A Deeper Blue: The Life and Music of Townes Van Zandt

— Vol. 1: of North Texas Lives of Musicians Series

Published: February, 2010  Pages: 320  Features: 20 illus. Notes. Index.

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. more... about A Deeper Blue: The Life and Music of Townes Van Zandt