Red Dirt: Roots Music Born in Oklahoma, Raised in Texas, At Home Anywhere

by Josh Crutchmer

Red Dirt tells the story of a roots music scene that grabbed a foothold in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and spread across the country. The scene took roots in the late 1970s as an outlet for college-town hippies. The scene gave rise to Garth Brooks, who credits it with helping his early rise to prominence. Later, The Great Divide, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Boland and the Stragglers and Stoney LaRue rose from the scene to become regional stars, including a major record deal for The Divide and Ragweed. They were followed by the Turnpike Troubadours, who carried the scene to its highest heights in the late 2010s. Using exclusive interviews and unprecedented access to the artists themselves, Red Dirt tells their story. The book also explains how key relationships with non-Red Dirt artists like Reckless Kelly, Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen helped Red Dirt gain acceptance and then immense popularity across Texas, which claims a burgeoning original-music scene of its own.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, History

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2020

About the author

Josh Crutchmer is the planning editor at The New York Times. Mr. Crutchmer is responsible for the organization of the daily newspaper as well as the look of the final edition of the Times' Sunday front page - and he gets the occasional byline. Prior to joining The Times, he was the assistant managing editor of The Plain Dealer in Cleveland where, among other high-profile events, he oversaw coverage and production of the annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions. Previously, he has worked at The Chicago Tribune, The Buffalo News, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the Omaha World-Herald, The Arizona Republic and The Oklahoman. During the process of writing Red Dirt in 2020, Turnpike Troubadours front man Evan Felker told Crutchmer of his desire to return to performing and of finding sobriety since Turnpike's 2019 hiatus. Felker's interview was excerpted by Rolling Stone, causing a firestorm among Turnpike fans and leading to a series of articles Mr. Crutchmer wrote about the band, including their 2021 announcement of a return to the road and 2022 comeback concert at Cains' Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has a long history in music journalism, even prior to writing Red Dirt. He was tapped to write obituaries for Merle Haggard and George Jones for The Plain Dealer and Nashville City Paper, respectively. He covered the rise to prominence of Cross Canadian Ragweed for The Oklahoman and the band's final show in 2010 for an entertainment arm of The Chicago Tribune. More recently, he covered the final live performance of Robert Earl Keen for Rolling Stone and has been the primary journalist chronicling the announcement that Reckless Kelly intends to retire from touring in 2025.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband wrote this book so of course I think it is very good and you should read it, but I think I would have liked it anyway. :)

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I didn't know I needed

I grew up in Michigan and moved to Texas 7 years ago, alone, to build a new life for myself. Red Dirt music is what made me feel at home here. I was nervous when I picked up this book that it wouldn't do justice to how I feel when I hear this music, but Crutchmer does an amazing job underscoring exactly how music can build a home for people.

[Samuel Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never wanted to say F it and follow around Red dirt bands more so than the moment.

[Crosby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crutchmer is very obviously a fan of that Oklahoma-derived form of music called Red Dirt. In fact, his fandom is perhaps a weakness of his book. He finds almost nothing to be critical of and excessively name drops as many people as he can think of that had anything to do with the music placing a special emphasis on Cody Canada and Cross Canadian Ragweed. This approach will certainly please those included in the book plus their friends, family and fans. However, it will do little to pique the interests of readers who might have a passing curiosity of this form of music. Nevertheless, one thing Crutchmer does very well is emphasize how Red Dirt artists practice the art of giving forward. They know their success was built on the inspiration and encouragement of those that went before and they do the same for the next generation. He also does a great job of establishing Stillwater, Oklahoma as ground zero for the beginnings of the Red Dirt phenomenon. From a personal standpoint (& as an OSU alumnus) I particularly enjoyed his descriptions of Garth Brooks, OSU's Homecoming, remembrance of OSU press & athletes killed in a plane crash, Eskimo Joe's, Turnpike Troubadors, that Stillwater has two Braum's, Jimmy LaFave, Steve Ripley, the Church Studio, Willie's on the strip, etc. In other words, anyone familiar with the place or the music will enjoy the book. Crutchmer's writing is easy to follow, not over analytic, somewhat repetitive, not afraid to admit he is an over the top fan and all inclusive of things Red Dirt. I especially liked that he too liked the Stephen King quote cited by Turnpike lead singer: "Life isn't a support system for art. It's the other way around."

[Amber Reneé · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible Story!

