Country Great Gary Stewart's Tragic Life Explored in New Memoir

Read an exclusive excerpt from a massive new biography on the cult country singer.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:35pm

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A new 500-page biography on the late country singer Gary Stewart, titled "I Am From The Honky Tonks", offers a whirlwind look at the musician's wild and tragic life. Written by longtime music biographer Jimmy McDonough, the book draws from decades of research and personal interactions with Stewart, painting a vivid portrait of the singer's rise and downfall.

Why it matters

Stewart was a cult country artist who never achieved mainstream success, but his raw, emotionally-charged music has long been revered by fans and critics. This new biography promises to shed light on the complex personal demons and family turmoil that shaped Stewart's artistry and ultimately led to his demise.

The details

The excerpt chronicles McDonough's visits to Stewart's Florida trailer home in the late 1980s, where he witnessed the singer's drug use, erratic behavior, and strained relationship with his family. It culminates in the shocking revelation of the suicide of Stewart's son, Joey, which sent the singer into a deep spiral of grief and despair.

  • In January 1988, McDonough visited Stewart's home in Fort Pierce, Florida with photographer Larry Clark.
  • A week after McDonough's visit, Stewart's wife Mary Lou left him for good.
  • Four days later, Stewart's son Joey died by suicide at the age of 25.

The players

Gary Stewart

A cult country singer known for his raw, emotionally-charged music and turbulent personal life.

Jimmy McDonough

A longtime music biographer who wrote the new book "I Am From The Honky Tonks" about Stewart's life.

Joey Stewart

Stewart's 25-year-old son, who died by suicide during the time period covered in the book excerpt.

Mary Lou Stewart

Stewart's wife, who left him for good shortly after McDonough's visit to their home.

Larry Clark

A photographer who accompanied McDonough on his visit to Stewart's home in 1988.

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What they’re saying

“I tell you what…why don't you stay a few more days and I'll go back there and I'll get down and then I'll come out here and be with you when I'm down like that and you will never want to come back here. I stay away when I can't do any good.”

— Gary Stewart

“Don't puss out on me, bud. Tell it the Jimmy way.”

— Gary Stewart

What’s next

The book "I Am From The Honky Tonks" by Jimmy McDonough is set to be published in 2026, providing readers with an in-depth and personal look at the life and music of the cult country singer Gary Stewart.

The takeaway

This excerpt highlights the complex personal struggles and tragedies that shaped Gary Stewart's artistry and ultimately led to his downfall, underscoring the heavy toll that fame and addiction can take on a gifted musician.