Exclusive Premiere: Hear ‘Can’t Steal My Fire: The Songs of David Olney’ Featuring Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Townes Van Zandt, & More a Day Early

David Olney died from an apparent heart attack while onstage at the 30A Songwriter Festival in 2020. He was 71 years old. Olney left behind a repertoire of timeless songs and a legacy that will outlive even his youngest fans. The likes of Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, and Steve Earle counted him among their favorite songsmiths. His songs have been recorded by countless artists over the years. With that legacy in mind, New West Records assembled Can’t Steal My Fire: The Songs of David Olney. The album hits record stores and streaming platforms tomorrow (October 18). Today, American Songwriter is proud to premiere the tribute collection in its entirety.

With this collection, New West Records assures that a new audience will find the magic of Olney’s timeless songwriting.

While Olney never found mainstream acclaim, he was lauded by his contemporaries. In short, he was a songwriter’s songwriter. For Instance, Van Zandt wrote the liner notes for OIney’s 1991 album Roses and shared his praise there. “Anytime anyone asks me who my favorite music writers are, I say, Mozart, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Bob Dylan, and Dave Olney. Dave Olney is one of the best songwriters I’ve ever heard – and that’s true. I mean that from the heart,” he wrote.

What Is on the David Olney Tribute Album?

The tracklist of Can’t Steal My Fire is made up mostly of newly recorded covers of some of Olney’s best-loved songs. Those who aren’t familiar with his work will recognize the artists who lined up to pay tribute to him. Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, The McCrary Sisters, The Steeldrivers, and more provided recordings for the collection.

Additionally, the album features the late great Townes Van Zandt’s version of “Illegal Cargo” and Olney’s recitation of “Sonnet #40.” 

Can’t Steal My Fire Tracklist

1. “Deeper Well”—Lucinda Williams
2. “Sister Angelina”—Steve Earle
3. “Voices on the Water”—The McCrary Sisters
4. “Jerusalem Tomorrow”—Buddy Miller
5. “If My Eyes Were Blind”—The Steeldrivers
6. “Women Cross the River”—Willis Alan Ramsey
7. “1917”—Mary Gauthier
8. “Always the Stranger”—R.B. Morris
9. “If It Wasn’t for the Wind”—Jimmy Dale Gilmore
10. “Running From Love”—Anana Kaye
11. “That’s My Story”—Greg Brown
12. “Sonnet #40”—David Olney
13. “Titanic”—Afton Wolfe
14. “Steal My Thunder”—Dave Alvin & the Rick Holmstrom Trio
15. “Delta Blue”—Jim Lauderdale
16. “She’s Alone Tonight”—Janis Ian
17. “Illegal Cargo”—Townes Van Zandt

Featured Image via New West Records