I have told so many people over the years that someone should write a book about this and I am so glad you did! I thoroughly enjoyed it! It connected so many dots and filled in just as many blanks in topics I have wondered about for years! It was also crazy to me that I have been in this music family this entire time as well and still learned a lot! From one Front Row Junkie to another, Thank you!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart needed this book in the middle of a pandemic. What's funny is that I went to many of the same shows and festivals as this author so I've probably see him! Very cool that he's stayed true to his roots of red dirt music, even while living in the U.S., most recently NYC. I remember watching the Old 97s one night in a suburb of DC, surrounded by hipsters in skinny jeans drinking craft beer, and thought, "even these people know good music when they hear it."

The last time I saw the Turnpike Troubadours was March of 2019 at the Bluebird in Bloomington, Indiana. That was the third time I saw them at that venue, but I've watched them in Iowa, Key West, St. Louis, Indy, Ohio, Tulsa, and who knows where else. They are my most watched band ever, even though Cody Canada is probably sneaking up to the top spot now. Turnpike started this music rabbit hole for me, all because of Matt Carpenter using "Long Hot Summer Day" as his walkup song for the Cardinals (maybe back in 2014? or early 2015?). I was at a ballgame, googled the song, downloaded it, and then saw a few weeks later that the band was nearby. Went to a show, and, damn, I was hooked. Now I travel all over the United States to watch shows under the umbrella of red dirt, Americana, and alt-country. During the pandemic I traveled to Texas to see Mike & the Moonpies and William Clark Green (I may retire in the San Antonio area just for the music!). Over the holiday break I went to the Mercury Lounge in Tulsa to hear Kaitlin Butts. In a few weeks I'm going to Kentucky to see Courtney Patton and Jason Eady and a good friend from Nashville is driving up for the show, too. My last non-social distanced show was in Feb. 2020 during Mardi Gras weekend when I saw Koe Wetzel in St. Louis. That was difficult to do because Cody Canada was playing down the road a few blocks, but I had already seen him twice that winter.

These are my bands and Josh Crutchmer gets it, too. I love how the artists are real and support each other, and tour like crazy because they'd rather earn money playing their own music than give Nashville recording peeps the right to use snap clips instead of drums. Because of this book, I feel like my red dirt knowledge is more complete now. I remember thinking Mike McClure was a goofball when he opened for a band I really wanted to see and he stood in the middle of the crowd high as a kite smiling at the band. Now I know it's because he freaking produced the music. He was watching a band he believed in play his songs. Ugh, I should have thanked him. Another faux pas is that I think I napped during The Great Divide in Key West during the Mile 0 Fest and now I know I should have been there listening and learning. Thanks to this book, now I know!

While reading this book, I starred venues in Oklahoma and Texas, so a red dirt bar crawl is in my future someday. Life goals, folks. Some of my happiest moments in my life come from the goosebumps that I get when I'm feet from my favorite artists at shows, one hand raised in respect and my eyes closed with a smile on my face. Music makes me happy--at church, in the car, on my record player, and especially live. I can't play music worth a lick, but I sure appreciate those who can carry a tune, play like fire, and write songs that make me feel. :) Red dirt does just that.

[Idgie Threagoode · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOTE: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have set down to write this review a few times these past few days. Trying to think about what to say, and the truth is, there’s almost too much to say.

I fell in love with Red Dirt the minute I heard 7&7 come on 96.5 KECO when I was around thirteen. Thar moment has stuck with me, even as I near the age of twenty four. I can honestly say, there has been nothing more influential to me as a person -and as a writer- than Red Dirt Music.

I am almost jealous about how good this book is. I had dreamed about writing this kind of thing one day. But here it is, and I will gladly admit it is probably better than I could’ve done.

From its humble beginnings in Oklahoma, to being the starting point for Nashville stars, Red Dirt music has a deep and complex history. And it’s all in this book. I learned things I couldn’t have otherwise.

This is the book Nashville doesn’t deserve to read. Honest to God stories of musicians climbing to the top without Jason Aldean’s bro-Country rap or the stain of Sam Hunt’s douchbaggary.

Do you love Red Dirt? Are interested in music history and underground music? Are you a musician wanting to learn about your roots? Pick up this book. Even if you skip around, you will find something to reel you in.

Informative, interesting and heartbreaking all at once, this novel deserves to be on the shelves of music history classes throughout the US.

And the best added bonus? It brought Evan Felker out of the woodworks. My God, if I wasn’t loving this book before I sure as hell am now.

A solid 4/5 from me.

Long live Red Dirt music.

