Sturgill Simpson’s Unlikely Journey: From Sailor to Superstar

[@mikebennett1461]

I laid in bed in the dark with headphones on for passage du desir and I connected to it. I laughed, I cried, I felt. Anyone who can put me through that many emotions in one album is a legend to me. Sturgill is indeed a legend. I'm seeing him in concert next month and I am stoked. Good video as always man. Looking forward to a Sierra Ferrell or Charley Crockett soon. They both have lived interesting lives.

[@cooperjarosz]

Just saw him in Pittsburgh, you’re in for a hell of a show. Sounded better live than on studio recordings

[@naughtmeenaym869]

I like the vibe of your comment. In some ways, I'm a music snob but in others, I am very open minded. My favorite artists run the gamut of Hendrix, Beastie Boys, Waylon Jennings, Led Zeppelin, Eminem, and Sturgill. My family has a history in music as amateurs but history none the less. If a song or artist doesn't make me feel a true emotion (other than anger), I discard them. Sturgill's music has always incited an emotional experience. That means his music is to be treasured.

[@bigwheelstuntshow1707]

I just saw him last Friday night at the Gorge in George, Washington... He played for 3 hours and Rocked the crowd, went Down Home, and brought tears to eyes several times. One of the best shows I've ever seen. ~Justin

[@stubbbbbs]

Was a great show!

[@thewesternside]

That sounds like an amazing experience

[@justismenzel8136]

I was there too!!! Absolutely insane performance

[@booburner2088]

Me too. I scored one of the set list from Friday too.

[@rhiannonblue5988]

Was there also. The show was amazing.

[@THATMOFODIRT]

Don’t sleep on “Call to Arms” and “Fastest Horse in Town” is the greatest ending to an album I’ve ever heard.

[@thewesternside]

Yes!! Call to arms has some crazy playing on it

[@RailroadOfSin]

Fastest Horse is absolutely my favorite.

[@VerMirror]

You are 100% correct on fastest horse in town. If you’ve see. The Netflix music video it goes even harder, if you can believe that. God I love it.

[@RailroadOfSin]

@@VerMirror best part of the movie!

[@RailroadOfSin]

@@VerMirror totally nailed it.

[@rhiannonblue5988]

Sturgill is so much bigger than any specific genre. I haven't cared this much about an artist in a very long time. He's intelligent and extremely talented. He talks about his struggles w mental health and the bittersweet aspects of life. He does what he wants and doesn't do what's expected of him while keeping it fresh. Hes fiercely protective of his art and his personal life. He's towing a line of success without the complete trappings of celebrity. Sturgill must be protected at all costs.

[@thewesternside]

Very well put and said 👌🏼

[@paulacopley4270]

@@rhiannonblue5988 that part.🙌🏻

[@wubbster3716]

Sturgills personality and his attitude towards the industry makes his music even more enjoyable then it already is. Great video!

[@thewesternside]

Haha yes!! Thank you for watching

[@22MatRat]

I have friends that have never heard of him ask what genre he is…umm…he has no genre…he does whatever he pleases, and it’s almost always top shelf quality!! 😎

[@thewesternside]

Hahaha thats so dang true

[@AmyCarver-rb6lt]

His concert is on my bucket list. He’s incredible! He’s unique! He’s special! Love his music, all of it but the last one is my favorite! He’s a chocolate milk and eggo’s kinda dad and I’m glad to see that side of him. Mint tea is also a great song to sit with a glass of wine and watch a sunset . He is so authentic!

[@elliotpecora737]

Great video. Love the new Johnny Blue Skies album. Best album I’ve heard this year with One For The Road being the best song of the year. Seeing him 9/28. Can’t wait!

[@thewesternside]

Thank you! Throughout that whole album the guitar just cries 🔥🔥

[@robertz2001]

That show last night was fantastic!

[@elliotpecora737]

@@robertz2001 hell yeah it was everything!

[@johnsudar5567]

I think "One For the Road" is fantastic too. And when he sings in "Jupiter's Faerie" "There's no happy endings only stories that stop before they're through" I get choked up -- every time.

[@elliotpecora737]

@@johnsudar5567 oh yah man and then the chorus takes off again. Whew good shit!!

