A Deeper Blue: The Life and Music of Townes Van Zandt (North Texas Lives of Musician Series)
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.82 (933 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 157441285X |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 320 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2014-07-11 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Like Jimmie Rodgers, Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson, and Hank Williams, Townes Van Zandt was the embodiment of that mythic American figure, the troubled troubadour. 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.”. 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. This is the first serious biography of a man widely considered one of Texas’—and America’s—greatest songwriters
A poignant, clear and vivid portrait." -- Kirkus ReviewsHardy's book carefully documents many of the facets of this gem of a life. He became the patron saint of many a Texas songwriter in his day and will continue to inspire for generations to come. "A Deeper Blue gives fascinating insight into what inspired this sweetsinging, tortured genius and what inevitably brought him down. Save a tear for Townes. A Deeper Blue demonstrates why Van Zandt has become Texas' version of Mozart, Van Gogh, and Hank Williams all rolled up into one brilliant and beautiful burrito." -- Kinky Friedman"Honest, unbiased look at the troubled career and existence of one of America's greatest songwriters. You'll need it." -- Joe Ely"Hardy delineates the musician's chaotic life in honest, often dramatic de
Tremendous This is an excellent biography. Townes' story is assuredly a sad one but he left a legacy of unparalleled songs. I actually put off finishing the book for almost a month just because I didn't want to read the endI already knew what happened but it didn't make reading a detailed account of his last days any easier.I've also read the other biography out there, To Live's To Fly, and there's simply no comparison. TLTF was largely anecdotal and the author broke a key rule of biography writing by attempting to project his own importance into the story; Hardy has simply done an exh. "A deeper blue" according to Kevin Petersen. This was an excellent book. Exactly what I was looking for in wanting to know more about townes van zandt, his life, what made him tick. It was meticulously researched and it comes thorugh in the writing. There is plenty of insight and anecdotes. I'd elaborate, but instead I'll just say read it if you're interested.I do have one major gripe with the author. After establishing from the beginning of the book that Townes wanted the meaning of his songs to be interpreted by the listener, that they could mean different things to different people (which is what good poetry should . The Definitive Townes Van Zandt Waterburym If you're looking for the most complete look at the life and music of one of America's greatest songwriters, this is the place. Hardy has obviously done an exhaustive amount of research and interviews with the people who knew and loved Van Zandt throughout his entire life, and Hardy uses this wealth of information to tell the complete story of this troubled troubadour.From Van Zandt's childhood through his flirtation with family life to his increasing struggles with his own "angels and demons," Hardy has created an unbiased look at the factors that influenced Van Zandt's lif
Hardy has played guitar in rock & roll, rhythm & blues, and honky-tonk bands in the Washington, DC, area. ROBERT EARL HARDY has been a professional writer for twenty-five years, with articles on twentieth century American music and the arts published in newspapers, journals, and magazines, most recently in The Oxford American. He lives in Laurel, Maryland.. Also a musician, since the 1970s, Mr