Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Lucinda Williams come together for the “Freight Train” cover in Napa

Photo credit: Aiyana Partland

Lucinda Williams performed at the Uptown Theater in Napa, California on Friday, August 23. During the concert, which was heavily inspired by the musician’s latest album, her 15th studio LP, 2023, released Stories from a Rock n Roll heart, The singer-songwriter invited the guest mid-set to assist with a cover of Elizabeth Cotten’s “Freight Train.” Williams enlisted 93-year-old Ramblin’ Jack Elliott for additional help.

As he took the stage, the folk music revivalist and flatpicking expert was greeted with loud cheers and the words of Williams: “For those of you who don’t know, Jack was a major figure in the early days of folk music in the ’60s. He hung out with people like Bob Dylan, Odetta and other great artists of that ilk. He rode his motorcycle all over the place and raised hell.”

Before performing the choice number, Elliott joked about his recent birthday, which was Aug. 1. Williams referenced her guest’s connection to Cotten and her own history with the song, calling it one of the first songs she learned to play guitar with. During Friday’s performance, Elliott sang the venerable lyrics of the turn-of-the-century classic alongside his host with gentle swaying and nodding of the head, which felt like a cherished collaboration that touched on the roots of Elliott’s historic career.

Scroll down to watch a fan-made video of the couple’s cover of Cotten’s classic.