Going Driftless: An Artist's Tribute to Greg Brown

Released in 2002, Going Driftless: An Artist's Tribute to Greg Brown celebrates the songwriting of one of contemporary folk music's most revered storytellers through performances by an extraordinary collection of artists influenced by his work. Featuring interpretations by Lucinda Williams, Iris DeMent, Ani DiFranco, Shawn Colvin, Eliza Gilkyson, Victoria Williams, and many others, the album highlights the remarkable depth, emotional honesty, and enduring appeal of Brown's catalog.

Perhaps the album's most moving moment comes from Brown's own daughters—Pieta, Zoe, and Constie—whose hushed, heartfelt rendition of the early song "Ella Mae" serves as both a family tribute and an emotional centerpiece. Two decades earlier, Brown had proudly sung, "I'm a man who's rich in daughters," making their contribution especially poignant. Elsewhere, Lucinda Williams opens the album with a yearning interpretation of "Lately," while Iris DeMent brings aching tenderness to "The Train Carrying Jimmie Rodgers Home." Ani DiFranco reimagines "Poet Game" with a jazz-inflected arrangement, Victoria Williams offers a playful take on "Early," and artists such as Eliza Gilkyson ("Sleeper") and Shawn Colvin ("Say a Little Prayer") introduce listeners to hidden gems from Brown's extensive songbook.

More than a collection of covers, Going Driftless demonstrates the breadth and versatility of Brown's songwriting, revealing how his songs can be reinterpreted across a range of musical styles while retaining their emotional power and lyrical richness. Critics praised the album for honoring Brown's legacy without merely imitating his performances, with AllMusic calling it a tribute that "would be hard to imagine" being done better. In keeping with the album's spirit of generosity, royalties from Going Driftless were donated to the Breast Cancer Fund, making the project both an artistic celebration and a charitable endeavor.