From the Publisher
At last, the authorized biography of Townes Van Zandt (1944-1997), who wrote such unforgettable songs as “Pancho & Lefty” and “If I Needed You.” Born to a wealthy oil family in Ft. Worth, Texas, hounded by alcoholism and an unshakable depression, Van Zandt pursued a nomadic existence following his muse, whatever the cost to himself, friends, and family. Based on exclusive interviews with everyone who knew Van Zandt, including his best friend Guy Clark and colleagues like Steve Earle and John Prine, To Live’s To Fly is a compelling portrait of a complex, haunted artist.
San Francisco Gate
Kruth is at his best in retelling the story of Van Zandt's final days and hours...Commendable.
Country Standard Time
Excellent...In-depth...Provides an understanding of [Van Zandt] through both his actions and his songs.
No Depression
Kruth has written a fine book, a thorough book, rich with vivid truths.
The Bookseller
This is the first significant biography.
Chart
His meticulously researched book adds to the myth surrounding the musician.
Jim Collins
-
Library Journal
Musician and author Kruth (Bright Moments: The Life and Legacy of Rashaan Roland Kirk) has written the first biography of legendary Texas singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt (1944-97). In his struggle for recognition among a wider public, Van Zandt wrestled for years with depression and alcoholism while writing songs--e.g., "Pancho and Lefty" and "Be Here To Love Me"--that today are revered by the elite of Texas and Nashville songwriters as well as by a cult group of fans. Through access to Van Zandt's friends, family members, and fellow musicians, Kruth provides an intimate and unflinching look at the singer's life, and many of these remembrances are presented as direct, first-person testimonies. Kruth also utilizes other writings, journalistic accounts, and old interviews with the artist as well as his own detailed examinations of the songs and their lyrics. His book will give both longtime fans and those new to Van Zandt's work a dramatic portrait of an American artist. Recommended.
loading...