Sierra Ferrell Honors Little Feat With Captivating ‘Willin” Cover in Santa Fe

Sierra Ferrell continued her Shoot For The Moon Tour last night in Santa Fe. Ferrell offered her premiere rendition of the Little Feat classic “Willin'” early in her Sunday night concert at The Bridge.

Lowell George wrote “Willin'” in 1968 during his time with the Mothers of Invention. As legend has it, bandleader Frank Zappa encouraged George to start his own band after Lowell performed an early version of the song for him. He did just that by forming Little Feat. “Willin'” was featured on Little Feat’s self-titled 1971 debut album and became one of George’s most beloved songs.

“This is something I’ve been listening to a lot recently and we thought that we’d try to do it,” Ferrell said to introduce her “Willin'” cover in Santa Fe. “If you know it sing along with us!”

Sierra Ferrell and her band turned in a gorgeous version of the Lowell George-penned number. The band went with an unplugged formation featuring Ferrell on vocals backed by Oliver Bates Craven on acoustic guitar, Josh Rilko on mandolin, Matty Meyer on snare drum and Geoff Saunders on upright bass. Ferrell joined an illustrious list of performers who have covered “Willin'” which includes Linda Ronstadt, The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, Phish, Tom Petty, The Black Crowes and dozens of others.

Watch Sierra Ferrell debut her “Willin'” cover at the 19:30 of the fan-shot video below:

Sierra Ferrell now brings her in support of Trail Of Flowers to Texas for shows in Houston on Wednesday, Austin on Thursday and Dallas on Friday. Scroll below for a full list of tour dates.