James McMurtry Quotes
James McMurtry is an American singer-songwriter and author from Texas. He is best known for his vivid and often humorous storytelling style, which has earned him numerous awards and accolades. His most notable works include the albums Childish Things (2005) and Complicated Game (2015), as well as th…Read More
James McMurtry is an American singer-songwriter and author from Texas. He is best known for his vivid and often humorous storytelling style, which has earned him numerous awards and accolades. His most notable works include the albums Childish Things (2005) and Complicated Game (2015), as well as the novels The Last Kind Words Saloon (2014) and The Desert and the Plains (2016). McMurtry has also been recognized for his activism, having been awarded the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.Read Less
James McMurtry is an American singer-songwriter and author from Texas. He is best known for his vivid and often humorous storytelling style, which has earned him numerous awards and accolades. His most notable works include the albums Childish Things (2005) and Complicated Game (2015), as well as the novels The Last Kind Words Saloon (2014) and The Desert and the Plains (2016). McMurtry has also been recognized for his activism, having been awarded the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
James McMurtry Career Highlights
- McMurtry’s career took off in 1989 when he released his debut album, “Too Long in the Wasteland,” which received critical acclaim and established him as a promising new artist.
- In 1992, he released his second album, “Candyland,” which featured the hit single “Where’d You Hide the Body.” The album was a commercial success and solidified McMurtry’s place in the music industry.
- McMurtry’s third album, “It Had to Happen,” was released in 1997 and received widespread praise for its raw and honest lyrics. The album also featured the popular song “Levelland,” which has been covered by numerous artists.
- In 2005, McMurtry released his most successful album to date, “Childish Things,” which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album. The album also featured the song “We Can’t Make It Here,” which became an anthem for the working class and was named the best song of the decade by The Nation magazine.
- McMurtry’s 2008 album, “Just Us Kids,” received critical acclaim and was named the best album of the year by several music publications. The album showcased McMurtry’s storytelling abilities and cemented his reputation as one of the best songwriters of his generation.
- In 2015, McMurtry released “Complicated Game,” which was praised for its diverse range of songs and earned him another Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album.
Key Contributions by James McMurtry
- McMurtry’s music is known for its vivid storytelling and social commentary, often addressing issues such as poverty, politics, and the struggles of the working class.
- He has a unique ability to capture the essence of the American landscape and its people in his songs, making him a true Americana artist.
- McMurtry’s lyrics are often compared to those of his father, Larry McMurtry, as they both have a talent for painting a picture with words and creating complex characters.
- He has collaborated with many renowned artists, including John Mellencamp, Steve Earle, and Jason Isbell, and has toured with the likes of Bob Dylan and John Prine.
What Sets James McMurtry Apart
- McMurtry’s music is often described as “literary” due to his use of vivid imagery and storytelling techniques. This sets him apart from other artists in the Americana genre and has earned him a loyal fan base.
- He is known for his powerful live performances, often playing for hours without a break and captivating audiences with his raw and emotional delivery.
- McMurtry’s music has been featured in several films and TV shows, including “Friday Night Lights” and “The Good Wife,” exposing his music to a wider audience.
Takeaways
- James McMurtry is a highly talented and respected singer-songwriter who has made significant contributions to the Americana genre.
- His music is characterized by its powerful storytelling and social commentary, making him a unique and influential artist.
- McMurtry’s ability to capture the essence of the American landscape and its people in his songs sets him apart from other artists and has earned him a dedicated fan base.
- With over 30 years in the music industry and numerous critically acclaimed albums, James McMurtry continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of Americana music.
Other People
Singer-songwriter
1985
Singer-songwriter
· USA
1982
Singer-songwriter
· USA
1979
Singer-songwriter
· England
1988
