Biography

The compilation CD, Dreamer: A Tribute to Kent Finlay features the songs of Kent Finlay recorded by James McMurtry, Randy Rogers and Sunny Sweeney, Steve Poltz, Jamie Wilson and more!)

Kent Finlay’s skyrocketed aspiring artists for four decades now. You know the names: George Strait. Stevie Ray Vaughan. Todd Snider. James McMurtry. Eric Johnson. The list literally goes on forever. Each songwriter’s an unmatched talent with one common thread: Finlay launched their careers from the stage at his legendary Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos, Texas. Finlay’s simply the most respected lyrical editor and talent scouter in Texas – not to mention a singular songwriter himself.
“Songwriter. Mentor. Curator. Teacher. Historian,” longtime acolyte Owen Temple says. “Kent Finlay has helped create the best of what Texas music has been and is.” “Kent Finlay’s a guru, a Yoda,” says legendary songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard. “He has an incredible sense of craft and the right inspiration for why he does it. For him, it’s not about what he can get. It’s about what he can give, what he can contribute to the music.”

Kent Finlay: Dreamer tells his story. You’ll find the best of both worlds: Jenni Finlay’s intimate interviews with her father about his entire life. Brian T. Atkinson’s detailed conversations with songwriters about his astounding influence. No stone remains unturned. Look for the book next year, a captivating tale telling the story of arguably the most influential mentor, songwriter and venue owner in Texas music history.