Kevn Kinney: Songwriting, Sobriety, and 40 Years of Doing It His Way

The Drivin N' Cryin frontman on making the "ultimate" album, learning to listen, and why punk rockers are the real hippies Rhett catches up with Kevn Kinney — frontman of Atlanta roots-rock institution Drivin N' Cryin — one day after his 65th birthday and on the eve of a new album. Recorded while Rhett's own band, Old 97's, is deep in sessions at Sonic Ranch in El Paso, the conversation is a warm, wide-ranging exchange between two lifers. Kevn talks about the new record (produced by former bandmate Sadler Vaden, with Peter Buck on guitars), why he's likely done making full albums after this one, five years of sobriety, and the philosophy that has kept him performing with genuine joy for four decades. Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer is Kirsten Cluthe, Studio Kairos. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Watch the podcast on Spotify, and listen wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, Lucinda Williams, Stewart Copeland, Jennifer Egan, Nick Hornby, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.