[@scottparkhurst5101]

I found him with Hightop when it came out. Was swearing he saved Country. Then the others were killer. It took me 3 wuears before I listened to Fury. I needed to be in the right time for it. Johnny Blue Skies is beautiful...what a great sound. A guy that can do all of that, is a once in a lifetime artist. I don't think he would agree with the praise, but that is for the fans to decide. Keep working Johnny!

[@thewesternside]

Definitely a once in a lifetime artist 👍🏼

[@RailroadOfSin]

Sound & Fury was introduced to me after my mom John Prine had written a song for some dude and I should check it out. Changed my life. Best album ever. Sturgill's music absolutely brought me out of a almost 3 year depression and now his music is just...the absolute best.

[@FlashLight2317]

Breakers Roar from Cuttin Grass has been my #1. I don’t know what it is, but I can close my eyes and listen to that song for hours.

[@jamesmurray3373]

sound and fury is a very under appreciated album. have been a huge fan since at least metamodern!

[@thewesternside]

I know I need to do more listening as well

[@flockodonkeys]

I was fortunate enough to witness Stu's creation of Sunday Valley. The band really inspired me and they really charged a great scene in Kentucky that included many great acts such as My Morning Jacket and Wax Fang. By chance I ran into him out in the middle of nowhere South Carolina last year after a surgery my wife had. He was gracious and concerned and we chatted longer than we probably should have. He explained at the time he felt his time was better spent with his boys than touring. It was a great moment and further solidified my respect for Sturgill. Ever since the first night I met him at an open mic in Lexington I knew he had the magic. He hasn't disappointed me yet.

[@stevedills4271]

He's his own genre..and a GenX like myself, Appalachian born and as a kid being exposed to bluegrass, REAL country, southern rock...80s pop, (even 80s pop required musical talent compared to today) blues, R&B music from a music loving family, I can honestly say I relate to and like Sturgill and Tyler Childers more than i have any other artist in DDCADES...and I've been Stevie Ray Vaughn, Clapton, AC/DC, Hank Jr, Waylon, Willie and all their boys...Guns N Rose's Appetite for Destruction held #1 of my favorite albums until Sturgill last 5....seeing him next month! Can't wait JBS!

[@thewesternside]

Thanks for sharing all of that, Tyler Childers and Charley Crockett were the ones that actually pulled me back into the genre, soon after I got into Sturgill and haven't looked back!

[@johnsudar5567]

I'm a "boomer" (I guess that's the term), and my dad was a huge fan of the old timers (Waylon, Willie, Merle, George Jones & Tammy), so I grew up with that music. Then took an off-ramp (Bowie, Pink Floyd, Allman Brothers, the Pogues), and now I'm back and have added the new guys - especially Sturgill - to the lineup of old outlaws, and boy-howdy, it's great to be back.

[@inmcity]

I agree completely. I grew up exposed to so many different types of music that I’ve never had a favorite genre. If I had a lick of talent, I’d have tried to do what Sturgill does.

[@BoldBuccleuch]

I saw him last night, three hour show with no opening act. Absolutely amazing jam session for three hours. He played (nearly) every song I wanted to hear and his band is freaking incredible. I don’t think Sturgill is going to be a touring musician much longer…you should do everything in your power to go and see him live while you still can. The man is a musical genius and a national treasure.

[@sammitchell6769]

This is so well done! Thank you so much for telling Sturgill’s story in a respectful/beautiful way!

[@stoneyblues]

Great content. I think Johnny Blue Skies will be the new moniker. He was joking during one concert and Said its supposed to be Johnny and the Blues Guys. But I'd also heard the bartender story as well. Sturgill is never going to be predictable and that's absolutely part of his charm. His songwriting is lyrically as deep as Dylan and the songs he chooses to cover are always well done. This new album has been on repeat since its release. I'm learning these new songs on guitar and cant wait to play out on them.

[@jaredpike1680]

Amazing video as always. I would love to see another video on Charlie Crockett. 10$ cowboy and Visions of Dallas were both amazing projects but I would love to see a deep dive into in the night

[@thewesternside]

That would be awesome. It would be amazing to be able to get the artists on and do an interview with them and incorporate it in the narrative. One day! 🙌🏼

[@therealjoshgifford]

@@thewesternsideI get the impression (from his instagram posts) that he *might* be open to that. He seems pretty accessible and open to chances to control his own narrative.

