Veteran Country Artist Rodney Crowell Brings Tour to Napa

The acclaimed songwriter and musician reflects on his storied career and enduring passion for his craft.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Musical artist Rodney Crowell, known for hits like "Diamonds & Dirt" in the late 1980s, is bringing his full band to perform at the Uptown Theater in Napa, California on March 3. Crowell, who was mentored by the late greats Jerry Reed and Guy Clark, has evolved from a hitmaking country star to a poetic, introspective artist focused on his craft rather than chasing commercial success.

Why it matters

Crowell's career trajectory from country hitmaker to respected singer-songwriter mirrors the evolution of country music itself, as artists have increasingly prioritized artistic expression over chart performance. His continued creative output and touring schedule at 75 years old also demonstrates the longevity possible for seasoned musicians willing to adapt and stay true to their muse.

The details

After his 1988 album "Diamonds & Dirt" produced five consecutive #1 country hits, Crowell decided to shift his focus from chasing stardom to simply being a "musical artist." He has since released numerous acclaimed albums showcasing his poetic, introspective songwriting, while also writing a memoir and working on a second one. For this tour, Crowell has assembled a five-piece band featuring veteran Nashville musicians.

  • Crowell's 1988 album "Diamonds & Dirt" produced five #1 country hits.
  • Crowell is performing at the Uptown Theater in Napa, California on March 3, 2026.

The players

Rodney Crowell

A veteran country music artist known for his hit songs in the late 1980s as well as his poetic, introspective songwriting in later years.

Jerry Reed

The late country music artist who discovered Crowell and helped launch his career when Crowell moved to Nashville.

Guy Clark

The late country music singer-songwriter who mentored the young Crowell in Nashville.

Roseanne Cash

Crowell's former wife, who is the daughter of country music legend Johnny Cash.

Emmylou Harris

The acclaimed country and folk singer who employed Crowell as a member of her band early in his career.

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What they’re saying

“I'll tell you what, honestly, there was a moment for me and it's understanding my own sensibilities. You mentioned the five hits, so that was my 15 minutes of stardom. And what I realize about me, if I tried to continue trying to swing for that fence instead of just following my heart and getting up in the morning and working, basically my decision was to be more of a writer than a star.”

— Rodney Crowell, Musician (bohemian.com)

“I read somewhere that Renoir the painter, the day died, the morning of the day he died, he did a little still life of a flower. I think the poet and writer, Jim Harrison keeled over at his desk working on a poem. That's what I want to do. I want to go out working.”

— Rodney Crowell, Musician (bohemian.com)

What’s next

Crowell is currently working on a second memoir in addition to his touring schedule.

The takeaway

Crowell's career trajectory from country hitmaker to respected singer-songwriter demonstrates the value of artistic integrity and the ability to evolve one's creative expression over chasing commercial success, even for veteran musicians.