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

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Isbell sits down with CBS News anchor John Dickerson to discuss inspiration, gratitude and the craft of songwriting. Isbell talks about his latest music and performs an acoustic version of "Cast Iron Skillet."

[@jdavidsavage]

That was hands down the best interview of a musician/songwriter/artist I’ve ever seen. John is obviously a fan, a student of Jason’s work, but he really did his homework and was insightful with his questions. Hats off.

[@sotampacane]

If you love this one, and it is really good, check out the MSNBC hour he did with Ari Melber (Mavericks)

[@jdavidsavage]

@@sotampacane That’s a good interview as well, but it’s more “slick”, I prefer the warmer approach, seems more genuine.

[@kristinemunholland8980]

Agreed. I almost didn't watch figuring there's nothing new I'd get from another Isbell interview, but this was lovely.

[@lilmcgill2618]

Funny, my take was just the opposite. It felt like a big fan trying to wanting to impress an idol. Sometimes it felt like he was leading and looking for an answer. I prefer when there is more natural chemistry and the interviewer can bounce off the answers for the next question.

[@daedalusjones4228]

Kudos to John Dickerson. Dickerson says to Isbell "There's a line in the song where you say -- I'm sorry; where the NARRATOR says -- " Dickerson is the ONLY interviewer (or person, at all) who I have heard (rightfully) correct himself in this way.

[@strychen]

I've been a fan of Isbell since he was in the Drive-by Truckers. He is easily one of the most underrated artists out there today.

[@dfareyes87]

And for selfish reasons, I’d like for him to stay underrated like that. Still seeing him live in 2,000-3,500 capacity venues for the last decade has been amazing. Now he’s going on a stadium tour opening for zach bryan in front of 72,000 ppl who are likely only even at the show for tiktok content or ig likes.

[@strychen]

@@dfareyes87 for those amongst them who would lend an ear, Jason will be a treat if they don't already know him.

[@dfareyes87]

@@strychen very true. But there also happens to be another stadium country act who hit it big using a cover of one of Jason’s most intimate and heartfelt songs. I think he won a TV talent show as well. I would imagine there would be some fan overlap in those stadium act circles.

[@tompatchak8706]

@@dfareyes87I’ve seen JI with DBT a bunch, then solo BEFORE southeastern. Those tickets were affordable. Now I can’t seen his show without selling a kidney.

[@BlakeBurton-wy5zh]

@@tompatchak8706 I’m fortunate enough to be born and live in Nashville where Jason does his 8 day residency every year at the Mother Church. This year I got two tickets (good seats) for $46 a piece. It’s the Ticketmaster fees that get you. I blame it on corporate greed. I feel like he tries to make his shows as affordable as possible. I think $46 a pop to see Jason and the 400 Unit at the best venue in Nashville, arguably one of the best venues in the world, is a steal. Don’t know what his prices are like in other cites though.

[@tedperry7085]

I'm a hug fan of John Dickerson so I'd probably watch him interview a mime but I'm an insanely huge fan of Jason Isbell so to listen to these two talk music, politics and life was a treat. Between Dickerson and Anthony Mason, CBS really knows how to cover good musicians.

[@joshmcdevitt137]

He is literally one of the greatest song writers ever

[@lnhislmage]

If you like one or two chord songs. Personally I’d call him a good lyricist. Maybe even an excellent lyricist and artist because his delivery is really great but take the lyrics out listen to the music, the song and he’s no Elton John. I use Elton because he doesn’t write lyrics. But he writes songs.

[@lnhislmage]

No. Literally really?😱. How underrated is he ?

[@marquettegloves9907]

Guys like Townes, Kristofferson and Dylan are the A list for me. I'd say Jason Isbell is in the B+ group. I would actually put Justin Townes Earle in the B+ group too. In my opinion he wrote better overall songs than Isbell, but Isbell has the more advanced lyrics. This was a great interview.

[@DrakkarNoir86]

@@lnhislmagelol, okay

[@alansorrells5090]

what an insightful interview from John Dickerson. His questions evolved into more of a dialogue as his introspection seemed to affirm that he is a genuine listener of Jason's music. Also, his reaction when Jason played "Cast Iron Skillet" represented, I would think, the reaction any fan of authentic, honest songwriting would have. thanks for this.

[@JS-nf1sn]

He is the world's best song writer, hands down. His songs are like movies in your head.

[@dalailalai6335]

Absolutely. So well said. I truly go places when I listen.

[@marientwistle2797]

Beautifully said!

