Singer-songwriter, socialist activist

Some artists were always destined to be hidden in the annals of music history. Some, however, come to public light through the hard work and perseverance of people who they influenced. Such is the case of Joe Hill, who will be honored this Friday by folk great John McCutcheon in a show appropriately dubbed Joe Hill's Last Will. For the uninitiated, Joe Hill was an American activist and songwriter who wrote songs about worker's rights, immigration, war, religion, home life and everything in between. This show was adapted from a play written by Si Kahn that debuted in 2011 and is now finally memorialized on record as John McCutcheon's 37th release. McCutcheon, who realized he could do pretty much anything at this point in his career, chose wisely this time, and the fruits of his labor of love for Hill's music is wholly and utterly evident and there for all to reap. Joe Hill's Last Will, 8 p.m. Friday; $25. Palms Playhouse, 13 Main Street in Winters; www.folkmusic.com.