Charlie Sexton

Although still quite young relative to many peers in the Austin music community, guitarist, singer, and songwriter Charlie Sexton had already navigated several distinct stages in his professional journey by the time most artists launch their careers. Raised in Austin, Texas, he released his first record, Pictures for Pleasure, in 1985 at sixteen; four years later his self-titled follow-up appeared when he turned twenty. Word of his prodigious talent on guitar circulated widely enough that, while still in his late teens, he was regularly called upon for session work and cut tracks alongside Ron Wood, Keith Richards, and Bob Dylan.

His mother was only sixteen at his birth, and the pair relocated to Austin when he was four. She brought him along to clubs such as the Armadillo World Headquarters and the Soap Creek Saloon, while venues like the Split Rail and Antone’s blues club served as his informal training grounds. After a period away from the city, he returned alone at twelve; local musicians he idolized—among them Jimmie Vaughan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Joe Ely—welcomed him into their circle, offering housing until he could support himself through music.

Between 1992 and 1994 Sexton performed with Austin’s Arc Angels, whose lineup also included Doyle Bramhall II, Tommy Shannon, and Chris “Whipper” Layton. The band issued a single self-titled album on Geffen Records in 1992. By the time Arc Angels dissolved, Sexton was twenty-four and widely regarded as a blues artist, yet his playing also encompassed vigorous rock & roll.

In 1994 and 1995 he assembled the Charlie Sexton Sextet and delivered his MCA debut, Under the Wishing Tree, the following year. Critics responded favorably to the record, which moved fluidly across Celtic-flavored rock, folk-rock, and blues. The arrangements highlighted intricate interplay among guitars, violins, cellos, Dobros, and mandolins, with Sexton’s vocals floating prominently above the melodies. For the 1995 tour supporting the album he was joined by Susan Boelz on violin, Michael Ramos on organ, George Reiff on bass, and Rafael Gayol on drums.

As a writer Sexton draws from personal experience, so Texas imagery threads through his songs. He regards Bob Dylan as his chief songwriting influence and counts Austin legends Jimmie Vaughan and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan among his foremost guitar inspirations. His lyrics blend autobiographical detail with imagery open to multiple readings. Still greater accomplishments appear likely for this young guitarist, singer, and songwriter.