[@sunglowginger766]

My husband’s college best friend introduced me to Sturgill back in 2015, and I was mad then that I was turned onto him so late!! I’ve been obsessed ever since. Just love this dude and every single song he’s ever written and/or sang!

[@paulacopley4270]

I think the new album is 🔥🔥🔥 Sturgill’s the best 🙌🏻

[@thewesternside]

I agree!! Which is your favorite song on it?

[@paulacopley4270]

@@thewesternside ooooh, good question! lol I simply love Mint Tea💚My other faves are If The Sun Never Rises Again, Right Kind Of Dream, One For The Road, Who I Am, and Jupiter’s Faerie (Mourning Dawn) So basically the whole album lol He’s just sooo damn good, the whole album’s great!🙌🏻

[@Heck_cody]

This is great. Latest album was incredible, just like every album.

[@thewesternside]

Thank you!! I agree

[@rivermasonmusic]

Sturgill inspired me to start making music and doing it full-time. My highest viewed video on YT is a cover of Welcome To Earth and that helped motivate me to success. Sound and Fury got me through the mental struggle that was COVID and Passage brought me a new appreciation for my wife. I owe that man a firm handshake eventually

[@thewesternside]

That's so awesome!! Thanks for stopping by

[@fedatwater2314]

Great video. I do think the Johnny Blue Skies album challenges Metamodern and Sailors Guide. Also, great concert in Santa Barbara. He and the band delivered for 3 hours!

[@thewesternside]

I just saw that on Instagram!!

[@heyyou1140]

Saw him right after the first album came out; he was playing a small club, standing room only. After the show, before he packed-up, I spoke with him and he signed my High top Mountain cd. A bit later, I saw him loading his van, just across from where I parked. I said hello again, and before I could walk over to maybe get a handshake, another fan walked up, and they hit it off; talking about Ray Bradbury and things over my head. Sturgill was so nice and kind to that guy, and told him, before the fan walked away "Hey, hang on." and Sturgill squirreled his way into a very packed van, and a moment later came out with a very dog-eared book, one about ethereal stuff, and gave it to the guy. I wasn't jealous, but overwhelmed by how kind he is.

[@pacosalvaje5066]

Sturgill is a national treasure what a voice, my favourite singer and player this side of Lowell George. What a phenomenal talent and sublime band. Thank you Johnny absolutely hooked on the international vibe of Passage Du Désir, perfection and the running soundtrack to my summer on repeat. I hope I can make it to stumble around the Marais in March. In the meanwhile I remain blown away in Spain!

[@thewesternside]

It’s been my soundtrack of the summer too!

[@justinking9756]

Listened to Sailors guide in 2017 and immediately thought this is a masterpiece of music. Finally got to see him live last week and he put on a great show. The All around you lyric made me bawl that night because my dad passed 3 years ago and as a newish father I finally felt that love a parent has for their child. My dad loved Sturgill Simpson and got to see him before 2020 lockdowns.

[@r.c.2167]

Great video! So glad you gave a shout out to Pony Bradshaw at the end! 🎸⚡️🎶🕺

[@thewesternside]

Heck yeah!!

[@r.c.2167]

@@thewesternside seen Pony a handful of times out here in San Diego, he IS the real deal. Caught Sturgill at the Greek few weeks back, blew us away!!!! Loved the video, coincidentally, I also joined the Navy at the same time as him….Sea Stories is a fav

[@christopherpottinger4156]

Medamodern was the first album of his I heard and the time frame I discovered him...was sold instantly!

[@spalding311]

Great video. I appreciate you making this!

[@thewesternside]

Thanks for stopping by 🙏

[@davidwinebarger8105]

You nailed this! I have been a fan since 2007 .

[@thewesternside]

Thank you means a lot!

[@shinyshinyshiny7006]

i fully believe sturgill deserves some credit for this genre of music being so well received in more recent years.i remember hearing his music for the first time around 2014& it was like i could stop holding my breath for country music, like there is hope.. i knew it would all be alright. &it got me fuckin excited!! loved this new album&saw him in sept...it was 3hours just him doin his thing&it was gorgeous. i try to turn people onto him anytime i get the opportunity! nice vid :)

[@mathewjohnson7264]

I gave Passage one listen on my way to work and I was like “scooter blues is kind cool” and didn’t really give it another though. Expecting more of the “classic Sturgill” sound which, if your any fan at all, you should not expect😂…Jupiters Faerie came across my Spotify randomly. Now I’m in love with the whole damn album.

