Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Here Some Random Facts About Townes Van Zandt Within His Brief But Colorful Career

Jessa Samantha Townes Van Zandt Facts
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

While many find Townes Van Zandt as a reckless drunk and a hopeless idealist, no one can deny that he’s the best Texas songwriter of our time. His musical legacy continues to inspire a generation of performers while his classic tunes are being hailed and covered by some of the biggest names in country music.

With that being said, let’s check out some exciting facts about Townes Van Zandt

1. He got his name from his great-grandfather. 

The Fort Worth, Texas native, whose real name is John Townes Van Zandt, was born on March 7, 1944. He was named after his great-grandfather John Charles Townes, who was the first Law School Dean and was at the time the longest-serving dean at the University of Texas. One of the university’s main buildings – called Townes Hall, was dedicated in his honor.

2. Elvis Presley’s performance at the Ed Sullivan Show was the starting point for Van Zandt to become a guitar player. 

Elvis Presley made a big impression on Van Zandt, thinking that the King of Rock’ n’ Roll had all the money in the world when all he did was sing and play his guitar.

3. He was groomed to become a lawyer or senator. 

While still in high school, it was found out that Van Zandt’s IQ was at a genius level. In fact, he scored a remarkable 1170 on his SAT. So, his parents started grooming him to follow in his fathers’ footsteps into law or the corporate world.

4. He once jumped from a fourth-floor balcony just to know how it felt. 

While sitting on the edge of his balcony, drinking wine, he thought about how it would feel to fall four floors to the ground – and there’s no better way to really know, was of course, to do it.

5. He was diagnosed with manic depression. 

This led to his three-month treatment of heavy insulin. Sadly, it didn’t do much for his depression, but it only erased most of his long-term memory.

6. He attempted to join the Air Force. 

However, he was turned down due to his mental problems.

7. He started his career in music, singing for $10 per night. 

In 1967, Van Zandt dropped out of the University of Houston’s pre-law program and pursued a career in music. He would sing songs of his musical heroes at Houston clubs.

8. It was his father who convinced him to write his own songs. 

Which he absolutely did! Today, Townes Van Zandt songs remain among the best in the genre.

9. He knew his time would be short. 

RELATED: Remembering The Death Of Townes Van Zandt And His Wild, Heartbreaking Life

A young Van Zandt once said that he does not envision himself living a very long life. “Like, I think my life will run out before my work does, you know? I’ve designed it that way,” he said.

10. Hank Williams was his childhood hero. 

Not only do they have the same tall, slim good looks, but they had a drinking problem in common. Sadly, the two suffered the same fate, both dying on New Year’s Day.

Well, we will forever remember Townes Van Zandt as a cult figure and one of the best in music communities during his lifetime.

Latest Stories

Roy Rogers, smiling in his signature cowboy hat and embroidered suit, remembered by fans as the King of the Cowboys in 1998.

On This Day, Fans Remember Roy Rogers, the King of the Cowboys, Who Rode Off in 1998

Sometimes the cowboy who taught America how to ride tall in the saddle and tip a hat with a smile is the one who leaves the biggest boots to fill. ...

Julian Ryan smiles with his fiancée and kids in a family photo before the Texas floods that took his life in a heartbreaking tragedy.

Young Dad’s Heartbreaking Final Words Revealed by Family After Texas Flooding Tragedy

Julian Ryan wasn’t just another name on the growing list of the dead in the Texas flood disaster. He was a father, a fiancé, and, in his final moments, a ...

Miranda Lambert performs onstage at a concert, now under fire for focusing on animals during the Texas floods tragedy.

Miranda Lambert Under Fire for Asking Help for Animals in Texas Floods While People Still Missing

Sometimes, doing the right thing still gets you dragged through the mud. Miranda Lambert, country’s resident dog lover and unapologetic Texas girl, is catching flak this week for what some ...

Texas Floods Leave 51 Dead Including 15 Children as Families Face Unthinkable Loss

Texas Floods Leave 51 Dead Including 15 Children as Families Face Unthinkable Loss

One moment, it was just another summer night in the Texas Hill Country, the next the river rose like an angry giant and tore whole lives apart. According to AP ...

Keith Urban holds a CMA award on stage, showing the same trophies he often ships home so his mom can keep a room full of them.

Keith Urban Gives Away Almost Every Award He Wins So One Person Can Keep a Room Full of Them

Keith Urban doesn’t just pick up awards, he packs them up and ships them off faster than most country stars can find a shelf. For a guy who’s racked up ...

Toby Keith performs with his American flag guitar, the same patriotic spirit that fueled his song "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue."

The Untold Truth Behind Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)”

When Toby Keith sat down with a fantasy football stat sheet and scribbled out “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue”, he didn’t just write a song. He lit a ...

Toby Keith plays guitar with an American flag design, capturing the patriotic vibe perfect for a Fourth of July country playlist.

35 Patriotic Country Songs to Turn Your Backyard Into the Ultimate 4th of July Party

Nothing says freedom like blasting a rowdy country playlist while you torch a few burgers, keep the cooler stocked, and watch your drunk uncle light fireworks way too close to ...

Keith Urban sits next to Nicole Kidman looking serious, a moment that echoes him shutting down talk about her steamy movie scenes.

Keith Urban Shuts Down Interview When Nicole Kidman’s Scenes With Younger Men Are Mentioned

Some lines just ain’t worth crossing, especially when you’re asking Keith Urban about Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron rolling around on screen. This week, the whole thing went sideways when ...

Tim McGraw sits outdoors with Faith Hill, leaning on a cane, sparking questions about his health but showing their strong bond.

Tim McGraw Using a Cane With Faith Hill Beside Him Raises Questions About His Health

Sometimes country music’s strongest cowboys need a little help standing tall, and Tim McGraw’s latest photo has folks asking how much longer he can keep carrying that torch. It’s not ...

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood smile together at an event, standing united amid the ongoing sexual assault lawsuit drama.

Garth Brooks’ Marriage With Trisha Yearwood Reportedly Unshaken by Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Nothing tests a marriage like ugly headlines, but Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are riding out this storm shoulder to shoulder. Since last October, Garth Brooks has been staring down ...