Sheryl Crow can draw a crowd.
Ten minutes before showtime Friday, a throng jammed the Second and Chestnut streets entrance to the Riverbend Festival.
Local musician David Mason was among hundreds of people jostling to get through the gate.
"I love her songs, she's an excellent performer," he said.
He said his classic rock band, South Wind, played some of her music.
Soon the stage went dark, drums played, lights flashed and nine-time Grammy Award winner Ms. Crow appeared and the crowd screamed.
"Is anybody hot besides me?" she said after singing "Soak Up the Sun" and "Love is Free."
Then she wen into "Can't Cry Anymore," and the crowd screamed again.
Ryan Ledford held his 3-year-old on his shoulders.
"Just the ambiance. The people. I love being here," he said.
Earlier in the evening, Christie Ables, of Prospect, Tenn., stood on a boat ramp chanting "Where's Sheryl Crow" until Riverbend staff asked her to move. Her family won tickets to Riverbend off the radio.
Carolyn Toussaint waited in front of the stage for at least four hours.
"Love Sheryl Crow, have always loved Sheryl Crow," Mrs. Toussaint said. "I like the song she does with Kid Rock. Wouldn't it be fun if he shows up tonight."
"Picture" is the song, but the pop-rock performer is best known for songs like "All I Wanna Do," "Soak up the Sun" and "My Favorite Mistake."
"If It Makes You Happy" and "Everyday is a Winding Road" are also among her top sellers.
Kelly Pitzer and Jenny Yafanero moved beyond the chair seating area and sat on a grassy hillside near the stage. They arrived two hours early for a good seat.
"She's had such an interesting history," said Ms. Yafanero, 53, of Chattanooga. "A rock star, survived breast cancer. She has a beautiful voice, a beautiful soul."
Ms. Pitzer, 28 of Chattanooga, said she admires Ms. Crow's strength and character.
"It's good to see strong women like her who have overcome so much," Ms. Pitzer said.
Born in 1962 to a musical family in Kennett, Mo., the singer-songwriter has sold 35 million albums and her newest album, "100 Miles From Memphis," is slated for release in July, according to news reports.
