Behind the Story

here are three things about singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham, this month’s Speaking of Texas subject (Page 79), contributing writer Michael Corcoran: the bittersweet lyrics of his songs; his down-to-earth nature; and his devotion to his dog, Boo (“He’s just one of those guys that’s really good with dogs, you know? I respect people like that.”). After winning an Oscar and a Grammy, Bingham hasn’t gotten a big head, says Corcoran, who first met him in 2008. “He’s an easygoing guy,” the longtime music critic and author of three music history books says. “He’s got a really interesting story. You just have to let it unroll at his pace.” Bingham shared some of that story during a small 200-person show in Alpine. “There was a real closeness with the audience,” Corcoran says. Corcoran’s latest book, , focuses on the unsung musicians who inspired the genres we enjoy today.