Grammy Award-winning performer whose hit album Guitar Town of 1986 kicked off a diverse and storied career.
He won a school talent competition for playing guitar when he was 13. He idolized Townes Van Zandt and left home to follow him around on tour when he was 14. He wouldn't actually meet Van Zandt until years later.
He was a political Activist against capital punishment.
His sister Stacey Earle became a respected musician and Songwriter. He was married seven times to six wives, marrying one of them twice.
His songs were covered by many other artists, including Johnny Cash.
