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A Life....Well, Lived
Acclaimed songwriter’s A Life ... Well, Lived traces his remarkable journey from folk gypsy to outlaw country upstart to wizened architect of grit ’n’ groove
Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 20, 2015
If you love music, music history, and music road stories, you will love this book. Ray Wylie Hubbard is a songwriter, a poet, and a mystic all wrapped up in one wonderfully gnarly (his word) package. His memoir is a great read, and is at the same time both laugh-out-loud funny and touching. His wife Judy wrote the afterword, and I sure hope she has time to write her own memoir in the near future! I love everything about this book. Go buy it, and you will too!
September 25, 2019
Having grown up in the Dallas Fort Worth area in the 70's and having had a taste at the time for the wilder side of life, I am very familiar with Ray Wiley Hubbard and the rest of the Texas outlaw country singers who were huge at the time. Started reading the book with admittedly fairly low expectations figuring it would simply be a series of stories illustrating how crazy he used to be. There were some of those, most of them pretty damn funny and many also pretty sad. The second half of the book described the process he went through recovering from those crazy times. Hubbard was never a favorite of mine but he had some songs I liked back then, Snake Farm mostly, among a few others. Reading his book however, gave me a large amount of respect for the man. He never really made it big, but he's still around plugging away and has put out some pretty good albums since he kicked the booze and drugs. I remember hearing Conversation with the Devil for the first time years ago and loving it. Anyway, great read, I finished it in day because everytime I'd set it down to do something productive I'd find myself picking it up again 20 minutes later....
September 21, 2019
A Life.....Worth Reading
I met Ray when we were in the same grade in Rosemont Elementary School in Dallas. Never close friends, but he did turn me on to Mad Magazine, for which I am eternally grateful. In Mrs. Parrs music class Ray was one of two guys who could not carry a tune in a bucket. However,he had this really bent sense of humor that I dug. I have been fortunate to see him perform over many decades and hope to keep it up. This book was a real eye opener for me. It's honesty, transparency, poetry, and above all humour are as good as it gets. Ray is as good of writer as a performer. A wonderful journey of his life 's story, highs, lows, redemption and A Life ...Well Lived. Ray keep making a difference! This review will show up as Lynn Schroeder my wife. I am her husband Pete and my gratitude mostly exceeds my expectations. Read this book! P.S. I really loved the Afterword by Judy U think I am in love.
I met Ray when we were in the same grade in Rosemont Elementary School in Dallas. Never close friends, but he did turn me on to Mad Magazine, for which I am eternally grateful. In Mrs. Parrs music class Ray was one of two guys who could not carry a tune in a bucket. However,he had this really bent sense of humor that I dug. I have been fortunate to see him perform over many decades and hope to keep it up. This book was a real eye opener for me. It's honesty, transparency, poetry, and above all humour are as good as it gets. Ray is as good of writer as a performer. A wonderful journey of his life 's story, highs, lows, redemption and A Life ...Well Lived. Ray keep making a difference! This review will show up as Lynn Schroeder my wife. I am her husband Pete and my gratitude mostly exceeds my expectations. Read this book! P.S. I really loved the Afterword by Judy U think I am in love.
February 22, 2024
I’ve read a lot of musician’s memoirs, and this is one of my favorites! RWH is clever, funny, and brutally honest. He tells a story as well as he writes a song, and that’s saying something… The story of his addiction and his journey to overcome it is inspiring, as is the tale of his late-in-life “success”… Judy’s afterword is the perfect ending to this book… if you love real music, or just real human beings, you need to read this …
June 13, 2017
Excellent
September 5, 2025
I love the format of this book. Throughout the book, not only does Ray Wylie Hubbard tell his life up to the 2010s, but he also intersperses it with various song lyrics and little anecdotes (like one about his appearance on David Letterman's show [which is how I discovered RWH]). These anecdotes and lyrics provide a break from Hubbard's life story while helping maintain the readers' interest.
It also helps that Hubbard seems to be very open and honest about the ups and downs of his life all while maintaining his sense of humor. Equally enjoyable for me, as someone who's lived in the Dallas area and know a bit about Texas, were casual references to the D/FW area. References to Loop 12, the Sportatorium, Channel 11's afternoon movies, Walnut Hill and Marsh Lane, Sons of Herman Hall, Poor David's Pub, are among many things that as a Dallas native I recognized. People outside the area may not know these places, but if you know, you know Dallas. (It was also kinda cool learning Hubbard and I lived in Oak Cliff in the '60s, though we most certainly would never have met.x
A short, simple bio. Definitely worth reading.
