Steve Earle

Over the past three decades, Steve Earle has established himself as a kind of rootsy Renaissance man: The Texas-bred songwriter is also a political activist, radio host, rocker, actor, and playwright. Early on he was a bandleader equally smitten with bouncy twang and brawny thud. These days he’s known as the smart dude with the big heart, writing a heap of provocative political tunes that stand up for the little guy. After overcoming a heroin addiction that derailed his career in the 1990s, he’s become a widely respect, highly dependable workhorse.