I originally discovered the music of Texas singer songwriter Vincent Neil Emerson after Charley Crockett released his song, “Lily my Dear.” Along with Crockett, co-writers listed on the song are Vincent Neil Emerson and Tyler Heiser. When South Texas Tweek released his song “50 Dollars A Week,” Vincent Neil Emerson also had a had a hand in that sound. At the time I began listening to VNE he had very little of his own discography. His song, “Willie Nelson’s Wall,” caught my attention. It wasn’t very long after that that Emerson released his self-titled album. That first album that was produced by the legendary Rodney Crowell is definitely one of my go to records, the entire composition is perfection in my opinion. Many of those songs tell a sad story of Emerson’s upbringing and many songs are so much in tune with my own life. I don’t know about you, but a sad song makes me happy. Vincent Neil Emerson is the newest king of the “Sad Bastard Song.”
Emerson’s sounds are much like his favorite songwriters. People like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, and Steve Earle. Many a VNE song leaves me with a haunt or a chill in the air. It is as if VNE were a TVZ re incarnate. Emerson’s newest release, “Son of A Bitch,” just might be the most haunting yet.
Vincent Neil Emerson was born in East Texas and raised by a single mother. As a child, his guitar was his only friend and writing songs was the way he found he could cope with his emotions. Vincent began playing the bar scene around Ft Worth at the age of 19. He began sharing pieces of his life through the stories in his song. His career has flown high and continues to grow. I am expecting that he will one day be listed as one of the greatest songwriters ever and will represent Texas just like that long list of writers who came before him.
Pancho.