Artist: William Fitzsimmons
Hometown: Jacksonville, Illinois
Song: “Annie’s Song” (feat. Abby Gunderson)
Album: Covers, Vol. 1
Release Date: November 4, 2022
Label: Nettwerk Records
In Their Words: “My mom had a double vinyl for one of John Denver’s live albums, and I remember her playing it over and over again. I often held the vinyl as a young kid, and I loved the feeling. To my recollection, ‘Annie’s Song’ is the first song I ever heard. For me, it’s instant nostalgia. I go right back to our living room and can feel our house. My mom and I sang John Denver songs together as I got older. What a cool tune to have as a first musical memory.
āOnce the global pandemic arrived, I found myself at home with time and a basement studio. I needed something to work on, so I just started doing covers. I didn’t even make a list; it was just a way to keep from going crazy. It was self-therapy so that I wouldn’t lose my mind. However, it ended up one of my favorite periods of being a musician. ā¦ I just wanted to do songs that meant a lot to me for varying reasons. I share some of the songs with other people. Some of the songs remind me of my childhood. Some of the songs are low-key messages to individuals from my pastāand they’re not necessarily positive. Some of the songs are just pure joy. Ultimately, they are all songs I love and respect from artists I think are incredible.” — William Fitzsimmons
Photo Credit: Erin Brown
