By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Westborough – Singer and songwriter Luanne Crosby drew upon a lifetime of experience to help celebrate the 300th anniversary of the state’s 100th incorporated town, which she has called home since 1989. As a gift to Westborough, she composed the song “The 100th Town.”
Growing up in Cohasset, Crosby debuted onstage in a talent show at age 4, crooning a humorous Hawaiian song. She learned to play guitar while attending camp at age 6.
“The first song I played was ‘Stewball’ by Peter, Paul & Mary,” she recalled. “My parents weren’t musicians, but they loved music. We always had record albums and instruments. By the time I was 12, I realized I could write my own songs.”
At age 18, Crosby landed her first paying gig. She serenaded guests weekly at the Ground Round Grill & Bar in Norwell.
Training to become a musician was gained in her teens when her family spent summers at Nantasket Beach. There, she performed regularly at the circa-1960s Establishment Coffeehouse. When not onstage, her guitar strumming while seated on the steps of a downtown business attracted audiences.
“You don’t need a stage,” Crosby said. “I love being able to bring music wherever I go. It’s an instant unifier.”
In her 20s, Crosby expanded her scope musically and geographically. After focusing on folk music, she developed interests in jazz and rock genres. She auditioned for a band in Newport and became its lead singer. A move to Boston led to bookings for The Luanne Crosby Band.
In 1984, she moved to Germany and performed nationwide with a new band, Luanne Crosby and the Lifeline. It became an opportunity for her to concentrate more on songwriting. She felt at the time that American audiences preferred hearing bands play cover music, but original tunes were more appreciated in Germany.
“Everybody in Germany expected you play to originals,” she noted. “As a result, I was able to play my own music and have a fantastic band that I could write songs for.”
Crosby relocated in 1989 to America and settled in Westborough. She was familiar with Westborough because of the famed Old Vienna Kaffeehaus, which closed in 1996. After residing in a couple different neighborhoods, she appreciates her current home downtown.
“I wanted to move downtown in a historic house,” she relayed. “I love being able to walk to restaurants, stores and the library.”
She shared her affection for the town during a chance meeting with Kris Allen, former selectman and author of the Westborough historical book “On the Beaten Path.” Allen suggested that Crosby musically express her feelings for Westborough’s 300th anniversary.
“A week later, I finished writing ‘The 100th Town,’” Crosby said. “I plan to play it at any of the anniversary events in 2017. I’ve been asked to play the song on a float in the parade.”
“The 100th Town” publicly debuted at the eighth annual Arts in Common, presented by the Westborough Cultural Council in September 2016. Joining Crosby onstage were several
Hundredth Town Chorus members including attorney Carolyn Spring, who dubbed the backup singers “The Luettes.”
As another gift to the town, a series of architectural tours is being offered by Crosby and her partner R. Christopher Noonan, who earned a master’s degree in historic preservation. Crosby provides a live soundtrack for the tours consisting of songs relevant to the built environment. The series began Jan. 28 with a tour titled “Miracles on Main Street.” Crosby is looking forward to the future tours and other 300th anniversary celebrations.
“I love doing community events because it brings people together,” she said. “I moved to Westborough 27 years ago, so I’m not a townie. Even though I’m a newbie, I’m becoming a part of the town.”
For more information about Crosby, “The 100th Town” video with lyrics, and the Architectural Walking Tours schedule, visit www.luannecrosby.com.