[@talljeeper]

The song writing is amazing across the whole catalog. I totally appreciate the broad spectrum of mixing genre's. Big time fan here!

[@thewesternside]

I agree for sure. Thank you for taking the time to watch!

[@zachwillis1631]

Awesome vid dude! Just saw Sturg last night. He proved why he’s the best in the business.

[@thewesternside]

Thank you! That's awesome!

[@joseadan13m]

Sturgill is one of the few artists that is keeping Country/Rock alive, Passage of Desire has to be my favorite album from Sturgill or should I say Johnny Blues Skies

[@thewesternside]

He's a special one!

[@road_king_dude]

New to the channel. Definitely wanna see one of these in Colter Wall

[@thewesternside]

I will definitely have to. On my list for sure. Welcome to the channel 🤘🏼

[@road_king_dude]

@@thewesternside Hell yeah brother. Country's not dead.

[@eamonnboyle]

Good job breaking it all down man

[@thewesternside]

Thank you!!

[@tater256]

This is a great video! The Red Dead reference was spot on. Sturgill might be the lone true outlaw we have in music. We need to protect him at all costs.

[@sarahgillespie2479]

Hearing The Dirty Guv'nahs 'Baby We Were Young' used in the background here made me happy 🤘

[@dk.fresh66]

We were supposed to see him and Covid cancelled (Boston) … and then he ruptured his vocal cord … never thought he’d sing again (based on his online messages). Now he’s back and so good … wish I could afford the price of admission! Tickets are ridiculous! (For everything … not just Sturgill).

[@thewesternside]

Dang hopefully you’ll get to see him soon!! It’s on my list

[@wandakacir9036]

Just saw him in concert.. just WOW!! What a show 🎸❤ I'm a Fan!!

[@thewesternside]

That’s so awesome!!

[@johnsudar5567]

I love "Passage du Desire." Its simplicity is powerful, its light touch packs a whallop. There's not an album - not even a song - of his that I don't like. He's simply one of the best around: engaging, suprising, exciting, moving. (I just bought tix to see him in Dublin in February, and I can't wait.) He's in good company. The scene is bursting with talent, including Cody Jinks, Arlo McKinley, Tennessee Jet, to name a few. Of course, Sturgill, because of his unpredictable genre-bending, is in a category by himself. Finally, I've heard him say he doesn't enjoy acting so much, but I hope he does more. His turn in Flower Moon was great, and he took a small role and really made an impact with it.

[@clifftanner6289]

Good job! Young man. I enjoyed watching this. I appreciate your comments at the end concerning all these new artists making their way. Sturgill certainly opened doors for many. I can't wait to see what he does next; I'm sure it won't be what I expected. Lol

[@Strumbum01]

I’m a fan of his earlier material and some of the Sunday Valley tunes. Saw him this past Aug at Outside Lands. Waited years hoping for a tour and it finally happened! His current lineup is my favorite, especially Laur. I hope he sticks with them for a while.

[@thewesternside]

Need to make it out to a show

[@dhand34]

I was in Nashville trying the Nashville shuffle for 10 years. He is fantastic

[@thewesternside]

I bet you have lots of great stories yourself! Thanks for watching

[@genajackson4056]

He is one of the best vocal artist since people like Merle and Conway Loretta . Not many musicians sing from the heart any more. I see no puppet strings and that’s a great thing!

[@chuckowens2373]

Fantastic review video. Really well put together content. I just saw Sturgill and band last night at Koka Booth Ampitheatre in Cary, NC...and it was an excellent show. Sturgill, I believe, has stayed as true as could be throughout his career and it speaks volumes to the notion that Sturgill seems to know none of this matters in the shadow of actual life and death. But while he is here, and while he has the drive and ability to do so, he wants to make the music, and tell the stories that are REAL for him. I am a father of three, and one of the lessons you learn in that profession is that while you may LOVE your children, technically you do not OWN them. You put your heart and effort into their lives, but ultimately you must watch them (hopefully) survive without you. It follows that no one OWNS Sturgill Simpson. It has been an inspiring journey to watch him prove it.

