Biography
Alejandro Escovedo is a celebrated American singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose eclectic career spans punk, roots rock, and alt-country. Born on January 10, 1951, in San Antonio, Texas, Escovedo grew up in a musically rich family—his father was a mariachi and swing musician, and his siblings include noted jazz, Latin, and rock performers. Moving from Texas to California, Escovedo became a fixture in New York’s Lower East Side music scene before joining the pioneering punk band the Nuns. He later played a key role in the genre-blending Rank & File, and then formed the critically acclaimed roots-rock band True Believers with his brother Javier Escovedo and Jon Dee Graham[1][3][4].
Escovedo’s solo career began in 1992 with the album 'Gravity,' marking the start of a consistently ambitious and literate discography. His work is known for blending rock, country, and folk influences, often featuring string ensembles as well as electric power trios. Albums like 'A Man Under the Influence' (2001), 'Real Animal' (2008), and 'Burn Something Beautiful' (2016) showcase his ability to shift between genres and emotional registers. His 2018 album 'The Crossing' and its Spanish-language counterpart 'La Cruzada' (2020) explore the immigrant experience, reflecting his own heritage and commitment to storytelling[1][3][4].
Escovedo’s legacy is defined by his genre-defying approach, his deeply personal songwriting, and his influence on the Americana and alt-country scenes. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including John Cale, Tony Visconti, and Bruce Springsteen, and remains a respected figure in American music for his passionate performances and innovative spirit[1][3][4].
Fun Facts
- Alejandro Escovedo was a founding member of the punk band the Nuns, which opened for the Sex Pistols at their final show in San Francisco[1][3].
- His niece is Sheila E., the acclaimed pop star and drummer who worked with Prince[1][3].
- Escovedo survived a life-threatening battle with hepatitis C, which inspired benefit concerts and tributes from fellow musicians[4].
- He has worked with legendary producer Tony Visconti, known for his work with David Bowie and T. Rex[3].
Associated Acts
- Buick MacKane
- Alejandro Escovedo String Quintet
- The Nuns - original
- Rank and File
- The True Believers
- The Setters
- Alejandro Escovedo & Joe Ely
- Make Believers - drums (drum set)
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Pete Escovedo - Older brother, jazz artist and studio musician; member of Santana and founder of Azteca (Family musical influence) [1960s-present]
- Coke Escovedo - Older brother, jazz and Latin musician; member of Santana and Malo (Family musical influence) [1960s-1980s]
Key Collaborators
- Javier Escovedo - Younger brother; co-founder of True Believers and Buick MacKane (True Believers albums, Buick MacKane) [1983-1988]
- Jon Dee Graham - Bandmate in True Believers (True Believers albums) [1983-1988]
- Tony Visconti - Producer and collaborator (Solo albums) [2000s-2010s]
- John Cale - Collaborator (Solo projects) [Various]
- Bruce Springsteen - Collaborator (Live performances) [Various]
Artists Influenced
- Jon Dee Graham - Bandmate and fellow Austin songwriter influenced by Escovedo's approach (Solo work, True Believers) [1980s-present]
- Austin Americana scene artists - Escovedo's genre-blending style and songwriting have inspired many musicians in Austin and beyond (Various) [1990s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| A Man Under the Influence | 2001-04-24 | Album |
| Real Animal | 2008-06-10 | Album |
| Bourbonitis Blues | 1999-04-20 | Album |
| Gravity | 2002-05-14 | Album |
| The Crossing | 2018-09-14 | Album |
| Big Station | 2012-01-01 | Album |
| Street Songs of Love | 2010-01-01 | Album |
| Echo Dancing | 2024-03-29 | Album |
| Burn Something Beautiful | 2016-10-28 | Album |
| Sixteen Haiku & Other Stories | 2003-10-06 | Album |
| Thirteen Years | 2012-09-24 | Album |
| The Boxing Mirror | 2006-01-01 | Album |
| More Miles Than Money: Live 1994-96 | 1998-02-24 | Album |
| With These Hands | 1996-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Castanets (A Man Under the Influence)
- Always A Friend (Real Animal)
- Evening Gown
- I Was Drunk (Bourbonitis Blues)
- Outlaw for You (The Crossing)
- Sister Lost Soul (Real Animal)
- Broken Bottle (Gravity)
- Rosalie (A Man Under the Influence)
- California Blues (Bourbonitis Blues)
- Bottom Of The World (Big Station)
External Links
Tags: #folk
References
Heard on WWOZ
alejandro escovedo has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 7, 2025 | 20:50 | Smoke | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold | |
| Oct 24, 2025 | 21:35 | Smoke | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold |