James McMurtry (born 1962 in Virginia) is an American singer-songwriter who has spent more than three decades as one of Americana and roots rock's most respected voices. The son of legendary western novelist Larry McMurtry, he channels a sharp eye for character and place into songs that portray rural America with near-literary precision. His albums - from debut 'Too Long in the Wasteland' (1989) through the acclaimed 'Childish Things' (2005) to the recent 'The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy' (2025) - have drawn praise from critics and fellow artists alike, with Jason Isbell and Stephen King among those who have singled him out.
McMurtry is currently on tour to promote 'The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy' and will perform in September 2026 at the 79th Ozark Folk Festival in Eureka Springs.
McMurtry announces his band from now on as 'James McMurtry and the Martial Law Review', according to his official website.
On June 20, 2025, 'The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy' was released via New West Records - his first studio album in four years, produced together with Don Dixon.
The album features guest appearances from Sarah Jarosz, Charlie Sexton and Bonnie Whitmore, among others, and the album cover features a sketch of McMurtry as a child, drawn by writer Ken Kesey.
His previous album 'The Horses and the Hounds' (2021) achieved a Metacritic score of 81/100 and reached third position in the Heatseekers chart.
American singer-songwriter James McMurtry brings his keen eye for narrative and social observation to the stage, joined by special guest Betty Soo.
James McMurtry brings Texas country-folk with melancholic songwriting to Groningen, supported by BettySoo.
American singer-songwriter James McMurtry brings his sharp lyrics and high-energy live show to SPOT Groningen.
James McMurtry performs sparse, melancholic Texan folk-country with BettySoo opening the show.