Revisionist History: Americana Music Live with Drew Holcomb and Malcolm Gladwell
Release Date: August 14, 2025

In this compelling episode of Revisionist History, Malcolm Gladwell delves deep into the world of Americana music by hosting singer-songwriter Drew Holcomb at the iconic Cherry Lane Theater. The conversation traverses Drew's rich musical journey, his personal experiences, and the intricate blend of influences that shape his unique sound.

Introducing Drew Holcomb

[01:10] Drew Holcomb:
Pushkin. Back in the spring, I was part of a traveling variety show called no Small Endeavor. It's put on by a friend of mine, a theologian from Nashville named Lee Camp...

Drew Holcomb shares his initial involvement in the variety show no Small Endeavor, highlighting his collaboration with Lee Camp and the subsequent invitation to sit down with him at the Cherry Lane Theater. This meeting marked the beginning of a profound connection between the two, leading to an evening filled with storytelling and music.

Defining Americana: Beyond Country Music

[08:30] Noah:
You know, growing up, I was the music that I listened to a lot. Sort of fit in either categories of folk or rock and roll...

Drew discusses his deliberate distancing from traditional country music, instead embracing the broader and more inclusive genre of Americana. He emphasizes the freedom Americana offers, allowing artists to blend various musical elements without strict genre constraints.

Memphis vs. Nashville: A Tale of Two Cities

[11:12] Drew Holcomb:
In your mind, what is the difference between Memphis and Nashville?

Drew elaborates on the cultural and social distinctions between Memphis and Nashville. While Memphis maintains a tight-knit, hometown feel with a majority African American population and a strong blue-collar presence, Nashville is portrayed as a bustling metropolis attracting diverse populations for its booming music and healthcare industries. This contrast has significantly influenced Drew's musical and personal outlook.

Family Influences and Personal Stories

[24:55] Drew Holcomb:
I have three children that, especially with my daughter, she sort of defaults to, dad, you're doing great. You're awesome...

Exploring his upbringing, Drew reveals a large family dynamic with 28 grandkids on his mother's side. He shares poignant stories about his father—a dentist turned financial advisor—and his grandfather, a surgeon with extraordinary tales, including an encounter with the Queen. These narratives underscore the profound impact his family has had on his life and artistry.

Music as a Means of Grief and Healing

[34:20] Drew Holcomb:
Let's talk a little bit about the role of faith in your life and work.

Drew opens up about his spiritual journey, marked by the tragic loss of his brother at age 17. Instead of abandoning his faith, he sought solace in music, which became a pivotal tool for processing grief. Albums like Van Morrison's Moondance and David Gray's White Ladder played significant roles during this challenging period, influencing his emotional expression in songwriting.

Songwriting and Emotional Expression

[49:54] Drew Holcomb:
Have you ever written... the angriest song you have ever written?

Drew passionately discusses his approach to anger in music, distinguishing between destructive rage and constructive anger that highlights injustices. A notable example is the song "Ring the Bells," co-written with Abner and Amanda Ramirez, which emerged in response to the Charlottesville white supremacy rally. Drew emphasizes the therapeutic power of channeling anger into meaningful artistic expression.

Musical Influences and Collaborations

[63:21] Drew Holcomb:
You are always pulling from your library...

Drew reflects on his diverse musical influences, citing Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, and Paul Simon as key inspirations. He admires how these artists transcend formulas, continuously evolving their sound and storytelling. His collaborations, including performances with legends like Willie Nelson and Old Crow Medicine Show, highlight his respect for musical authenticity and legacy.

Live Performances and Song Highlights

Throughout the episode, Drew performs several of his original songs, each imbued with personal significance and emotional depth:

• "Dragons": A tribute to his late grandfather, blending storytelling with heartfelt melody.

  [27:45] Noah:
  "Asleep in the moonlight Ghost of my grandpa came to me in a dream..."

• "Ring the Bells": An anthemic response to societal injustices, capturing the rawness of collective anger and the need for change.

  [50:50] Unknown:
  "Ring the bells this time I mean it Bid the hatred fare thee well..."

• "Dance With Everybody": A vibrant, collaborative creation with members of Old Crow Medicine Show, celebrating unity and joy.

  [81:07] Unknown:
  "I want to dance with everybody who came through that door..."

Conclusion: The Intersection of History, Faith, and Music

As the evening concludes, Malcolm Gladwell and Drew Holcomb reflect on the intricate tapestry of history, personal faith, and musical evolution. Drew's journey—from a heartbroken youth to a soulful Americana artist—embodies the essence of Revisionist History: re-examining and finding deeper meaning in the narratives and experiences that shape us.

Notable Quotes:

• Drew Holcomb:
  "I don't want to sort of speak about that community as one monolith. But what I was finding was getting farther from that."
  [09:34]

• Noah:
  "Anger is not bad. It's rage that's bad..."
  [49:54]

• Drew Holcomb:
  "Music is a bit of magic, and I'm sure there's scientific and sociological ways to explain it. But I like the magic of it."
  [64:08]

This episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the life of Drew Holcomb, exploring how personal history, familial influences, and a quest for authentic expression converge to create music that resonates deeply with audiences.

Listen to Revisionist History on your preferred podcast platform and join Malcolm Gladwell as he uncovers the overlooked and misunderstood facets of our past through engaging conversations and storytelling.