It also helps that Hubbard seems to be very open and honest about the ups and downs of his life all while maintaining his sense of humor. Equally enjoyable for me, as someone who's lived in the Dallas area and know a bit about Texas, were casual references to the D/FW area. References to Loop 12, the Sportatorium, Channel 11's afternoon movies, Walnut Hill and Marsh Lane, Sons of Herman Hall, Poor David's Pub, are among many things that as a Dallas native I recognized. People outside the area may not know these places, but if you know, you know Dallas. (It was also kinda cool learning Hubbard and I lived in Oak Cliff in the '60s, though we most certainly would never have met.x
A short, simple bio. Definitely worth reading.
June 11, 2021
Now I have a mission and a small code of honor
To stand and deliver by whatever measures
And the message I give you is by this old poet
He said our fears are like dragons guarding our most precious treasures
I am not looking for loose diamonds
Or pretty girls with crosses around their necks
I don't want four roses and water
I am not looking for God
I just want to see what's next
----------
One of the best books I've read in awhile I discovered thanks to a random song on Spotify...
A blend of autobiography, stream of consciousness recollections, lyrics, humor, and life philosophy--
"a life... well, lived." by Ray Wylie Hubbard (@raywylie) is every bit as colorful and deep as one of his songs.
I highly recommend reading this book and checking out his music. There's a really good concert on YouTube from a few years ago that's worth watching.
To stand and deliver by whatever measures
And the message I give you is by this old poet
He said our fears are like dragons guarding our most precious treasures
I am not looking for loose diamonds
Or pretty girls with crosses around their necks
I don't want four roses and water
I am not looking for God
I just want to see what's next
----------
One of the best books I've read in awhile I discovered thanks to a random song on Spotify...
A blend of autobiography, stream of consciousness recollections, lyrics, humor, and life philosophy--
"a life... well, lived." by Ray Wylie Hubbard (@raywylie) is every bit as colorful and deep as one of his songs.
I highly recommend reading this book and checking out his music. There's a really good concert on YouTube from a few years ago that's worth watching.
July 15, 2017
A Life...Well, Lived by Ray Wylie Hubbard (One Touch Point / Ginny's Printing 2015) (Biography). Here's a quirky autobiography from my favorite Texas storyteller. It's as much an AA recovery manual as a book of musician's tales He's a survivor who married the right woman. He's a friend of Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Gary P. Nunn, Joe Walsh, and Ringo Starr. I'd say his bona fides are in order. My rating: 7/10, finished 7/13/17. I purchased my PB copy of this volume directly from the author's website for $25.00.
June 24, 2019
We love Ray Wylie Hubbard! Just met him at the Hwy 30 Music Festival in Filer, Idaho last week. Great performance. I bought his book and devoured it in a day! This biography gives insight into the life and times of an American folk legend.
November 12, 2023
A very enjoyable biography of a Texas songwriter. Includes lyrics. Strong description of what it takes to get sober and what is can mean for your life. Interesting tidbits about other famous Texas songwriters.
May 29, 2017
What a fun book. It's so Ray Wylie. Funny, honest, kooky, real.
November 25, 2018
This book is just fun. Good sense of humor and good stories
June 29, 2019
Autobiography by one of my favorite singers.
January 27, 2020
Not written like a typical book. Excerpts, songs, & recounted tales...I loved it!
December 11, 2020
As someone who has attended multiple RWH concerts, I already knew he was one hell of a storyteller. This book did not disappoint.
July 14, 2023
The best book I’ve read in years! How exhilarating to read about real life! Great advice! Great story teller! Great writer! Awesome human!
March 29, 2018
RWH it’s a true poet. He writes the truth and unlike many autobiographies, his story straight forward without being self-deprecating. I don’t find many autobiographies that ring true, but this one does. I plan to visit the book many times.
October 5, 2016
If you're a fan of RWH, you'll love this book. If not, you should be.
January 14, 2021
I have been looking forward to this book for awhile and a big thank you to my son for getting it for me.
