A Musician's Life: Steve Earle

From: WXPN
Series: A Musician's Life
Length: 05:00

Steve Earle had a lot in common with his songwriting hero the late Townes Van Zandt. Both spent time in Houston, both played guitar and both had huge appetites for drugs and alcohol. But Earle managed to kick his addictions and make money as a musician. On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Steve Earle tells Tracey Tanenbaum about his relationship with the iconic songwriter. He's just released an album of Townes Van Zandt covers called "Townes". Read the full description.

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Playing: A Musician's Life: Steve Earle
From: WXPN

Steveearle_small Townes Van Zandt died New Years day 1997. He was just 52 years old. The Texan remains an iconic figure in the world of singer-songwriters. And many talented fans from Norah Jones and Bob Dylan to Emmy Lou Harris and Guy Clark have covered his songs. They've made it part of their mission to expose his music to a wider public. Steve Earle has long sung Townes' tunes. He's just released an entire album of Townes Van Zandt songs simply called "Townes". In this feature Steve Earle talks about his first impressions of the performer and reveals the ways he thinks Townes sabotaged his life and career.

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Piece Description

Townes Van Zandt died New Years day 1997. He was just 52 years old. The Texan remains an iconic figure in the world of singer-songwriters. And many talented fans from Norah Jones and Bob Dylan to Emmy Lou Harris and Guy Clark have covered his songs. They've made it part of their mission to expose his music to a wider public. Steve Earle has long sung Townes' tunes. He's just released an entire album of Townes Van Zandt songs simply called "Townes". In this feature Steve Earle talks about his first impressions of the performer and reveals the ways he thinks Townes sabotaged his life and career.