[@davidburne9477]

Wow, that hour passed quickly! Isbell is, by my reckoning, the finest songwriter of his era. Who else writes such achingly beautiful songs of love and tragedy? I’ve been lucky enough to see him and the 400 Unit in a small Australian Festival (Silver Raven, in the Barossa Valley wine region) and I have the set list to prove it (April 2, 2016). It was a privilege. Eileen Jewell was on the bill as well, so quite a fine night of Americana. Thanks for the interview.

[@Cuemom]

What a wonderful interview. Nice to hear some questions that haven’t been asked by others. And love hearing interviewer who is clearly a big fan himself.

[@the1stime]

There’s only a few interviews where the interviewer is moved emotionally. You can feel John’s admiration and that makes all the difference.

[@ozgirl913]

I wholeheartedly agree. His interview is truly heartfelt, respectful, and full of his own deep vulnerability, not afraid to let his own true emotions be felt and seen by the captive audience of his interview. I came away from their interaction almost tearful. This was not a man with a written script or list of questions that would cause one to feel this was just another cold meeting for the sake of landing another banal interview under his belt. I sincerely feel both Jason and John walked away from this experience deeply affected and knowing that THIS interview was raw, sincere, and felt that the viewers had a deeper understanding of the process of what makes a REAL story come to life. The first KZbin video of Jason I saw was a beautiful acoustic interpretation of Wet Willie’s iconic hit Keep On Smilin’. Worth watching ❤

[@celticfrostherbs]

What an amazing interview with one of my favorite singer, songwriters. Very moving

[@markrationalthinker]

This interview has such a great message that I think a lot of people today don't really consider: It's ok to bored and by yourself. You need those quiet spaces to really get your head clear and just practice your craft. There's a reason why this guy is one of the best guitar players and song writers around today.

[@hamburgerdan101]

Been doing this a lot recently i feel ive improved levels of musicianship in a short time i hope to keep this going

[@johnsierramusic]

I really love the authenticity, curiosity, thoughtfulness, that John interviewed Jason with. I’d love to see him interviewing more, Americana, folk artists.

[@cianelliott2947]

Simply incredible. Great questions, great explanations. Everyone who made an effort to get this to such a high standard should be very proud. Isbell is the Springsteen of this era.

[@elmoblatch9787]

Only discovering Isbell this year and I'm shocked at what I have missed. I'm blown away by his lyrics. I thought he was "just a country singer" but he really spans Americana and rock. He is no hick. I saw that he has a college degree in English and he knows what he is doing.

[@mikelawler7089]

He got his degree this year after stopping oh so close to it back then

[@DS-nw4eq]

You’re really judgemental. That’s dangerous to society.

[@dalailalai6335]

The best part about becoming a new fan of his work is that there’s a pretty big back catalogue. So much to enjoy.

[@tompatchak8706]

Start with his DBT stuff and go into his earlier work. You can’t see where a man is going until your seen where he’s been.

[@Amethys12]

Welcome !! Happy you found him!

[@Cookie-ri9pz]

He is incredible song writer with a incredible voice. ❤️ & ✌️ to Jason and his family.

[@arbiehill68]

What a complicated well spoken guy. I am glad he looks so healthy. Just watched his performance on ACL and was blown away. He is an amazing talent, only getting better. Add to that managing a band full of incredibly talented people, he seems to have it all, including a hugely talented wife and his daughter. His rig rundown interviews are great too. Guy loves his guitars. His story of the '59 LP is awesome.

[@finnfan33]

Love Jason Isbell, thank you for the interview!

[@AHamSandwich516]

What songs did he write??

[@Caperhere]

@@AHamSandwich516Are you being serious? Isbell writes his own songs . I have 6 albums worth, and he’s written more than that. His songs, a lot of them, require a little thinking time before you completely understand them. He’s a very good songsmith. He’s travelled a long distance in his personal life, and has written about where he is at any given time. Cover Me Up, God Damn Lonely Love, Yvette, Elephant, Alabama Pines are some good ones to start with.

[@kimhoitomt8527]

@A ham sandwich516 If we were vampires

[@dr.jerilynvogelsang3922]

Fabulous! As a singer/songwriter, I enjoyed every word and every note!

[@jaygallamore562]

Great interview! I’ve only recently started seriously listening to Jason Isbell. It is safe to say no one else’s songs move me as deeply as his do.

