Minkin's Music: The Case for Steve

By Jay Minkin

One of the best programs out there is the Hardcore Troubadour Radio Show hosted by Steve Earle on SXM channel 60. With the Rock and Roll HOF nominations being announced this month, a case for Steve Earle’s induction is long overdue.

Since the release of Guitar Town in 1986 through to So You Wannabe An Outlaw in 2017, Earle’s music has been relevant, chock full of hits, and, at times, political. Emulating the songwriting of Bruce Springsteen, Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt, songs like “Hillbilly Highway,” “Guitar Town,” “Copperhead Road,” “Telephone Road,” and “Galway Girl” have been etched into jukeboxes and covered by other artists and garage bands.

Some albums like The Mountain (1999), with Earle backed by The Del McCoury Band and dedicated to bluegrass founder Bill Monroe, along with tribute albums, Townes (2009) and Guy (2019), are essential recordings within his catalog. He is an exceptional instrumentalist on guitar, mandolin, harmonica and banjo, in addition to lending his iconic voice to recordings.

His rebellious story can be found in books like Hardcore Troubadour: The Life and Near Death of Steve Earle by Lauren St. John (2003), a great read that you can find for a deuce and change. The man is constantly touring, frequently playing in either Cleveland or Kent, and performing acoustic or electric backed by The Dukes.

My sincere appreciation of Steve Earle has recently been while “taking his class,” listening to the weekly radio show. Earle dons the professor hat while delving into the historical periods of a certain year and the music that defines it. Other shows have been solemn eulogies dedicated to departed artists who left their mark on the music timeline.

So, turn it on, turn it up, listen to the radio and listen to Steve Earle.

Contact Jay at Blues4Bird@aol.com or post on his Minkin’s Music Facebook page.