The drama teacher that I had in high school, back in Texas, was the only teacher who didn't kick me out of his class. He turned me on to 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan.' I had picked up Dylan with 'Bringing It All Back Home,' and he turned me on to the first couple of albums, which I hadn't heard.
Steve EarleMy politics were really radical when I was younger, and then I moderated like everyone else does when they start having kids.
Steve EarleI have a low tolerance for mediocrity in music and life. I'm into pain and joy and the in-between doesn't interest me.
Steve EarleWhat songwriting does better than almost anything is empathy - it's incredibly empathetic. The reason people sat around in bars when they were bummed out and listened to country songs is because it made them feel better in the long run.
Steve Earle