[@dgayle17]

"It's not his descriptions, it's the song writer's." I love it hahaha. This was a great interview, thanks John Dickerson

[@Cuemom]

His burns are sick and fast. 👏

[@tiboregoldberger6817]

Great guy love the music beautiful people beautiful people love love love love love love love love love love love 0:12

[@zaneshredz]

the more i listen to JI the more I realize he is the greatest songwriter since bob dylan and he is a national treasure

[@kylematthiesen4816]

Jason was fantastic in KOTFM. He deserves continued acting opportunities

[@MatthewRMacKinnon]

John gets it. What a fantastic interview, thanks John

[@chainscdmc]

What shame he lives in fear everyday going around people and will pass that fear onto his daughter.

[@scottlocke7945]

And that is how an interview should be conducted. Bravo!

[@grantgarland883]

John's one of the last true "journalist" associated with MSM. He's obviously a huge fan boy of Isbell as am I. Really nice long form journalism is so important - as is Jason's music/lyrics

[@StephenEvansmusic]

Jason is an inspiration to me and so many other songwriters out there. Many of them are already famous too. Great interview, John!

[@GBinAustin]

What a terrific interview. Provocative and respectful in the same questions. Takes us from Isbells front porch to his back porch a good bit. Thank you, John and Jason.

[@EZGrace]

Jason Isbell and his writings are great, hands down. But John Dickerson may have conducted the best interview with some of the most relevant questions I’ve ever heard. Questions and approach was so spot on! Wow!

[@amandakaye]

When you get specific, the tiny little weird stuff that’s how people relate to your work.

[@lacyjc2183]

So glad to be on the Jason Isbel side of country music.

[@druwk]

Johnny Cash’s, Rick Rubin recording CASH, was the straw, the support that got me through the door 26 years ago. Was a pleasure to hear this interview. Will have to get familiar with his music?

[@benjammin7729]

Start with the Southeastern album and go forward.

[@alienzardsketter.9076]

I enjoy being alone ,, People are distracting I like to study them ,, but dont like to get all caught up with someone ,,,, I Love my wife and what Little family I have left ,,and I Love art music and a good nights sleep.

[@JohnMartin-cd1qm]

I'm sure if someone's watching this, they're already a fan. For anyone that stumbled upon it and unfamiliar with his work, very few artists have the ability to move people to tears because they relate to a dark event he is able to paint a picture of. For me, he is absolutely one of them. In my book The Greatest songwriter certainly of my generation, up there for all time.

[@Amethys12]

He is a beautiful, intelligent human being with a wonderful talent for songwriting. It makes my heart so happy listening to his catalog.

[@hovelbunker713]

What a thoughtful fellow.

[@TjBruce817]

I'm glad this was a 40 min interview. He is cerebral and honest and his work really reflects that. Can't get enough of this guy's music and my fear of what some in country music would like to see it become subsides, he makes me think country music is going to be ok.

[@TjBruce817]

I love he rips that 59 Les Paul and doesn't put it in a vault to just gain value. 🤟

[@tompatchak8706]

He was on the Daily Show a few years ago. I could watch he and Trevor Noah discuss anything

[@EmilyFShockley]

He has a gift for writing songs that speak to so many people, in so many situations, and a gamut of emotions for each individual. I love hearing him talk about the process. I don't know if I'll ever see a better songwriter in my lifetime.

[@richardpenhardt6100]

insightful understanding of someone you respect ... no crap but honest bounty. thank you both

[@bryanshirley3264]

Great Interview! Wow an Interviewer who not trying to one up an artist with all his knowledge.

[@col2281]

I thought his performance as Bill Smith, in Scorsese‘s movie was great

[@Caperhere]

Haven’t seen it yet. Waiting for it to stream.

[@mikelawler7089]

Amazing interview from both participants. Jason lover & John fan before. Bigger in each case after, wow. Amazing insights

[@brianwood7237]

Jason is one of my favorite modern artists I've got to start watching the regular news I guess?

[@Caperhere]

No,lol, there are lots of interesting JI interviews on KZbin. He plays Bill Smith in Killers Of The Flower Moon.

[@kristinemunholland8980]

OMG, I'm only a few minutes in and I already LOVE that he said "I'm a RECOVERED alcoholic"! I hate when people constantly describe themselves degradingly as a disordered label despite the fact they have succeeded in transforming themselves. Way to go, Jason. One more reason to love your work.....also, my Dad saw the film and said you were quite good in it, so there's that - hanging with DiCaprio and DeNiro takes cojones.

[@nonameronin1]

That kind of stuff comes from AA and other 12 step programs. If you go to AA meetings you're expected to always think of yourself as an alcoholic, no matter how long it's been since your last drink. Thinking that way works for some people but also underlines that AA is just one approach to sober living.

