11 Facts About James McMurtry

James McMurtry began performing in his teens, writing bits and pieces.

James McMurtry started performing his own songs at a downtown beer garden while studying English and Spanish at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

In 1987, a friend in San Antonio suggested McMurtry enter the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk songwriter contest; he became one of six winners that year.

James McMurtry appeared on the soundtrack of the film Falling from Grace, working with Mellencamp, John Prine, Joe Ely and Dwight Yoakam in a "supergroup" called Buzzin' Cousins.

James McMurtry released follow-up albums Candyland and Where'd You Hide the Body.

In 2005, James McMurtry released his first studio album in three years.

James McMurtry released his follow-up album to Childish Things in April 2008.

Cold and Bitter Tears: The Songs of Ted Hawkins, released in late 2015 on Austin-based Eight 30 Records, includes James McMurtry's take on the late busker's song "Big Things".

James McMurtry contributed his rendition of Adam Carroll's "Screen Door" to Highway Prayer: A Tribute to Adam Carroll as well as "Grandpa's Promise" to the satirical album Floater: A Tribute to the Tributes to Gary Floater.

Also in 2018 James McMurtry performed at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival.

McMurtry's son, Curtis, is a singer-songwriter and has performed with his father, as well as filling in for his father's Tuesday night solo residency at The Continental Club when James is on tour.