Jason Isbell

Jason Isbell snuck up to his status as one of the most celebrated American singer-songwriters of his generation. Born in Greenhill, Alabama, in 1979, he came from a musical family with a love of country and gospel. Isbell joined roots-rock cult heroes Drive-By Truckers in 2001, sharing songwriting and vocals with Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley and appearing on the classic albums Southern Rock Opera, The Dirty South and A Blessing and a Curse. He kicked off his solo career with 2007’s Sirens of the Ditch, putting his plaintive country/folk melodies and penetrating, poetic lyrics firmly in the spotlight. It took a while for the public to catch up, but by 2013’s Southeastern, he was racking up awards and widespread praise for his emotionally intense songwriting. Often backed by his band the 400 Unit, Isbell has built a firm reputation as a premier Americana troubadour.