If you love Ray Wylie Hubbard's music, you're going to love the book because it's written the way he writes his songs. No nonsense words for serious subjects. Deep turns of a phrase to drill home meaning and texture. Intense imagery. And all of it wrapped up it in a great rhythm and a outlaw country blues feel.
Hubbard lived a hard life and he doesn't shy away from the rough spots. He owns his addictions and his overcoming them is a huge part of his story.
The structure of the book like a RWH show.. Some ancidotes, jokes, tall tales, name dropping, some songs, and of course the main story itself. Even Mother Hubbard gets a word in at the end. (then again I think she always has the last word).
A good read for music fans, but to really learn about the man,his life, his trouble and his triumphs, get his music. See him live. That will tell you everything
If you love Ray Wylie Hubbard's music, you're going to love the book because it's written the way he writes his songs. No nonsense words for serious subjects. Deep turns of a phrase to drill home meaning and texture. Intense imagery. And all of it wrapped up it in a great rhythm and a outlaw country blues feel.
Hubbard lived a hard life and he doesn't shy away from the rough spots. He owns his addictions and his overcoming them is a huge part of his story.
The structure of the book like a RWH show.. Some ancidotes, jokes, tall tales, name dropping, some songs, and of course the main story itself. Even Mother Hubbard gets a word in at the end. (then again I think she always has the last word).
A good read for music fans, but to really learn about the man,his life, his trouble and his triumphs, get his music. See him live. That will tell you everything
May 26, 2019
Ray Wylie Hubbard has got to be one of the great second acts
in country music -- maybe for all popular music, an art form that overwhelmingly
favors the energy of the young. He briefly made a name for himself for writing the outlaw
country classic "Up Against The Wall, Redneck Mother,"
though only in the last 25 years has he started refining his distinctive -- and highly-addicting -- country blues swamp shuffle, with each successive album stronger, more defiantly individual than the previous.
His slim yet bountiful 2015 autobiography, "a life... well, lived," shares two secrets that cleared the way for this late-bloomin' success: Sobriety and the E chord without the third.
(full review here)
in country music -- maybe for all popular music, an art form that overwhelmingly
favors the energy of the young. He briefly made a name for himself for writing the outlaw
country classic "Up Against The Wall, Redneck Mother,"
though only in the last 25 years has he started refining his distinctive -- and highly-addicting -- country blues swamp shuffle, with each successive album stronger, more defiantly individual than the previous.
His slim yet bountiful 2015 autobiography, "a life... well, lived," shares two secrets that cleared the way for this late-bloomin' success: Sobriety and the E chord without the third.
(full review here)
June 30, 2021
Now I have a mission and a small code of honor
To stand and deliver by whatever measures
And the message I give you is by this old poet
He said our fears are like dragons guarding our most precious treasures
I am not looking for loose diamonds
Or pretty girls with crosses around their necks
I don't want four roses and water
I am not looking for God
I just want to see what's next
----------
One of the best books I've read in awhile I discovered thanks to a random song on Spotify...
A blend of autobiography, stream of consciousness recollections, lyrics, humor, and life philosophy--
"a life... well, lived." by Ray Wylie Hubbard (@raywylie) is every bit as colorful and deep as one of his songs.
I highly recommend reading this book and checking out his music. There's a really good concert on YouTube from a few years ago that's worth watching.
To stand and deliver by whatever measures
And the message I give you is by this old poet
He said our fears are like dragons guarding our most precious treasures
I am not looking for loose diamonds
Or pretty girls with crosses around their necks
I don't want four roses and water
I am not looking for God
I just want to see what's next
----------
One of the best books I've read in awhile I discovered thanks to a random song on Spotify...
A blend of autobiography, stream of consciousness recollections, lyrics, humor, and life philosophy--
"a life... well, lived." by Ray Wylie Hubbard (@raywylie) is every bit as colorful and deep as one of his songs.
I highly recommend reading this book and checking out his music. There's a really good concert on YouTube from a few years ago that's worth watching.
December 31, 2015
A wonderful book written by one of my favorite songwriters. This book mixes a straightforward autobiography intertwined with song lyrics and Ray's stream of consciousness stories of life on and off the road. Also includes an afterword by his wife Judy who also has plenty of stories to tell. I think she could probably also fill a book with interesting stories and maybe she can write one some day if she has any free time after managing Ray's career.
This is a book with a lot of humor, a lot of wisdom and a lot of heart.
If you ever get the chance to see Ray Wylie Hubbard in concert I suggest you go. He writes great songs and tells great stories about those songs. A talented artist and a great guy. And he can also write a pretty damn good book.
This is a book with a lot of humor, a lot of wisdom and a lot of heart.
If you ever get the chance to see Ray Wylie Hubbard in concert I suggest you go. He writes great songs and tells great stories about those songs. A talented artist and a great guy. And he can also write a pretty damn good book.
April 29, 2019
Ray Wiley Hubbard captures the pitfalls and pleasures of being on the road and in the moment as a musician. If you know the classic outlaw song 'Redneck Mother' then you'll enjoy the story of the man who wrote it. Lot's of stories from the road, the bars and all stops in between.
There are plenty of song lyrics throughout the book that offer insight into the life and loves of the man and his music.
There is also the revelation of a 'lost' chord (the E without the third) that all guitar players will love and a conclusion to the book by lovely wife Judy that perfectly encapsulates their time together.
Redemption and acknowledgement of the intrinsic value of life, love, family, friends and music is what shines through at the end.
There are plenty of song lyrics throughout the book that offer insight into the life and loves of the man and his music.
There is also the revelation of a 'lost' chord (the E without the third) that all guitar players will love and a conclusion to the book by lovely wife Judy that perfectly encapsulates their time together.
Redemption and acknowledgement of the intrinsic value of life, love, family, friends and music is what shines through at the end.
February 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, but then I have be a fan of Ray Wylie Hubbard since the 1970's. The book shows how Ray progressed from his humble roots in Oklahoma to a much loved cult songwriter. He describes his battles with alcohol and cocaine and finding peace through recovery. The book is interspersed with the lyrics to some of his songs and we start to see how we have always had his biography before us if we would just listen.
January 18, 2016
Well, if you're a fan of Texas music and not a fan of Ray's - you should be. And then, if you are a fan of Ray's, I think that you're going to love his book. It reflects his patter and humor on stage. It's also heartfelt as a redemption story, but includes tidbits of his wild and crazy days. In the afterwards, his wife, Judy, writes fondly of his gig at Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble which I was fortunate enough to attend. So many memoirs by musicians disappoint, not this one.
April 28, 2024
A captivating account of RWHs life that provides a glimpse inside the mind of one of the greatest country and folk musicians to ever groove. It starts out wild, fun, unhinged; progresses into a dark, somber picture and subsequent awakening; and ends with some cool wisdom and an incredible afterword by Judy. I already had a deep respect for Rays songwriting but this expanded it further. Ray, you are one COOL dude. Thanks to you and your family for the timeless entertainment and inspiration!
November 10, 2019
So, Mother Blues is indeed a true story! If you love the way Ray writes his lyrics and tells a story in his music, you will love this book! I enjoyed every page and learned so many things about him and his life, that I think we may be old friends now. This was a very enjoyable read, plus, my copy is signed!
April 26, 2020
A Message of Hope & Progress
My brother a fan of Ray Wylie Recommended this book. I am ignorant about music, but I cried and laughed all the way through this book. This book spoke to my soul. I had never heard of Ray, or Judy until my brother, but I feel like they are my family in the Fellowship of The Spirit.
My brother a fan of Ray Wylie Recommended this book. I am ignorant about music, but I cried and laughed all the way through this book. This book spoke to my soul. I had never heard of Ray, or Judy until my brother, but I feel like they are my family in the Fellowship of The Spirit.
February 23, 2025
Fun Book with great stories
A lot of fun to read if you’re a fan of Ray Wylie Hubbard. It’s raw, unpolished and full of great stories.
The only complaint I have is that the kindle version I bought did not work on my kindle but I had to read it in a PDF format on my phone in the kindle app.
Great book either way!
A lot of fun to read if you’re a fan of Ray Wylie Hubbard. It’s raw, unpolished and full of great stories.
The only complaint I have is that the kindle version I bought did not work on my kindle but I had to read it in a PDF format on my phone in the kindle app.
Great book either way!
November 23, 2015
what a great book. lots of interesting stories. highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews