The Bottom Line
Pros
- Comprehensive history of the "outlaw" Texas music movement.
- Detailed biography of Steve Earle, from his birth to his recent marriage to Allison Moorer.
- Extensive footnotes and bibliography.
Cons
- Takes a number of historical detours. While VERY interesting, do alter the focus of the book
Description
- Comprehensive biography includes footnotes and extensive index.
- Includes discography and the original art (in B&W) for Earle's albums.
- An insightful look into the mind and passions of a truly amazing singer-songwriter.
Guide Review - Fearless Heart, Outlaw Poet - David McGee
Steve Earle has always fascinated me. Although his music was rarely (if ever) played on Phoenix radio, whenever I did hear a track, I was instantly mesmerized by it. He wasn't an artist I could put on in the background and just hear; I always had to stop and LISTEN. I'm going to go out on a limb and say I agree with many, if not all, of Earle's left-leaning stances; I applaud his victory over drugs (he reminds me of my brother, who didn't win that particular battle), I admire his intellect, his chutzpah, and his honesty.David McGee gets into the mind of Steve Earle, as well as into the history of the "outlaw" music movement, which actually started with Michael Martin Murphy more so than Willie and Waylon. Earle came up the ranks through that, writing songs and derailing himself with his own passion and driving ambitions, before finally laying down 1986's "Guitar Town." From there, he's been on a roller coaster. He may not produce hits; but what he does give is solid, meaningful music.
And then he grabbed the nation by the balls when he dared to get into the mind of John Walker Lindh and see things from his POV; it earned him enmity from the right, but produced his first major hit since the 80's. In his life, Earle has married seven times, released 16 albums, written countless songs, and through it all dealt with the ups and downs of drug abuse, excess, and the trials many highly intelligent people face. This book tells us about it all, as honestly as Steve himself.