Rodney Crowell

The country star returns with a guest-packed new album, and tells us what revived his interest in southern rock.

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Since blazing a country trail through Nashville in the early 70s, firstly as member of Emmylou Harris's Hot Band and then as a revered solo artist, Texan veteran Rodney Crowell has become roots-rock royalty. His fabulous new record Airline Highway, his twentieth studio album, was recorded in Louisiana with a host of young admirers, among them Lukas Nelson, Ashley McBryde, Larkin Poe, Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr and producer Tyler Bryant.

Why did you record Airline Highway in Louisiana?

I've always felt a real connection with the Western Louisiana swamps. When I was growing up on the east side of Houston, we used to drive across the border to hear the Boogie Kings, a bunch of crazy Cajun musicians who played Motown blue-eyed soul. It was funky and down dirty over there. Also, I’ve always had this fascination with humidity and sound.

How did Tyler Bryant shape this album?