James McMurtry : NPR

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Mountain Stage

James McMurtry On Mountain Stage

May 4, 2018 • Revered songwriter James McMurtry marks his 12th performance on Mountain Stage with his signature brand of astute, observational storytelling.

James McMurtry On Mountain Stage

36:55

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World Cafe

James McMurtry On World Cafe

XPN

June 29, 2015 • McMurtry writes wonderfully detailed narrative songs, making his characters come alive.

James McMurtry On World Cafe

19:53

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Brian Blauser/Mountain Stage

Mountain Stage

James McMurtry On Mountain Stage

January 19, 2015 • Hear a live set by the Texas singer-guitarist, who draws on his family's storytelling tradition.

James McMurtry On Mountain Stage

33:12

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Mountain Stage

James McMurtry On Mountain Stage

January 19, 2010 • The singer-songwriter's latest album, Just Us Kids, ruminates on wartime America, poverty, post-hurricane life and deteriorating relationships. He recently showed up on Mountain Stage (for the eighth time) in top observational form.

James McMurtry in Concert on Mountain Stage - 03/31/2009

29:05

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Road Trip: Songs to Drive By

Songs For Stops Along The Way

XPN

July 29, 2008 • There's no better place to listen to music than in the driver's seat, looking out from behind a Cinemascope windshield. These five songs all feature some variation on driving, reaching a destination and, in some form or another, stopping along the way.

Studio Sessions

Songwriting and Protest with James McMurtry

February 24, 2007 • Singer-songwriter James McMurtry visits NPR's studios to play from his 12-string guitar and discuss politics, family and his latest album Childish Things.

Songwriting and Protest with James McMurtry

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World Cafe

James McMurtry: Harmony and Empathy

XPN

July 31, 2006 • The singer-songwriter has a repertoire that ranges from soft ballads to tough rock songs to political anthems. A remarkable, empathetic songwriter, McMurtry has released seven enormously acclaimed albums in his nearly 20-year career.

James McMurtry: Harmony and Empathy

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Music Interviews

James McMurtry and 'Saint Mary of the Woods'

November 30, 2002 • James McMurtry's sixth album, Saint Mary of the Woods, has a lot in common with his previous work — depressed characters leading sad or lonely lives populate his songs. McMurtry thinks that writing about unhappy people is more interesting, so he's not changing his tune. NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with McMurtry about his career and the song "Choctaw Bingo," off the new album. Saint Mary of the Woods is released by Sugarhill Records. (8:45)

James McMurtry and 'Saint Mary of the Woods'

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Mountain Stage

James McMurtry On Mountain Stage

August 28, 2012 • The Texan brings wry, attention-grabbing storytelling to his ninth appearance on the show.

James McMurtry On Mountain Stage

36:38

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Opinion

Music Interviews

High-Fidelity Memories on Record Store Day

April 19, 2008 • Singer-songwriter James McMurtry remembers browsing, and awkwardly self-promoting, in music shops.

High-Fidelity Memories on Record Store Day

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