[@kindking8009]

Great interview. Great questions, even greater answers. It's obvious John Dickerson is a real fan, especially when Jason plays at the end. You can tell he had butterflies, getting to sit right next to him and listen to him play. I could never interview someone I'm a fan of. I'd be far too starstruck and self conscious. I just saw Jason play in Chicago a few days ago and he and his band were fantastic! He's looking more fit, healthy and happy than I've ever seen him. I hate to hear that he and Amanda are getting divorced, but he seems to be in a good place, with his star on the rise, so I'm happy for him.

[@createone100]

Love, love, love Jason Isbell. What a great songwriter and singer. I was lucky enough to see him in person on stage at Winnipeg Folk Festival about five years . Terrific interview! ❤❤

[@garygilbert2168]

Somebodys lost their way in country and somebodys jealous….

[@BallparkGuide]

Outstanding! Sincere kudos to both men.

[@richardmoreland671]

Thank you. I’ve been a fan of Jason for some time and you shone a light on him as he deserves.

[@klgood1]

Phenomenal interview. John really asked some great questions.

[@jacobvieira1338]

It's not just that isbell is an amazing songwriter but he's a guitarists guitarist, a true working band musician that's put in the years. He's solid all the way around

[@chrisharper835]

Bravo John Dickerson! An absolutely amazing discussion! Two intellectuals at the top of their game!

[@debiv7834]

Great interview! Enjoyed your questions and point of view! A different interview prospective than I have seen. Deep and thoughtful. Thank you! We have been huge fans of Jason for a long time❤! Great new album!

[@TheManOnTheRail]

Omitted from RS top 250.

[@jthompson133]

Best interview I’ve ever seen about music and Howard stern is the king of talking to great musicians. Isbell is a national treasure and the interviewer was a fan, prepared, and kept up. That song at the end brought me to tears.

[@94cruicky]

Thanks for this! Love Jason ❤️

[@ozgirl913]

I feel a deep connection with Jason on many levels - we both share sobriety - what he says about having regrets, yet realizing after a period of sobriety he realizes how those years of self-destructive behavior made him who he is today. I always try to remember my drinking and drugging days were necessary for me to become the person I was always intended to be. His lyrics take me back to a lifetime of visiting my aunt and her family in his hometown of Greenhill, Alabama and truly understanding the core values that little town taught me. It’s also surreal that he’s friends with my dear friend Jimmy Hall and seeing their mutual respect for each other’s musicianship and as people in general. I know this is a long commentary but this guy just speaks from his experiences and his heart and weaves stories as he says can ask, how does he know me so deeply?

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

As a music fan, it's always nice to "discover" an artist early in their career. I was lucky enough to catch Jason with Drive By Truckers, and even luckier to see him play shows in many bar sized venues. I grew up in NJ and always dreamed what it would have been able to see Springsteen before his success. I feel like Jason Isbell is my Bruce Springsteen. Certainly the most talented artist I was lucky enough to see in the smallest venues. He deserves all of his success.

[@mitchweber2423]

I love how Dickerson sits there and just soaks in Jason singing to him.

[@MattGodfrey]

Jason is obviously one of the best, but hats off to John for asking such specific and insightful questions here. That was a GREAT interview.

[@grahamjhalpin6152]

ALOT, and I mean ALOT of Journalists could learn from John Dickerson. A Brilliant interview.

[@johngurthet8952]

I was at one of the Ryman shows he did last month and about half way through he told the audience the rest of the show would be sad songs. I thought it was kinda funny because I feel all of his songs are sad songs.

[@dylanbrown3840]

Incredible artist without a doubt. But questionable character

[@carljohnson2700]

Best Songwriter out there right now

[@marksellers2499]

Very impressed with john Dickersons apparent level of study of Isbels music, smart relevant questions. You could tell isbel appreciated it

[@cdbrown30]

If you haven’t watched Killers of the Flower Moon, Jason is actually in it! Great movie

[@mariadam9157]

- he's a really good advocate for songwriters - bless you

[@We_are_the_light]

Jason is a beautiful human and a juggernaut song writrr

[@xunderoathx73]

This is an incredible interview, amazing

[@paulfischer288]

In case you missed it--in the new Scorsese movie Jason has several scenes, and he even has a big scene going one on one with Leo!

[@CANNIMAGINE]

Great interview of a really interesting musician who has become one of my favorite songwriters.

[@juanportley2816]

Hey John - nice to see a journalist focus on the content of creation and the source of honesty - you asked questions that delved into the depth of meaning - congrats - great interview!

