Townes Van Zandt
Townes Van Zandt (John Townes Van Zandt, 1944-1997) was a country-folk singer-songwriter and poet and is considered by many to have been one of the best singer-songwriters ever. His songs have been covered by many famous artists, including Willy Nelson and Merle Haggard, Norah Jones, Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Nanci Griffith, Steve Earle, Gillian Welch, Cowboy Junkies, John Prine, Guy Clark, and Wrecks Bell, among others. Although he never attained great fame with the general public, he is regarded with high esteem in the music industry and with songwriters in particular, and his lyrics continue to inspire many songwriters today, especially in the Texas music scheme. His song lyrics are often bittersweet and filled with crushing despair, although he did write two beautiful gospel songs, Two Hands and When He offers His hand. A documentary by director Margaret Brown about Townes' life titled "Be Here to Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt" was released in 2006. John Kruth wrote a Townes biography, "To Live's to Fly - The Ballad of the Late, Great Townes Van Zandt. Upon his death, artists Steve Earl, and Diane Craig both wrote a tribute song to Townes. Steve Earl stated that "Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world, and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that." Forty albums were released (some posthumously) in Townes' name and his songs are referenced in lyric writing classes.
Biography
Born the third great-grandson of Isaac Van Zandt, a prominent figure of the Republic of Texas, Townes was groomed for political office. He was known for both his intellect and his athletic prowess. After being diagnosed as a manic-depressive, he was subjected to insulin shock therapy which removed most of his memories. This caused a marked change in Townes' personality, leading him to be more reclusive and drop all athletic endeavors. His interests in singer-songwriters lead him to drop out college and abandon politics. He fathered three children, JT, Bill and Katie Belle with Jeanene Van Zandt. Although Jeanene and Townes divorced years before his death, they remained close friends.
Lawsuit over Royalty Payments
Townes, and later his Estate, elegedly had many problems receiving royalty payments or even a basic accounting of his album sales. In 2005, Jeanene and the Estate of Townes Van Zandt filed a lawsuit in NY District Court against Kevin Eggers, EGGE Co., TOMATO records and others for lack of royalty payments and other infringements pertaining to Townes' music and film footage.
Songs of Townes Van Zandt Covered by Other Artists
| Artist | Song Titles |
|---|---|
| Willy Nelson & Merle Haggard | Pancho and Lefty |
| Norah Jones | Be Here to Love Me |
| EmmyLou Harris | If I Needed You |
| Lyle Lovett | Flyin' Shoes, Be Here to Love Me |
| Guy Clark | Don't You Take It Too Bad |
| Nanci Griffith | Tecumseh Valley |
The Old Quarter (Houston)
The original Old Quarter in Houston was a regular stomping ground for Townes. It was here that Townes met many of his lifelong friends, including Rex Bell, Mickey White, Lightnin' Hoppins, Richard Dobson, Blaze Foley and others.
Annual Townes Van Zandt Wake
An annual Townes Van Zandt wake is held every year on the evening of January 1rst at the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, in Galveston Texas, as a musical tribute to Townes' songs. Musicians from Texas, the US and Europe congregate for an evening of Townes' music, played by amateurs and professional musicians alike. Rex Bell, the proprietor, always sings the first and last songs of the evening. Traditionally, photo albums and a bottle of vodka, Townes' favorite drink, are set before the stage for all to share.
The Hemmer Ridge Mountain Boys
The Hemmer Ridge Mountain Boys served as Townes' backup band for many years and consisted of Rex ("Wrecks") Bell, the namesake of "Rex's Blues", on bass guitar, Mickey White on lead guitar and Mike Edwards on drums. Mickey went on to become a teacher in the Round Rock (TX) area while Rex became a solo artist with several albums to his credit. Rex and J.T. Van Zandt, Townes' son, recorded a live album together titled "Live at the Old Quarter Accoustic Cafe". Rex Bell also played bass for Lucinda Williams and Lightnin' Hopkins, a friend and influence of Townes.