Steve Earle

== Steve Earle ==

Steve Earle is an American rock, country, and folk singer-songwriter, record producer, author, and actor. He was born on January 17, 1955, in Fort Monroe, Virginia, and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Earle is known for his diverse musical style, which blends elements of rock, country, and folk music.

Early Life

Steve Earle grew up in a musical family and was influenced by the music of Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. He dropped out of school at the age of 16 and moved to Houston, Texas, where he began performing in local clubs.

Music Career

Earle's music career began in the 1970s when he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue songwriting. He worked as a staff songwriter for a publishing company and played bass guitar in Guy Clark's band.

Breakthrough

Earle's breakthrough came with the release of his 1986 album Guitar Town, which was a critical and commercial success. The album's title track became a hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

Subsequent Albums

Following Guitar Town, Earle released several successful albums, including Exit 0 (1987), Copperhead Road (1988), and The Hard Way (1990). Copperhead Road is particularly notable for its title track, which became a crossover hit on rock radio.

Personal Life

Steve Earle has been married seven times and has three children, including Justin Townes Earle, who was also a musician. Earle has been open about his struggles with addiction and has been sober since the mid-1990s.

Acting and Writing

In addition to his music career, Earle has acted in several television shows and films, including The Wire and Treme. He has also written a novel, I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive, and a collection of short stories.

Activism

Earle is known for his political activism and has been involved in various causes, including opposition to the death penalty and support for environmental issues. His music often reflects his political views.

Related Pages

• Townes Van Zandt
• Guy Clark
• Copperhead Road
• The Wire