“He goes, ‘The audition is in Nashville tomorrow. Here’s 45 songs you’ve got to know by then’”: Her manager didn’t like him. But Doug Pettibone grinded to land his dream gig with Lucinda Williams

Musicians Lucinda Williams and Doug Pettibone perform in concert at The Paramount Theatre on January 16, 2013 in Austin, Texas.

Over the years, session great Doug Pettibone has played alongside the likes of Jewel, John Mayer, Keith Richards, Norah Jones and Mark Knopfler – but his role as Lucinda Williams’ close collaborator will likely be what defines his career.

Pettibone, who was taught to play by none other than Andy Summers of The Police, started working with the Americana great just after the turn of the 2000s. At the time, he’d already cut his teeth touring with Jewel and Tracy Chapman.