Steve Earle is a Grammy-winning songwriter, performer, author, actor, activist, and storyteller whose career has been defined by honesty, grit, and fearless songwriting. Born in Fort Monroe, Virginia, Steve spent most of his childhood in South Texas around San Antonio. After a move to Nashville and years of writing songs for other artists, he released his breakthrough album, Guitar Town, in 1986. With its blend of traditional roots influences and rock-and-roll energy, the record became an instant classic that helped redefine country music for a new era. From there, Steve went on to write and perform songs that have become part of the modern American songbook, celebrated for their vivid characters and masterful storytelling. Now, Steve is celebrating more than five decades as a songwriter with his Fifty-One Years of Songs and Stories tour. Sid talks to Steve about his childhood in South Texas; the tribute album he made for his late son Justin Townes Earle; how he’s shaped his life to better care for his younger son, John Henry, who is autistic; and what it meant to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

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Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living /Chinaza Ajuonuma

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