When Maddy Williams was around 8 years old, she passed Woode Wood singing on the stone steps of Zilker Park while biking with her family, making her parents stop and listen to the rest of “Blackbird.” Williams, now 21 and a biology junior at Texas State, said she was surprised to see Wood still playing on those same steps when she passed him on a run a few months ago.
“He’s a humble dude. He’s not into trouble or anything like that,” Williams said. “He’s just spreading music and love.”
Wood said fame means nothing to him — he revolves around music. In his 34 years of making music professionally, Wood’s written over 1,000 songs and released 37 albums, transitioning to performing only original songs since Williams met him in Zilker years ago.
Wood began playing on the corner of 23rd and San Antonio streets when Zilker closed in preparation for the Austin City Limits Music Festival in early October. Wood said he likes playing near the University because it brings students of all different backgrounds to one place and the people who pass by are usually happy to see him.
“I get so much love, it’s almost impossible to ever be in a bad mood,” Wood said. “You see, I’ve had 20 people smile at me.”
Radio-television-film junior Rylie Shieh met Wood while waiting for a friend running late to their meetup at Trippy Buck Coffee, a coffee truck next to Wood’s regular spot. Wood misread the situation as Shieh getting stood up and reassured him. Later, when Shieh’s friend arrived, Wood gave the pair a little nod. Shieh said the moment brightened his day.
“He looked like he was at a Renaissance festival, but he was transported into West Campus,” Shieh said.
Wood makes a point to remember the names of students who pass his way regularly on their commute, pausing his strumming to fist bump or chat with those who stop. Often, the singer incorporates people’s names into the songs he sings to them, advising them to stand in an alcove formed by the windows of the University Co-op Parking Garage for a premium musical experience.
Wood said he wasn’t always this positive, that being in a bad mood made him lose the woman he loved. After that, he “flipped a switch.” If there is one thing he wants people to learn from him, Wood said he hopes people discover their artistic side.
“I want them to (find that artistic side) because I’m so fucking happy, because I’ve been making my living now for 22 years,” Wood said. “I do nothing but this. … I don’t ever say I accept tips here, but everywhere else I say I accept tips. Here, I’m just spreading love.”
