Her mother studied classical vocal performance at the University of Texas where her father was an audio engineering major and worked at CBS Records/Sony Music for more than 30 years.

[2] Willis began singing at a young age but did not start playing guitar until her high school years.

[4] Vanguard Records head Kevin Welk heard one of Willis' songs on an American Airlines flight and sent A&R rep Gary Paczosa to Chicago to meet her.

[8] Shortly after the release, Willis was interviewed on NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday with Host Scott Simon.

Willis parted ways with Vanguard in early 2012 and produced an independent CD, Live to Try, in 2014, which was largely co-written with John Oates, who also plays guitar and sings on the album.