(Book). This book examines the life and music of Steve Earle, one of the most important and controversial singer-songwriters of our time. Through in-depth interviews with family members, producers, musicians, and with Earle himself, this volume traces Steve's journey from southeast Texas to his debut No. 1 country album, Guitar Town and his descent into drug addiction, and on to his triumphant comeback with Train a-Comin' and his subsequent challenging projects with co-producer Ray Kennedy. Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crowell, Peter Rowan, and Norman Blake are among the artists who offer insights into Earle's music.