Holly Williams

Rather than migrate to Nashville like so many would-be starlets willing to do anything for a country record contract, Holly Williams was born and raised in Music City. Moreover, she was raised in country music. That's right -- she's the granddaughter of honky-tonk hero Hank Williams and the little girl of outlaw country rocker Hank Williams Jr. (not to mention half sister to Hank III). But don't put on your Nudie suit just yet. Those expecting her to sing like Dottie West or a young Loretta Lynn are in for a surprise because the young Williams' music is much more akin to the songs of Mindy Smith or Tift Merritt. Williams never even really considered playing music until she picked up her father's guitar at the age of 17 purely out of boredom. A few years later (and with ample help from Ron Sexsmith), she had written a bunch of haunting Americana-tinged tunes and began touring them to receptive audiences. Williams' songs are moody musings wrapped in the ribbons of her milky smooth vocals.