The Songwriting Legacy of Todd Snider

In his introduction, author Brian T. Atkinson calls singer-songwriter Todd Snider “a marvel and a mystery” who “creates at any cost.” Snider, originally hailing from the Portland, Oregon, area, arrived in Texas as a teen and was captured by the troubadour life while at a Jerry Jeff Walker show at venerable Gruene Hall in 1986. He honed his craft for the next three years at the feet of legendary muse and mentor Kent Finlay at Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos.

After moving to Nashville—or, more properly, East Nashville—around the turn of the twenty-first century, Snider has garnered a loyal following from regular fans to influential industry leaders like MCA Records executive Tony Brown, iconic producer Don Was, respected artists like Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Jason Isbell, and Hollywood heroes such as the late comedian Richard Lewis and notorious scenester Pamela Des Barres (I’m with the Band). His songs have been recorded and performed by artists as diverse as Garth Brooks, Loretta Lynn, Elvis Costello, and Tom Jones.

Atkinson interviewed Snider, members of his family, and other artists and musicians, to construct a narrative that captures the loopy kineticism of Snider’s career trajectory. He carefully peels back Snider’s barefoot hippie public persona to reveal the soulful poet and writer who “believes everything and nothing at the same time, yet has faith in himself, even when no one else does.”

Atkinson’s latest book adds another layer to his already-impressive oeuvre on influential singer-songwriters by shifting focus onto younger musicians who were creatively formed by “first generation” artists like Townes Van Zandt and Mickey Newbury. East Nashville Skyline: The Songwriting Legacy of Todd Snider provides a pivotal chapter in this evolving story.