Charley Crockett, born March 24, 1984, in San Benito, Texas, is an acclaimed American blues, country, and American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. His career has seen him release twelve studio albums since 2015, with his work earning significant recognition, including a peak at number 11 on the US Billboard Blues Albums chart with Lil G.L.’s Blue Bonanza and a spot on the US Billboard 200 with The Man from Waco. In September 2023, Crockett received nominations for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year at the Americana Music Honors & Awards.
Raised by a single mother in a trailer park in Los Fresnos, Texas, Crockett’s musical journey began in his teenage years while busking in New Orleans and Dallas. His early influences spanned hip-hop and classic soul, igniting a passion for music that led him to self-teach guitar and songwriting. Crockett’s diverse heritage includes mixed-race roots and Jewish ancestry, and he has claimed descent from the legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett.
In 2015, after years of traveling and honing his craft, he released his debut album, A Stolen Jewel, which earned him the Dallas Observer Music Award for Best Blues Act. His subsequent album, In The Night (2016), showcased his ability to blend original compositions with classic covers, including Freddy Fender’s “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights.”
Crockett continued to build his reputation with Lil G.L.’s Honky Tonk Jubilee (2017), a collection of country covers that highlighted his unique Texan drawl and eclectic style. His 2018 release, Lonesome as a Shadow, featured all original material, including the poignant track “I Wanna Cry,” written in memory of his sister.
Following a health scare that led to open-heart surgery in early 2019, Crockett returned stronger, releasing The Valley later that year. His relentless output included the mixtape Field Recordings, Vol. 1 in 2020, and the critically acclaimed Welcome to Hard Times, which blended country, soul, and blues.
In 2021, he released 10 For Slim: Charley Crockett Sings James Hand, a tribute to the influential Texas musician James Hand. His next album, Music City USA, showcased a more refined sound, leading to Crockett being awarded the “Emerging Artist of the Year” at the Americana Music Honors and Awards.
Crockett continued his prolific streak with Lil’ G.L. Presents: Jukebox Charley in 2022, followed by The Man from Waco, which expanded his audience and broke into the Billboard Top 200. He also released his first concert album, Live From The Ryman, in 2023, showcasing a powerful live performance at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
As a modern troubadour, Charley Crockett’s music draws from a rich tapestry of American roots genres, seamlessly blending blues, soul, and country. His upcoming album, $10 Cowboy, set for release in April 2024, promises to further showcase his evolving artistry and deep connection to the Americana tradition. Through relentless touring and heartfelt songwriting, Crockett continues to carve out a distinctive place in the contemporary music landscape.