NYC Gazette

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell has been named the NYU-Americana Music Foundation Artist-in-Residence for Spring 2025. The residency will take place at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development from March 3 to March 5, 2025. During this period, Crowell will engage with students, faculty, and alumni through various performances and workshops.

The initiative is a collaboration between NYU Steinhardt and the Americana Music Foundation. It aims to highlight the heritage of Americana music while preserving its legacy for future generations. The program began in the academic year 2021-22 with Rosanne Cash as its first artist-in-residence. Subsequent artists included blues musician Taj Mahal in 2022-23 and Brandy Clark alongside Allison Russell in 2023-24.

Joe Henry, who was previously an artist-in-residence under this program, will interview Crowell on March 3 as part of NYU Steinhardt's Songwriting program’s WORDS & MUSIC series. Henry will also participate in a songwriting workshop with Crowell on the following day. These events are accessible to members of the NYU community.

Jack H. Knott, Dean of the Steinhardt School, expressed his enthusiasm: “I am thrilled to welcome Rodney Crowell as our 2025 NYU-Americana Music Foundation Artist-in-Residence next month to enrich our students’ education and celebrate Americana music’s rich heritage. We are so grateful for our partnership with the Americana Music Foundation, which allows us to bring such award-winning and highly accomplished artists to our community.”

Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Foundation, praised Crowell's artistry: “Rodney is not only a great songwriter but truly one of our nation’s great artists,” he said. “He is a poet and a craftsman whose work stands out in every medium in which he engages.”

Phil Galdston, Director of Songwriting at NYU Steinhardt, noted: “We’re honored to host Rodney, and Joe’s participation is a most welcome bonus,” adding that offering students this opportunity is something they take pride in.

Crowell hails from Houston and gained prominence in Nashville during the 1970s alongside notable musicians like Guy Clark and Steve Earle. He has had an extensive career collaborating with various artists including Emmylou Harris with whom he won both an Americana Music Award for Album of the Year and a Grammy Award for Best Americana Album for their joint album "Old Yellow Moon."

Over his career, Crowell has received two Grammy Awards out of eighteen nominations and has written fifteen No.1 hits. His accolades include recognition from institutions like the American Music Association with its Lifetime Achievement Award in Songwriting among others.

NYU's Steinhardt School prepares students across diverse fields such as arts and education since its establishment in 1890 while focusing on expanding human capacity through various means including public service.

The Americana Music Foundation was founded by the Americana Music Association in 2020 aiming at preserving this musical genre through partnerships globally including collaborations with New York University.