Charley Crockett

If the name sounds familiar, it is. Charley is a distant relative of American folk hero Davy Crockett.

After a DIY-inspired career to date, $10 Cowboy is Charley’s 13th studio record. 2022’s critically acclaimed Man From Waco propelled Crockett to new heights, establishing him as one of the leaders of a sparkling revival of traditional country and folk music. It was recorded at Arlyn Studios in Austin, produced by Crockett and his long-time collaborator Billy Horton.

Crockett wrote freely, over a two-month period, as he wound his way across the United States on the back of a tour bus. The resulting songs—raw, personal, vivid portraits of a country in transition—ended up being connected after all. It was recorded live to tape, with anywhere from 6-12 musicians on each track, giving the songs the feel of a live performance. It’s a sound Crockett has been after for years. “The reason I cut it on tape is, when you get the right folks in the room, great players rise to the occasion. When that red light is on and the tape is rolling, you get the magic of a performance.”