An award-winning singer/songwriter, guitarist, producer, and solo artist, Rodney Crowell is among the top tier of modern music’s living icons. At the age of 73, the Texas native has plenty of memories and insight to share with fans and fellow musicians.
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After making his mark on country music as a band member in Emmylou Harris‘ iconic Hot Band, he paved a path all his own. He’s one of music’s most in-demand songwriters, penning tracks for everyone from Wynonna Judd to Bob Seger. Crowell’s solo work has earned overwhelming critical acclaim, including multiple Grammy Awards.
[RELATED: 8 Songs You Didn’t Know Rodney Crowell Wrote for Other Artists]
From a revealing memoir to a collaboration with a fellow Texas-born talent, here are three Crowell books every music fan should have on their reading list.
1. Chinaberry Sidewalks
If looking for an insightful and revealing look into Crowell’s life, stretching all the way back to his unconventional and often tumultuous childhood, this is the book for you. Published in 2011, Chinaberry Sidewalks is an incredibly written and transportive memoir that provides a richly detailed retelling of his most formative moments.
2. Western Skies
This stunning release from fellow Texas songwriter and artist Darden Smith is a companion piece to his record of the same name. The printed continuation of Western Skies combines lyrics, photos, and a series of captivating essays that emerged from his travels across West Texas. Crowell provided the foreword for this essential read, released in 2022.
3. Word for Word
Another stand out from last year’s crop of published releases, Word for Word is a poetic and insightful deep-dive into some of Crowell’s best lyrical works. A mix of intimate photos and firsthand stories from his genre-spanning career, this self-penned work is an enlightening look between the lines of Crowell’s extensive songbook.
(Photo by Jamie Kelter Davis, Courtesy of New West Records)
