James McMurtry

James McMurtry, born on March 18, 1962, in Fort Worth, Texas, is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He began his musical journey at a young age, receiving his first guitar from his father, novelist Larry McMurtry, and learning to play under the guidance of his mother, an English professor. McMurtry's early performances included gigs at a downtown beer garden in Tucson while studying at the University of Arizona. His breakthrough came in 1987 when he won the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk songwriter contest. This led to a demo tape being sent to John Mellencamp, who co-produced McMurtry's debut album Too Long in the Wasteland (1989). McMurtry released several albums throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, including Candyland (1992), "Where'd You Hide the Body" (1995), and Saint Mary of the Woods (2002). His album Childish Things (2005) received high critical praise, winning song and album of the year at the 5th Annual Americana Music Awards. Notable songs from his discography include "Choctaw Bingo" and "We Can't Make It Here". McMurtry continued to release albums such as Complicated Game (2015) and The Horses and the Hounds (2021), both of which received critical acclaim. He has also contributed to various tribute albums, including Cold and Bitter Tears: The Songs of Ted Hawkins. McMurtry's music often addresses political themes, reflecting his working-class roots.

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