Rodney Crowell, a key figure in country's new traditionalist movement, emerged from the Texas singer/songwriter community with a blend of country roots and rock & roll edge. His early career saw success as a songwriter and sideman for Emmylou Harris & the Hot Band, before achieving commercial breakthrough with 1988's Diamonds & Dirt. Crowell's music evolved into more personal territory with albums like 1992's Life Is Messy and 2001's The Houston Kid, garnering critical acclaim and fan support through independent releases like 2014's Tarpaper Sky, 2021's Triage, and 2023's The Chicago Sessions.

Born in Houston in 1950, Rodney Crowell's musical journey began with forming bands in high school and relocating to Nashville in 1972. His songwriting career flourished with hits for artists like Crystal Gayle and Bob Seger, while his own success peaked with the chart-topping Diamonds & Dirt in 1988. Crowell's prolific output continued with albums like Fate's Right Hand and collaborations with artists such as Mary Karr. Recent releases like 2018's Acoustic Classics and 2021's Triage showcase his enduring artistry and introspective songwriting, leading to 2023's The Chicago Sessions produced by Jeff Tweedy.