[@juneesser5153]

With Petty gone, thank God for Isbell. A true songwriter. Same club as Lucinda Williams

[@kevinjenner9502]

I admire his guitar collection, worth millions upon millions.

[@kristinemunholland8980]

is it really?

[@marientwistle2797]

Watching this interview after reading that Jason and Amanda are getting divorced really hurts my heart. You could see their struggles on their Running With our Eyes Closed documentary but I prayed they’d make it through but apparently the divide was too wide for them to cross. Like a lot of other people, I discovered Jason with his Southeastern album and to me he’s the greatest songwriter I’ve ever heard. I listened to Reunions and Weathervane after reading about the divorce and there’s so much more meaning to the songs now. Some actually made me cry knowing what I know now. I pray they can both find peace without each other. At least I know they’ll do everything in their power to give their daughter Mercy all the love they can to help her get through it. 🙏🏻

[@natet5959]

I love Isabell's honesty and he's not a bad songwriter either. Great interview!

[@Zavijava1]

Thanks for this, Jason really matters...

[@fleadoggreen9062]

I like my songs better 😊

[@coryander4918]

They need to do this with Cory Branan, if youre not familiar with him, you best check him out

[@bag4700]

saw Cory Branan when he opened for American Aquarium, such a great artist.

[@bobbyarchi]

Simply put, nice job gentlemen.

[@davewiseman2739]

It doesn’t get better than this. Thank you

[@tonysakalousky3631]

great interview , I still think Jason is wrong about try that in a small town, I know 2 wrongs dont make a right but the song is about if you protest and assault police dont expect to escape without things being done to you

[@dalailalai6335]

Maybe it is about what you say but I would wager fans of that song believe January 6th defendants are wrongfully accused or political prisoners.

[@lizderrough3312]

Unless it’s us capitol police, right?

[@jackhays1194]

He is a woke condescending cancel culture leftist. And a great musical talent

[@jesseluciano3183]

Such a humble person!

[@michaelsongs]

Loved this so much @jasonisbellmusic is amazing! Grateful for his honesty, vulnerability & perspective… in songwriting, performing & life! 🎶❤️🎶

[@ReneeHennessy]

Excellent interview.

[@WhyTheHorseface]

Excellent interview.

[@gbarge4]

Very moving. For everyone.

[@juicefcmartinez4152]

I'm not crying.

[@deewaunder722]

Jason’s ability to write such evocative lyrics is unparalleled. Wrapping those lyrics around the music is something he does with sublime perfection, and his unique cadence and tone… I hope to see him live one day.

[@huckberry17]

Flagship by Jason was my wife and I's wedding song. Beautiful songwriter.

[@seanbford]

It was revealing when Isbell said he takes his political stances as a way for him to justify his success.

[@johndeere8594]

He feels guilty because he’s a white man and he’s successful.I think that’s silly because it’s 2023.

[@notabot3375]

Guilt. Ugh.

[@mikeallen3666]

You and I heard it differently: I heard a man say if he wasn't honest and open about his political stances he couldn't enjoy the fruits of his success.

[@banksofchaos93]

He never said that.

[@stevebenoit5295]

One cannot talk about songwriting. It's all a mystery.

[@matthewrider5906]

Ego... Hehehe. Brian Wilson's 'I Know There's an Answer' from Pet Sounds... It was originally called 'Hang On to Your Ego.' Very good tune. Ole Isbell, I'd like to hear what he thinks abt ole Noel Gallagher. Be very interested to hear him speak on Gallagher. Yeah.

[@JohnNick72]

Great conversation with an extraordinarily talented man - Thanks!

[@ryangunwitch-black]

5:47 “…and lots of lights. We need lots of light bulbs on set.” Sorry, but we don’t have it in the budget. How ‘bout PICTURES of lights?

[@docgify]

Im greatful if my work makes you happy,and im greatful for that ,yeah i get paid but im completely greatful if that helps you come to a happy place,my friend ,our lives are fleeting our paths crossed ,we shared sone songs,but will our paths cross again,i dont know jason,all the best….keeping riding…..

[@Michael777Simmons]

One of the most brilliant sall riders ever. Hope he comes back to our side because the side of cool is no side at all. Hell they eat their young over there. Come right songs for us, Jason. We need to change this world back to good.

[@Bo-hb3eo]

This was a great interview! I thought Jason seemed very comfortable, honest and open. He seemed to enjoy it. I’ve got my tickets for a show in March. Can’t wait!