To Live's to Fly: The Ballad of the Late, Great Townes Van Zandt
by John Kruth
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Book Summary Information
Author: John KruthEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-03-05
ISBN: 0306815532
Number of pages: 344
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Book Reviews of To Live's to Fly: The Ballad of the Late, Great Townes Van Zandt
Book Review: A Fascinating Account
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is a fascinating account of the life of a musician and songwriter whose importance and influence on American music is only beginning to be felt. I was immediately struck by the fluidity and color in Kruth's writing. He has a distinctive voice which, while informal at times, is perfect for a biography of Townes, who never dwelled on formalities. As for chronology, I suspect that many of the people Kruth interviewed could not remember which year certain events occurred, let let alone perfectly accurate details, which aren't necessary anyway. Kruth gives us something far more valuable than a timeline, he provides the reader with a feel for the poetic craziness of Townes' life. He relies on interviews with those who really knew Townes. His friends, family and fellow musicians speak for themselves, the author doesn't get in the way with the arbitrary editorializing and artificial structure that so many more traditional biographers feel obliged to provide. Finally, Kruth avoids the cliche of Townes as just another misunderstood and drug-addicted artist who pleads for our sympathy (a major problem with Margaret Brown's recent documentary). While Townes' problems are evident, so is his wit, intelligence, humor and charisma, all qualities which contributed to his art and were obvious to anyone who ever met the man, even in the last year of his life.
Summary of To Live's to Fly: The Ballad of the Late, Great Townes Van Zandt
At last, the authorized biography of Townes Van Zandt (1944-1997), who wrote such unforgettable songs as “Pancho & Lefty? and “If I Needed You.? Born to a wealthy oil family in Ft. Worth, Texas, hounded by alcoholism and an unshakable depression, Van Zandt pursued a nomadic existence following his muse, whatever the cost to himself, friends, and family. Based on exclusive interviews with everyone who knew Van Zandt, including his best friend Guy Clark and colleagues like Steve Earle and John Prine, To Live?s To Fly is a compelling portrait of a complex, haunted artist.
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