Charley Crockett a classic in the making

BY LINDSEY WILLIAMS

Charley Crockett, a native of the southernmost tip of Texas, has described himself and his music as idiosyncratic. I’d say so; it took about a decade of honing his "Gulf & Western" sound—a fusion of country, blues, soul, Cajun, and R&B—for his industry and audience to catch up with his retro, easygoing, but contemplative style. Imagine if Waylon Jennings and Buck Owens got teleported with Jimmy Buffett and came out a completely unique entity like Seth Brundle and that fly. His music is characterized by a deep, soulful voice with lyrics that often reflect his personal journey and the richness of American roots music… and it is coming your way in May.

Born of an itinerant lifestyle, Crockett's early years were marked by constant movement, which exposed him to a variety of musical styles and cultures. This melting-pot upbringing is evident in his mosaic sound, blending traditional country with elements of blues and soul, channeling them into an authentic storybook and soundscape. His 15th album, "Lonesome Drifter," marks a significant milestone in his career. In a recent interview, he shared insights into that journey, stating, "Ten years ago, there was no place for me in the broader business. Now, the genre's enormous commercial success has created space for more idiosyncratic artists." (L.A. Times).

Crockett's path has not been without challenges. His early life included mostly street performances and an occasional run-in with the law. One such impromptu performance began when officers stopped him for a window tint violation and smelled weed. A search turned up a guitar in the trunk, so Charley thought it would be a good idea to demonstrate that he was just a humble songwriter on his way to make a record deal in Nashville. But that wasn’t the only intended dealing that night as over 6 pounds of marijuana was pulled from beneath the guitar case. This checkered past, however, resonates with audiences tired of bland rehashed industry pop, and critics have taken note.

Crockett has already made an impact on the country music scene. The Los Angeles Times recently highlighted his emergence as a significant figure, stating, "The prolific singer and songwriter from Texas is about to make his major-label debut—with his 15th album!”

He has spoken of a deepening artistic maturity. Starting with his self-released debut A Stolen Jewel in 2015, Crockett’s early work was characterized by a raw, independent spirit. He then moved to the Son of Davy label, where he released In the Night (2016) and Lonesome as a Shadow (2018). Crockett co-produced his most recent album, Lonesome Drifter on the Thirty Tigers label with Shooter Jennings. Throughout his career, Crockett has shared the stage with and collaborated in the studio with prominent artists like Willie Nelson, Shooter Jennings, and John Prine. The influence of these greats, coupled with a love of Bill Withers and soul artists like him, has resulted in projects that have helped solidify his place in the music world as a true artist, born and reborn on the path he has paved.

Fans in Evansville, Indiana will have the opportunity to experience Crockett's dynamic performance firsthand. He is scheduled to take the stage at the Aiken Theatre in the Old National Events Plaza on May 7, 2025, at 7:30 PM. This concert promises to be as diverse and interesting as the man himself. As one commenter on an NPR Tiny Desk performance observed, “Folks, please go see Charley…he closed the last show by unplugging the guitar and using the cable to lasso the mic stand.” I sense a future classic in the making.

Attention, Star Wars fans! The force is strong in Evansville this May as the legendary Star Wars: A New Hope comes to the big screen at the Victory Theatre for two nights only—May 2 and 3. Whether you’re a lifelong Jedi or a newcomer to the saga, this is your chance to experience the film that started it all, complete with John Williams’ iconic score that still gives fans chills decades later.

A Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away...

If you somehow haven’t seen A New Hope (we won’t judge—much), here’s a quick refresher: The film follows young Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) as he embarks on a journey that will change the galaxy forever. After stumbling upon a distress call hidden in a droid, Luke teams up with the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi