This is the first serious biography of a man widely considered one of
Texas'—and America's—greatest songwriters. Like Jimmie Rodgers,
Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson, and Hank Williams, Townes Van
Zandt was the embodiment of that mythic American figure, the
troubled troubadour. A Deeper Blue traces Van Zandt's background
as the scion of a prominent Texas family; his troubled early years
and his transformation from promising pre-law student to wandering
folk singer; his life on the road and the demons that pursued and
were pursued by him; the women who loved and inspired him; and
the brilliance and enduring beauty of his songs, which are explored
in depth.
The author draws on eight years' extensive research and interviews
with Townes' family and closest friends and colleagues. He looks
beyond the legend and paints a colorful portrait of a complex man
who embraced the darkness of demons and myth as well as the light
of deep compassion and humanity, all "for the sake of the song."
"This is an account of a period of time in music history as well as of
one man's struggle with his own life, a struggle that uses the creative
process as a way to salvation."—Kathleen Hudson, author of
Telling Stories, Writing Songs and Executive Director, Texas
Heritage Music Foundation
"The author talked to many, many people who knew Townes. His
work offers a wealth of anecdotes and information."—Louis Black,
editor, Austin Chronicle and executive producer of Be Here to Love
Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt
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ROBERT EARL HARDY has been a professional writer and editor
with an interest in contemporary music for twenty-five years. Also a
musician, he has played guitar in rock'n'roll, rhythm and blues, and
honky-tonk bands in the Washington, D.C., area since the 1970s.
He is currently researching the cultural history of 1960s and '70s
garage bands. He lives in Laurel, Maryland.
Number One: North Texas Lives of Musicians Series
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