who was a pioneer as a visible lesbian political activist, during a time when few who were not connected to the Lesbian community were aware of Gay and Lesbian issues. Williamson's music and insight has served as a catalyst for change in the creation of women-owned record companies in the 1970s. Using her musical talents, networking with other lesbian artists of musical quality, and her willingness to represent those who did not yet feel safe in speaking for themselves, Williamson is remembered by many in the LGBT community for her contributions, both artistically, and politically, and continues to be a role model for a younger generation hoping to address concerns and obtain recognition for achievements specific to people who have historically been ignored.

Williamson recorded two albums with her long-time producer and lover, Tret Fure. Williamson and Fure ended their 20-year relationship in 2000, and each now records as a solo artist.

Cris has worked as a session musician both to support herself and to lend assistance to other fellow artists. She has collaborated with other women's music artists, including Meg Christian and Teresa Trull. She has friends in many corners; one longtime friend is musician Bonnie Raitt, who has played on some of her albums.


Williamson has been a lesbian feminist and a promoter of women owned music companies. She has recently become involved in a new project with Bonnie Raitt.


Cris Williamson - The Changer and the Changed (Full Album, 1975) :

https://youtu.be/GIuau2vdWYY :

Discography:

Albums:

1964 The Artistry of Cris Williamson
1965 A Step at a Time
1965 The World Around Cris Williamson
1971 Cris Williamson
1975 The Changer and the Changed: A Record of the Times
1978 Live Dream
1980 Strange Paradise
1982 Blue Rider
1982 Lumière
1983 Meg/Cris at Carnegie Hall
1985 Prairie Fire
1985 Snow Angel
1987 Wolf Moon
1989 Country Blessed
1990 The Best of Cris Williamson
1991 Live in Concert: Circle of Friends
1994 Postcards from Paradise
1997 Between the Covers
1999 Radio Quiet
2001 Ashes
2003 Cris & Holly
2003 Replay
2005 The Essential Cris Williamson
2005 Real Deal
2005 The Changer and the Changed: A Record of the Times [30th *Anniversary Enhanced]
2007 Fringe
2008 Winter Hearts
2010 "Gifthorse"

2013 "Pray Tell"


Source: wikipedia