[@FisherFilmedit]

You the man what a great video!!!!❤

[@thewesternside]

Thank you!!! 🙏

[@cubanmop]

Going to see him next month and I cannot wait!

[@thewesternside]

Heck yeah!!!

[@dk.fresh66]

Great content by the way! Love your channel!

[@thewesternside]

Hey! Thanks for stopping by! Glad you enjoyed it

[@Unclesmokey314]

3 nights in STL (all 3 sold out I believe)... was there for night 2 and was baptized in the unexplainable as far as live music goes. 38 yrs of concerts and at the age of 52, with countless shows under belt, the bar has been set for so many things.. This man, his talent, vision, and musicians with him along the way have created something magical in music and almost impossible to do these days... break genre and redefine, create you a whole new space inside a rigid formed machine, the music industry. All by working hard and rejecting the mainstream norms.. Mint Tea...

[@kilo-watt]

He dated my girl friend’s roommate around 2001 or so when I lived in Lexington, KY. Used to hang out with a lot of the same friends back then.

[@thewesternside]

That’s crazy

[@7wounders]

I love Sturgill Simpson! Thank you so much for doing this.

[@thewesternside]

Of course thanks for watching!!

[@mainstmechanical7932]

My cousin who is a navy vet turned me on to Sturgill! Now I’m hooked!

[@RankAndFileGuy]

I got into him around 8 years back. It's mostly because of his introspective lyrics that blended tradition with experimentation. Plus, his songs are catchy as hell. Some of his fans didn't like how his albums were so vastly different from each other. It, especially, showed on his Sound and Fury album. Your country traditionalists got whiplash by that one. I've listened to Strugill for nearly a decade and I basically take his music as it comes because I know where his music is coming from and regardless of how far he has removed himself from typical country sounds I still consider him one of my favorite artists.

[@thewesternside]

That’s probably the best way to approach it 👌🏼

[@lyonmcleod6070]

great work!!!

[@thewesternside]

Thank you!

[@jonmon770]

As a British man, i can Confirm, that Sturgill...is indeed... The Dogs Bollocks !! A Truly amazing Artist! 👍

[@thewesternside]

Oh yeahhh!! 👍🏼 thanks for watching!

[@maxwelltarpleyyoung6598]

really well done . Thank you .

[@thewesternside]

Thank you for watching!

[@SeamusDewaneUnity_Dew]

Sturgill was the catalyst for all the new best country music. Him and Isbell I’d say. They brought authenticity back into country music.

[@thewesternside]

Yes I agree with that. Need to do an Isbell video next maybe

[@SeamusDewaneUnity_Dew]

@@thewesternside Definitely

[@jamesmurray3373]

agreed

[@putman815]

The horns are my favorite. In bloom is one of the best covers, if not the best.

[@chrismosstx]

Great synopsis of his career and body of work. I never cared personally for Sound & Fury, but appreciate his efforts to change things up. I do like his variety. Passage du Desir is amazing, especially Mint Tea and Jupiter's Faeries, which is heartbreaking and made even more so by his vocal performance.

[@thewesternside]

Thanks for sharing that, I need to explore more of sound and fury, but I’ve been playing passage du desir a lot these past few months. There’s really not a song on that album I don’t care for

[@tweederdoolittle]

He's playing tonight in my area and i can't be there so I'm here.

[@thewesternside]

Well thanks for being here! Hopefully you'll be able to see him soon

[@dcmiguel7777]

Saw him in Austin first week of ACL. Damn good show.

[@RSNDRUMS]

Good video. 🤘🏼

[@alanhoffman3623]

Great review

[@bryanwiley7345]

Great job

[@thewesternside]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!!

[@wyattmaus8650]

What’s next for him you ask? Live music, for as long as he’s physically capable. He is on absolute fire right now and you can tell he’s just having fun doing it. If you can see him on this tour, GO

[@thewesternside]

Yes he seems like it for sure

[@chadpaulsen2953]

Ian Noe and Colter Wall can be included in this as well.

[@thewesternside]

Yes! Ian Noe was a new discovery of mine around 2 years ago

[@toddballard-zw5fg]

I agree. Passage might be the best Sturg record. I think his role in The Creator is his best acting role so far.

