Townes Van Zandt

Songs that define the legendary songwriter's career.

Townes Van Zandt gave the world some awesome music like 'Pancho and Lefty', which turned out to be a huge hit for Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, 'If I Needed You', 'Tecumseh Valley' and so many more. Here are a few things you may not know about his life.

Of all the songs Townes Van Zandt wrote, “Pancho and Lefty” was perhaps the most well known. I found a rare video of Van Zandt performing that song as a guest on Austin City Limits in 1983 during a songwriters circle. I thought you might like to hear it.

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame will induct four new members this year including Townes Van Zandt, Bob Morrison, Aaron Barker and Beth Nielsen Chapman.