[Nick Kempski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big reader, not a big reviewer, but I feel compelled to write a review for this book. To be fair, I love Red Dirt music. I was fortunate enough to see it explode at Joe's Bar in Chicago. Reading this book brought back so many memories. I found myself revisiting videos, albums, and pictures with each chapter I read. Ragweed's last show is my favorite concert memory, and this book further solidifies their importance in the landscape. The family aspect of this music is something I have seen first hand. It was great to have that reassured from an Okie. Each time Josh told a story about a band, I was saying, "Yeah, I remember hanging out with Ragweed in that green room up the stairs at Joe's. Those guys treated me like family, and they had no idea who the hell I was!" The same can be said about Reckless Kelly, Micky and the Motorcars, the list goes on. They were always welcoming and up for a beer after a show. That was the fun part about reading this book. The memories.

The educational part came with all the stuff about the founding fathers. Skinner, Childers, LaFave. Then onto the Rangers and the Divide. These are artists that I had not given enough time to. I am now. I don't know if Josh Crutchmer will ever read this, but if you do, thank you. I'm a kid from Chicago who grew up on Steve Earle and heard Ragweed on CMT in high school. After that, I was hooked. Great book. Highly recommend.

[Russ Cutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a big fan of Red Dirt and Texas country music for more than a decade. I have had the privilege of seeing many of the bands described in the book live (some of them a lot of times). The author does a wonderful job of describing the origin of this type of music and how it has grown into a regional and then national scene over the years. He mixes facts about the bands with stories from people who were there and personal anecdotes that bring real feeling to the book. I highly recommend reading “Red Dirt” if you have any interest in the scene or are looking to explore some new music. I also highly recommend reading it slowly and listening to the artist’s music as you go through each chapter. It adds a lot to the book, even if you have heard the songs before.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY! My 2 favorite art forms…Red Dirt Music & writing…have collided! The importance of this book on so many levels is difficult to articulate. As someone who lives where Red Dirt shows are rare to nonexistent I appreciated it even more. Red Dirt music is a huge piece of why I’ve been able to survive living with chronic illnesses for the last 32 of my 42 years! As a wannabe writer, I’d have to say if I could have any human’s job I would want Josh’s!!! This whole book was f’ing fantastic!Thank you Josh for giving me this gift!!! If you ever need an assistant call me!!!

[Alex Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never been to Oklahoma and have a fraught relationship with Texas. But having enjoyed the music they call red dirt (even before I knew it was called that), for quite some time now, I throughly enjoyed this book. It’s entertaining, free-wheeling and personal. And I got to know some more music I hadn’t heard before.

[Tristan McGonigal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good history book for a crash course on Red Dirt music. It sets the stage for a genre that has really taken off and made an impact on modern country music and beyond. It does a good job highlighting the pioneers and keeps the focus on those small handful of musicians.

[Kimberly Woodring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every person going to The Boys From Oklahoma concert needs to read this before entering the stadium. This is book is everything I’ve always wanted to know about my favorite artists. I loved geeking out about this and can’t wait to share the book with others. Thank you!

[Matt Beaty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories and a good overview of the different acts coming out of Stillwater and Austin and in between. I miss live music.

[James Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well written history of the red dirt music scene. Anyone who has listened to the music will learn something new and find an enjoyable story from this book.

[Steve S · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are at all in Red Dirt and/or Texas music, this is a must read. Made me want to go back in time and experience the early movement. Not sure the star button is working, five stars.

[Sheldon Birnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaned a lot, discovered some great new tunes, too!

[Jentry Overton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a little bias toward red dirt music already but this book made me fall more in love with it. So thankful I grew up on it and that I get to continue loving it.

[J3rry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disjointed but good overview of Red Dirt

The author states that he wanted each chapter to stand on its own. While most do, some a lot better than others, it stills leaves a disjointed narrative with much repitition about the basic facts of some of the musicians in each piece. The writing is pretty good and you have someone who really loves his subject and treats it that way. The best parts are his recollections of his and the first big acts of Red Dirt (Ragweed, Boland, Larue) in and around Stillwater, you really feel like your having a beer with them and reliving the "glory days" they didn't know were happening right in front of them.
Overall 4 stars for solid writing and a great topic, better editing would have made it 5 stars easy.

[Cami · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who grew up on “CCR” playing consistently in my hometown of San Angelo at the RiverStage I enjoyed this book. And the many trips to Oklahoma I took with my daddy as he was an OSU graduate, Stillwater/Tulsa/Tahlequah have special places in my heart as well. While I didn’t know a ton of the older references it was fun to learn about them and how they influenced (and continue to influence) my loves of red dirt - particularly Turnpike and Parker McCollum. Now if only I can get my husband to take me to Mile 0 Fest!!