Jason Isbell Has Never Been a Fan of Record Contracts | Music History

In our latest installment of Vulture's Music History, singer-songwriter Jason Isbell looks back on his earliest musical influences and some of his most memorable moments as a solo artist, actor and, of course, member of Drive-By Truckers. 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - First guitar and mentor 01:17 - His Grandfather’s Sermons & Musical Roots 01:59 - Obsessed with "Layla" 03:03 - Discovering Robert Johnson (And Censorship) 04:05 - First Albums & Early Influences 04:45 - Writing His First Song 05:43 - Advice on Passion & Career 06:21 - Joining Drive-By Truckers & Record Deals 07:34 - The Wild Bridge Photo Shoot Story 08:34 - First Late-Night TV Experience 09:22 - The Grammys & Meeting Saweetie 10:12 - Memories of John Prine 11:11 - Working with Scorsese, De Niro & DiCaprio

Jason Isbell: The Redemption of a Songwriter
▶︎

Jason Isbell: The Redemption of a Songwriter

Six-time Grammy winner Jason Isbell faces his demons to create music | Overheard with Evan Smith
▶︎

Six-time Grammy winner Jason Isbell faces his demons to create music | Overheard with Evan Smith

Norah Jones Is Playing Along with Jason Isbell (Podcast Season 2 Episode 3)
▶︎

Norah Jones Is Playing Along with Jason Isbell (Podcast Season 2 Episode 3)

The Collection: Jason Isbell
▶︎

The Collection: Jason Isbell

"Hell No, I Ain't Happy" - Drive-By Truckers with Jason Isbell (LIVE on The Late Show)
▶︎

"Hell No, I Ain't Happy" - Drive-By Truckers with Jason Isbell (LIVE on The Late Show)

Jason Isbell Responds to Rumors He Had an Affair
▶︎

Jason Isbell Responds to Rumors He Had an Affair

[Upgrade] - Dave Matthews Driven Documentary - (Biography) - (Early Life) - ( DMB History ) - (2004)
▶︎

[Upgrade] - Dave Matthews Driven Documentary - (Biography) - (Early Life) - ( DMB History ) - (2004)

Q&A with Jason Isbell | Overheard with Evan Smith
▶︎

Q&A with Jason Isbell | Overheard with Evan Smith

Jason Isbell: Tiny Desk Concert
▶︎

Jason Isbell: Tiny Desk Concert

Showroom Sweep: Sadler Vaden of Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit | Chicago Music Exchange
▶︎

Showroom Sweep: Sadler Vaden of Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit | Chicago Music Exchange

Saturday Sessions: Jason Isbell performs “Children of Children”
▶︎

Saturday Sessions: Jason Isbell performs “Children of Children”

Grammy-winning artist Jason Isbell talks about the craft of songwriting and his latest music
▶︎

Grammy-winning artist Jason Isbell talks about the craft of songwriting and his latest music

Ohio with Jason Isbell & David Crosby live at the 2018 Newport Folk Festival
▶︎

Ohio with Jason Isbell & David Crosby live at the 2018 Newport Folk Festival

Six-time Grammy Award-winner Jason Isbell on his new album
▶︎

Six-time Grammy Award-winner Jason Isbell on his new album

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - King of Oklahoma | Live From Austin City Limits TV
▶︎

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - King of Oklahoma | Live From Austin City Limits TV

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - Weathervanes ALBUM REVIEW
▶︎

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - Weathervanes ALBUM REVIEW

Acclaimed songwriter Jason Isbell on what makes a great song
▶︎

Acclaimed songwriter Jason Isbell on what makes a great song

"With a Little Help From My Friends" Joe Cocker Tribute | Rock Hall 2025 Induction
▶︎

"With a Little Help From My Friends" Joe Cocker Tribute | Rock Hall 2025 Induction

Jason Isbell performs “Pancho and Lefty” • for ‘OUTLAWS AND ARMADILLOS’
▶︎

Jason Isbell performs “Pancho and Lefty” • for ‘OUTLAWS AND ARMADILLOS’

Jason Isbell — Live at House of Blues (Full Set)
▶︎

Jason Isbell — Live at House of Blues (Full Set)