Charley Crockett Gears Up for New Album with Release of Title Track "Lonesome Drifter"
Charley Crockett, a prolific Americana singer-songwriter, has unveiled his latest single, "Lonesome Drifter," which serves as the title track for his upcoming album set to release on March 14, 2025. This album marks a significant milestone in Crockett's career as it represents his official debut with Island Records, signaling a new chapter in his musical journey.
The song "Lonesome Drifter" has deep roots in Crockett's personal history. He began writing it during his days as a busker in New York City subways, where he honed his skills playing electric guitar with an amp strapped to his shoulder. Crockett later refined the song while working on cannabis farms in California, drawing inspiration from his experiences as a drifter and troubadour.
Crockett's path to this point has been anything but conventional. Born in San Benito, Texas, in 1984, he grew up in a trailer park and spent his youth hitchhiking across the country, train hopping, and busking in various cities. These experiences shaped his unique musical style, which blends blues, country, and Americana.
The upcoming "Lonesome Drifter" album was co-produced by Crockett and multi-Grammy Award-winning musician Shooter Jennings. They recorded 12 tracks live at the legendary Sunset Sound studio in Los Angeles over just 10 days, aiming to capture the raw energy of Crockett's performances.
Crockett's prolific output is noteworthy. "Lonesome Drifter" follows his 2024 releases "$10 Cowboy" and its companion album "$10 Cowboy Chapter II: Visions of Dallas". This productivity is characteristic of Crockett, who has released an impressive 14 studio albums since his debut in 2015.
His music often pays homage to his influences, which range from Waylon Jennings and Bill Withers to Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie. Crockett's sound, described as "Gulf & Western," has been praised for its ability to blend vintage elements with contemporary sensibilities.
As Crockett prepares to release "Lonesome Drifter," he continues to garner critical acclaim. He received his first Grammy Award nomination in 2025 for his album "$10 Cowboy", and he's set to headline Rodeo Houston on March 17, 2025, further cementing his status as a rising star in the Americana and country music scenes.
