Review by Booklist Review
Not unlike fellow alt-country inspiration Gram Parsons, Townes Van Zandt was born rich yet became an iconic country singer and countercultural hero. Discovering Leadbelly, Mance Lipscomb, and Lightnin' Hopkins at an early age, he was an ardent Elvis fan and a good Elvis mimic to boot. Recognized reasonably widely as a living legend, albeit more often than not an unknown one, he got fellow alt-country icon Steve Earle's nod as the best songwriter in the world, which sentiment Earle said he'd stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table and say. Van Zandt famously replied, I've met Bob Dylan's bodyguards and if Steve Earle thinks he can stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table, he's sadly mistaken. Self-deprecating, wistful, haunted by a rasher of demons, Van Zandt died young, leaving behind such songs as Willie Nelson's hit Pancho & Lefty and influencing many younger performers. Kruth's enthusiasm for Van Zandt is obvious throughout his detail-laden yet very readable book, which well might revive Van Zandt's memory. --Mike Tribby Copyright 2007 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Finally, the first official biography of singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt (1944-1997) arrives; unfortunately, the life story of this troubled Texas troubadour is nearly as grueling to read as it was for Van Zandt to live. Kruth (Bright Moments: The Life and Legacy of Rahsaan Roland Kirk) deserves credit for interviewing scores of family members, friends and associates, but his efforts are diminished by oddly alternating first- and third-person narratives, awkward transitions and text cluttered with excessive quotes. In addition, many anecdotes and quotes from Van Zandt lack attribution. That said, Kruth (a veteran musician himself) shines when providing perspective on the evolving American folk scene and in dissecting numerous albums (some issued after Van Zandt's New Year's Day death at age 52). To be sure, Van Zandt's outrageous penchant for gambling, alcohol and women, not to mention his irresponsible career management, make him a less-than-sympathetic character; more insight into why--rather than countless tales of how--would have made this bio a more worthwhile read. (Apr.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
Review by Library Journal Review
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.-Jim Collins, Morristown-Morris Twp. P.L., NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
