Texas-born singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt did not achieve fame during his lifetime, but attained somewhat of a cult status. Drawing inspiration from the musical traditions of artists such as Lightnin’ Hopkins, Hank Williams, and Bob Dylan, Van Zandt emerged as one of most prolific songwriters of his time through his haunting folk/outlaw country ballads. His lyrics address heartache and loss with unparalleled gentleness, intricacy, and honesty. Van Zandt struggled with depression, alcoholism, and heroin addiction throughout his life, underwent electroshock therapy in his youth, and was admitted to rehab over a dozen times. Van Zandt’s health deteriorated quickly in the last years of his life, and he died of conditions caused by his drinking at age 52. His legacy reached far and wide, influencing artists such as Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and Neil Young, as well as inspiring the documentary films Heartworn Highways and Be Here to Love Me.