Steve Earle's Journey

By: Hannah Storm
Topics: Pop Culture

(CBS/Lauren Donohue)

Harry Smith and Russ Mitchell look on as Steve Earle and Allison Moorer perform on our plaza, Monday, Oct. 15, 2007.
Click here for more behind-the-scenes photos from their visit.

We started the week off with a real musical treat, as legendary singer-songwriter Steve Earle and his wife, Allison Moorer, performed outside on The Plaza. For decades, the eloquent Earle has inspired the likes of Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp with his lyrics-first, progressive approach to music. Not to be pigeonholed as a country artist, Earle has developed a lasting legacy in the world of rock 'n' roll and is often the yardstick by which other songwriters are measured.

Video:
Steve Earle Sings Live

Earle's 13th album, "Washington Square Serenade," is an ode to both his new home in New York's Greenwich Village and also his beautiful and talented sixth wife. Moorer herself is well accomplished, having been nominated for an Oscar, and she is also releasing an album next winter. Their creative collaboration is something to witness; they literally make beautiful music together on this record, particularly on their gorgeous duet "Days Aren't Long Enough," which is a testament to the power of love to both ground and inspire.

Check out

our interview

and Earle's album -- his first in a few years -- in which this transplanted Texan and Tennessean so skillfully and poetically adopts the beats and tenor of his beloved New York City.