A Deeper Blue: The Life and Music of Townes Van Zandt (North Texas Lives of Musician Series) - Tapa dura

"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"

This is the first serious biography of a man widely considered one of Texas' - and America's - greatest song-writers. 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.""The North Texas Lives of Musicians Series" welcomes manuscripts that combine biographical narrative with rigorous analysis of musical performance or composition. The subjects may be from any era or style, but we prefer contemporary or recent American musicians or groups.