Cris Williamson

Long before indie labels were the norm, and years before women had any real access to the industry,  Cris Williamson, was busy changing the face of popular music. In 1975, the twenty-something former  schoolteacher recorded The Changer and the Changed, for her brainchild, Olivia Records, the first  woman-owned, woman-focused record company. Her music and voice quickly became an essential part  of the soundtrack of a movement, and was the cornerstone of what would become known as “women’s  music,” music created, performed, and marketed specifically for and by women. Today, that recording,  The Changer and the Changed, remains one of the best-selling independent releases of all time.  

For Cris, the music has always been the vehicle for something larger. Her work appears on a regular  basis in books and thesis papers, on radio and film. Her albums are part of the curriculum for women's  studies courses, and thousands of people join their voices in "Song of the Soul" around campfires and  places of worship. She is embraced by women. She is sampled in hip-hop. Her work on display at the  Smithsonian. Her music is used by midwives welcoming life into the world, while hospice choirs sing her  songs in tender sacred escort. "She is often considered a treasure, passed hand-to-hand, person-to person," says the Boston Phoenix, "Williamson is a heroic character whose tireless activism continues." 

Today, with 33 full albums to her credit, Cris continues to tour the acoustic circuit, promoting her latest album Harbor Street, and adding new material at each juncture. Her performance career includes three  sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall and the headlining of many of the great folk festivals, including  Newport, Kerrville, Moab and Vancouver. Cris continues to be a fearless trailblazer, an avowed feminist,  and an out and proud lesbian - decades before it became an accepted industry norm.  

Cris and Judy Dlugacz, President and co-founder of Olivia Records, were honored with a Lifetime  Achievement Award bestowed upon them by the Americana Music Association at the Annual Awards  Ceremony at the illustrious Ryman Theatre. The award was presented by Ann Powers, NPR Music Critic,  who said “The Changer and the Changed became Olivia’s signature work. It’s a beautiful record,  Americana through and through in its blend of country, folk and deeply personal songwriting. Over the  years Cris has created a profound body of work, and Changer remains its crown jewel, and the label that  birthed it, Olivia, became the foundation for a genuine and far-reaching community.” 

2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of The Changer and the Changed and Cris will begin the celebration  early, including some of the favorites in her shows, as well as premiering brand new works from her  forthcoming new album to be released this Fall. A graduate of the University of Denver, Cris last visited  Denver to open the festivities for the Women’s March in 2017! This is Cris’s first time at Swallow Hill! 

“Denver is one of my longtime homes. Can’t wait to be back and play Swallow Hill!” – Cris

Host or Publisher Swallow Hill Music