Rodney Crowell is often thought of as a writer but vastly underrated as a performer. Let's also not forget that he was an early member of the Hot Band and has been a sidekick of Emmylou Harris for 40 years and is in my estimation her best singing partner. He has a thing for small folk guitars and is often seen with a Gibson 00-L and like me he finger picks without picks which creates a softer sound that doesn't compete with the vocals.
Seen him 5 times. Once at the Southgate House I followed him out back after the show. He said he needed a place to sit. I knew there was a nearby perch and got him a seat. Others had gathered around by then. Like I knew what I was talking about, I told them to go back inside and buy his cd's and bring them out and he'd sign em. Then, in a rush of embarrassment, I looked at him and asked, "You'll sign them won't you?" He just gave a smile and said, "Sure." I went back inside, bought his newest cd, at the time, and went back out and got it signed. I treasure the cd and memories. He just seemed like an old friend. Thank you Rodney.
Man, that's some Johnny Cash stuff right there- melancholic, poignant and deeply personal; music that isn't hokey. Its about a real man with real heartfelt aches and pain. The feels! Great post
Rodney, you always hit the musical and vocal sweet spot. As I sit to write a song I find myself quite often thinking about your verse musically and vocal approach that extends great inspiration. Thank you. Vince James
"comfortable in his ways" and made me comfortable to ... event is is not my usual cup of tea. Natural simple and generous... Thanks you a lot Tiny Desk.
beautiful and i remember getting into your music in late eighties after seeing you at THE BORDER CAFE, BREEDON BAR ,BIRMINGHAM ENGLAND UK , and still a massive fan of your writing ...
The Tarpaper Sky album is wonderful. And Shannon McNally, singing with Rodney here, has released a great album, The Waylon Sessions, with Rodney singing with her on 'Aint Living Long Like This'.
description lists the album as tarpaper kid. it was actually tarpaper sky. (somebody was likely confusing it with his houston kid album... can't go wrong with either... or any rodney album, for that matter).
Rodney is great. Joanne Gardner is a wretched woman who only cares about herself. She went after a married man and broke up a marriage. So sad. So many people hurt.
Man, that's some Johnny Cash stuff right there- melancholic, poignant and deeply personal; music that isn't hokey. Its about a real man with real heartfelt aches and pain. The feels! Great post
Johnny Cash didn't actually write most of his songs. Some he did, but not most. With all due respect to Cash, but Rodney Crowell is a consistently better songwriter, in my opinion.
