Charlie Sexton

Charlie Sexton is an Austin, Texas–bred guitarist, songwriter, and producer whose career began early and has continued to evolve across decades and genres. He made his debut at just 16 with Pictures for Pleasure (1985), followed by a self-titled album at age 20. Quickly gaining a reputation as a prodigious guitarist, Sexton became an in-demand collaborator while still a teenager, recording with artists such as Ron Wood, Keith Richards, David Bowie and Bob Dylan.

Raised around Austin’s club scene—Antone’s, the Armadillo World Headquarters, and Soap Creek Saloon—Sexton was mentored by local legends including Jimmie Vaughan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Joe Ely. In the early ’90s, he co-founded the Arc Angels with Doyle Bramhall II, Tommy Shannon, and Chris “Whipper” Layton, releasing the band’s acclaimed self-titled album on Geffen Records.

In recent years, Sexton has continued to be a vital creative force, producing Ryan Bingham’s American Love Song, collaborating with visionary Texas artist Terry Allen, and touring extensively as a member of Elvis Costello’s band. Rooted in Texas tradition yet restlessly inventive, Sexton remains a sought-after collaborator whose work bridges generations of American music.

Highly regarded guitarist Charlie Sexton has had success not only as a solo artist, but also as a sideman, producer, and composer. After the Top 20 hit “Beat’s So Lonely” from his debut album in the 80’s, Sexton went on to release three more solo albums, Charlie Sexton (1989), Under the Wishing Tree (1995), and Cruel and Gentle Things (2005). His prodigal guitar playing also quickly led to studio work playing for the likes of Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Don Henley, and Bob Dylan. The latter would ultimately lead to a regular spot in Dylan’s band.

Out from behind the guitar, Sexton is a frequent producer, mixer, and songwriter. His production credits include Lucinda Williams’s Essence, Edie Brickell’s Volcano and Edie Brickell, and more recently Matt Morris’s debut album When Everything Breaks Open which he co-produced with Justin Timberlake. Songs written by Sexton can be found on the soundtracks to Quentin Tarantino’s True Romance (1993) and Air America (1990) starring Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr., and in 2009 Sexton composed and performed the score to The Open Road starring Jeff Bridges and Justin Timberlake. 2009 also marked the world reunion tour of Sexton’s Austin super-group Arc Angels, including a string of dates with Eric Clapton in England.

In 2013, Sexton produced the winner of the NewSong Contest, in addition to touring heavily with the Court Yard Hounds and Bob Dylan. With continued touring, 2014 saw him starring as Ethan Hawke’s roommate in Richard Linklater’s independent coming-of-age drama film “Boyhood”. The song “Split The Difference” received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, produced by Sexton. He worked on 3 songs with Hawke for the original sound track. Sexton has since been touring as guitarist for Bob Dylan, including his major North American and World Tours. Recently, Sexton was nominated for Instrumentalist of the Year in 2017’s Americana Music Awards, and played the role of Townes Van Zandt in Ethan Hawke’s 2018 film “Blaze.”