Rising guitarist opens for Neil Young

Victoria Williams was carving out a distinctive path as a lyricist and guitarist in the '90s, opening for Neil Young after he heard her version of his song Don't Let It Bring You Down on a tribute album.

“I never play the same solo twice. And that's pretty dangerous, 'cause you never know what you're going to get.”

She played Neil's solo when he couldn't

Neil Young was supposed to play the guitar solo on the song You R Loved, but couldn't make it. Williams stepped in and played it herself on her third album, Loose.

“He was supposed to play the solo on You R Loved, but he couldn't make it, so I did it myself.”

Multiple sclerosis stops her mid-tour

On the 23rd show of a tour, Williams' hands went numb and she couldn't play guitar. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative condition of the central nervous system that forced her to stop touring.

“All of a sudden my hands were numb, and I couldn't play the guitar, so I'm just standing there, sitting and singing a capella.”

Musicians rally with benefit album

Facing mounting medical bills, Williams received help from Lou Reed, Pearl Jam, Lucinda Williams, The Waterboys and others who created Sweet Relief: A Benefit for Victoria Williams to cover her costs.

“I was mesmerized. Her voice and the song, the lyrics were amazing.”

Benefit album launches lasting foundation

The benefit album raised enough money to help Williams recover and start the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, which still provides financial support to musicians in hardship today.