Crowell to open ‘23-‘24 season “Better than Ever”

On Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., two-time Grammy Award-winner Rodney Crowell and his 4-piece band kick off the 2023-2024 Season at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, playing music from his latest album, “The Chicago Sessions.” 

Singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell grew up in the Houston area, steeped in country music. His parents met at a Roy Acuff concert and Crowell was onlytwo years old when his father insisted on taking him to see Hank Williams perform. By age eleven, he was playing in his father’s honky-tonk band. He has been writing and playing music ever since. 

His impact and influence extends beyond country music. Crowell has penned more than fifteen number one hits – including five of his own. His tracks have been recorded by everyone from John Denver and Johnny Cash to Waylon Jennings and Keith Urban.

Rodney has been nominated for 17 Grammy’s in the genres of country, folk, Americana and roots. He has taken home two Grammys for his songs “I’ll Love You Til the Day I Die” and “Old Yellow Moon.”

A member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Crowell was honored with ASCAP’s prestigious Founder’s Award in 2017, and in 2019, he was presented with the Academy of Country Music’s Poet’s Award. In addition to his prolific output as an artist and producer, Crowell also found time to become a celebrated author – publishing a memoir and a lyrical retrospective to widespread praise.

His new release, “The Chicago Sessions,” was produced by Jeff Tweedy. The songs are vital and timely, touching on everything from love and mortality to race and religion. Reportedly, the performances are nothing short of intoxicating – fueled by raw guitars, honky-tonk piano, and tight, punchy drums.

Opening the Nov. 1 concert is native Australian guitarist Jedd Hughes. His easy tenor voice and special brand of roots-anchored rock and roll have made him one of Nashville’s most sought-after players. Hughes has collaborated with artists such as Patty Loveless, Emmylou Harris and Vince Gill, among others. 

Tickets for Rodney Crowell start at $45 for adults and $5 for those 18 and under. They are available for purchase by calling the Webb Center Box Office at 928.684.6624 or by visiting webbcenter.org/. Bar service and Valet Parking are available for this performance. A full list of upcoming events is available at webbcenter.org/