[@timothycummins2700]

Versailles is pronounced “ver-sy”. Great video!!! Love Sturgill.

[@williambowen8211]

This new album absolutely rocked me. I was actually depressed for the first 3 days. Jupiter's fairies is a tough pill to swallow but one of those best songs ever. I personally think the album's about him cheating on Sarah, but that's just what I got out of it

[@thewesternside]

Who knows, but yes you can really immerse yourself with the music on his new record for sure

[@bhikkhu]

Jim Jarmusch's Dead Don't Die hipped me to Sturgill Simpson.

[@jrdubay1169]

When I saw this video, my first thought was..wow the lead actor in the Bear restaurant series is also a musician😂

[@FisherFilmedit]

Can’t forget Hunter Flynn’s similar vibe to Sturgil!!

[@thewesternside]

I will always blast Cold October 👏🏼🙌🏼

[@justinberge2887]

Nice video!

[@thewesternside]

Thank you!! 🤘🏼

[@bongoking5850]

Big question is… how was the mint tea??.. the song had me wondering as well lol

[@thewesternside]

Twas very good 👍🏼 but I’m more of a coffee guy

[@RollsCanardly-fv9ks]

Dude, Billy Strings next please!

[@thewesternside]

I have a video out on Billy!

[@RollsCanardly-fv9ks]

@@thewesternside 🥰

[@danielv7737]

He's tbh the best country artist out there without a doubt.

[@sigmanu1805]

Nice Natrona Co. plate

[@justinrmcd]

Passage Du Desir is a masterpiece

[@thewesternside]

Absolutely

[@Justinblackmusic]

It is a fact. Kentucky produces the BEST country artists 😃

[@thewesternside]

True to that

[@rickychristian9703]

“Passage”, for me, stands right next to “Meta”.

[@thewesternside]

Both so good

[@marcussanchez4278]

Most music is metaphorically encrypted and about the master, it’s becoming more obvious,more apocalyptic all the time. It’s the big crescendo!😊

[@rhondalane6749]

The new one is my favorite

[@thewesternside]

It's so good

[@chriss8141]

Charley Crockett is King of today's country. fight me Great video.

[@thewesternside]

Thank you! Charley Crockett video next!?

[@justindorsey6184]

Agree to disagree. He's a great performer and entertainer but lacks the widespread appeal of some other country artists.

[@allenhayesmusic]

Love me some Sturgill!

[@thewesternside]

Heck yeah !!!

[@NoCoverCharge]

He is the first person to basically be the new Waylon … and Waylon is a Country music God

[@DanielIvan707]

Super talented awesome dude.

[@thewesternside]

Absolutely

[@ScreamingindropD]

Check out the song "sam" it's not a long song but it's good.

[@KC-7mm]

He’s in my top 5 maybe 3.

[@chadpaulsen2953]

Something happened to the millennial generation of Appalachia. Something was in the water over there. I'm a gen-xer at 45 and nobody in my age group made music like these guys do. I always hated the pop bullshit that came out of my generation. Sturgill Simpson was a revelation and I'm glad I have lived long enough to see it.

[@ojsimpsonofficial]

This sounds like a perfectly orchestrated cover for a CIA assassin

[@j.l.380]

Most mainstream music is made in factories and sounds just like it was made in a factory. Sturgil your an artist, don’t let them buy your soul.

[@zZFuZzYSKW3RLZz]

missed a point that he helped produce tyler childers “Purgatory”

[@thewesternside]

Briefly mentioned that at the end but could’ve touched on that more! So much to cover lol

[@hollifield877]

They say never meet your heroes. Fuck that... I'm meeting Sturgill one day!

[@thewesternside]

Hahahaha

[@eamonnboyle]

I’ll be seeing him in Paris

[@thewesternside]

What!! No way

[@scotttharp5015]

Sturgill for President , Sturg is a BAD Boy ! ! ! Awesome Musican & BadAss Vocalist , any Dislikes is Simple ( DEAF ) ! ! !

[@ransomcarr8435]

Sturgill is the man!

[@Real_american-x7d]

I’ve always like strugill Simpson he actually got me into psychedelic country from the 60s and 70s

[@thewesternside]

That’s freakin sweet!

[@jeremybrown7075]

I love Sturgill