 She began singing professionally in Austin folk and rock bands and in 1984 formed a duo with Butch Hancock, with whom she recorded two albums.She has spent many years in Louisiana exploring the Cajun heritage, which led her to a long apprenticeship with traditional Louisiana French ballad singers Lula Landry and Inez Catalon, honored on her CD "La Joie Cadienne".One of her songs, "So I'll Run" is featured in the book "31 Songs" by British author Nick Hornby, telling about songs and the particular emotional resonance they carry for him.