Piece Description

On New Year's day it'll be nine years on the nose. Nine years since the death of a great southern raconteur and one of the last genuine Texas troubadours. Townes van Zandt was a singer-songwriter born to wealth who cared nothing for it; a man who, by outward appearances often seemed happy, but who struggled with personal demons. Yet somehow, through it all, Townes managed to write songs of lasting beauty and profound emotional power. It is a story of tragedy and artistic triumph. The release of a new movie called "Be Here to Love Me" is drawing fresh attention to the contributions of Townes as someone who deserves a place in America's pantheon of musical poets alongside Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Hank Williams. Now, Austin's KUT presents a special one hour documentary featuring rare interviews with Townes, conversations with musicians touched by his music including Joe Ely, Rodney Crowell and Delbert McClinton, candid memories from those who knew him intimately, and Townes' most influential songs--including some vintage live performances. If you've heard the name "Townes Van Zandt", but you don't really know what the fuss is about, sit back for an hour and find out...