History of Jason Isbell in Timeline

Jason Isbell is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter. He gained initial recognition as a member of the Drive-By Truckers from 2001 to 2007. He's achieved significant success with his solo career and through collaborations with his band, The 400 Unit. Known for his introspective lyrics and blend of rock, country, and folk influences, Isbell has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, winning six Grammy Awards. His work often explores themes of addiction, recovery, relationships, and Southern identity.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

February 1, 1979: Jason Isbell's Birth

On February 1, 1979, Michael Jason Isbell was born. He would later become a singer-songwriter known for his solo career and work with The 400 Unit and Drive-By Truckers.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Joined Drive-By Truckers

In 2001, Jason Isbell joined the band Drive-By Truckers, marking the beginning of his six-year tenure with the group.

2002: Marriage to Shonna Tucker

In 2002, Jason Isbell married Shonna Tucker, a fellow musician from Muscle Shoals and former bass player for Drive-By Truckers.

2003: Release of Decoration Day

In 2003, Jason Isbell recorded and contributed songs to the Drive-By Truckers' album Decoration Day.

2004: Release of The Dirty South

In 2004, Jason Isbell recorded and contributed songs to the Drive-By Truckers' album The Dirty South.

2006: Release of A Blessing and a Curse

In 2006, Jason Isbell recorded and contributed songs to the Drive-By Truckers' album A Blessing and a Curse.

April 5, 2007: Isbell's Departure Announcement

On April 5, 2007, Jason Isbell announced that he was no longer a member of the Drive-By Truckers.

July 10, 2007: Release of "Sirens of the Ditch"

On July 10, 2007, Jason Isbell released his first solo album, "Sirens of the Ditch".

2007: Divorce from Shonna Tucker

In 2007, Jason Isbell and Shonna Tucker divorced.

2007: Departure from Drive-By Truckers

In 2007, Jason Isbell left the Drive-By Truckers after being with the band for six years to pursue his solo career.

February 17, 2009: Release of "Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit"

On February 17, 2009, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit's eponymous album was released on Lightning Rod Records, marking Isbell's second solo release and first with The 400 Unit.

April 12, 2011: Release of "Here We Rest"

On April 12, 2011, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit released their self-recorded and produced second album, Here We Rest, on Lightning Rod Records.

2011: Moved to Nashville

In 2011, Jason Isbell moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he has remained since.

February 2012: Intervention and Rehab

In February 2012, Jason Isbell underwent an intervention initiated by Amanda Shires, Traci Thomas, and Ryan Adams, leading him to enter a rehabilitation treatment program in Nashville.

2012: Importance of Northern Alabama Roots

In 2012, Jason Isbell discussed the importance of his northern Alabama roots and their influence on his music.

2012: Tour with Ryan Adams

In 2012, Jason Isbell supported singer-songwriter Ryan Adams on his tour, with both artists playing solo acoustic sets.

2012: "Alabama Pines" wins Song of the Year

In 2012, the song "Alabama Pines" by Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit was named Song of the Year at the Americana Music Awards.

February 2013: Marriage to Amanda Shires

In February 2013, Jason Isbell married singer-songwriter and violinist Amanda Shires in Nashville.

June 11, 2013: Release of "Southeastern"

On June 11, 2013, Jason Isbell released his fourth solo album, Southeastern, which received overwhelmingly positive critical reviews.

2013: "Southeastern" Reflects Sober Lifestyle

In 2013, Jason Isbell's solo album Southeastern reflected his newfound sober lifestyle, marking a significant turning point in his life.

June 15, 2014: Benefit Performance with Hood and Cooley

On June 15, 2014, Jason Isbell teamed up with Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley for a benefit concert in Florence, Alabama, marking the first time Isbell performed with his former bandmates since their split in 2007.

2014: Americana Music Awards Clean Sweep

In 2014, Jason Isbell's album Southeastern led to a clean sweep at the Americana Music Awards, winning Album of the Year, with Isbell named Artist of the Year, and the song "Cover Me Up" named Song of the Year.

2014: Decoration Day revealed as a true story

In 2014, during a "Live from Lincoln Center" concert, Jason Isbell revealed that the title track of Decoration Day was a true story about his family members.

July 17, 2015: Release of "Something More Than Free"

On July 17, 2015, Jason Isbell released his fifth solo record, Something More Than Free, on Southeastern Records.

2015: Dylan as a Huge Influence

During the 2015 Newport Folk Festival, Jason Isbell cited Bob Dylan as a huge influence on his writing.

April 2016: Appearance on "Later With Jools Holland"

In April 2016, Jason Isbell appeared on the BBC live-music show Later With Jools Holland, where he performed "The Life You Chose" from his album Something More Than Free.

May 11, 2016: Americana Music Honors & Awards Nominations

On May 11, 2016, Jason Isbell received three nominations for the Americana Music Honors & Awards for Album of the Year (Something More Than Free), Song of the Year ("24 Frames"), and Artist of the Year and won the first two.

2016: Guest Role in Squidbillies

In 2016, Jason Isbell had his first acting role as pastor Kyle Nubbins in the animated TV series Squidbillies.

March 13, 2017: Announcement of "The Nashville Sound"

On March 13, 2017, Jason Isbell announced a new album with the 400 Unit, The Nashville Sound, which was later released in June of that year.

October 2017: Artist-in-Residence at Country Music Hall of Fame

In October 2017, Jason Isbell was announced as the official artist-in-residence at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

2018: Contributions to Prine's Album and "A Star Is Born" Soundtrack

In 2018, Jason Isbell made a guest appearance on John Prine's album The Tree of Forgiveness and contributed the ballad "Maybe It's Time" to the soundtrack of the film A Star Is Born.

2019: Gun Control Stance on Twitter

In 2019, Jason Isbell expressed his support for gun control on Twitter following the Dayton shooting, sparking a debate that led to the viral "30-50 feral hogs" meme.

2019: Cameo in Deadwood: The Movie

In 2019, Jason Isbell made a cameo appearance as a guitar-playing wedding guest in the HBO film Deadwood: The Movie.

February 2020: Announcement of "Reunions"

In February 2020, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit announced their album "Reunions", which was released in May of that year.

November 5, 2020: Pledge to Record Georgia Covers Album

On November 5, 2020, Jason Isbell announced his intention to record a charity album of Georgia artists' covers if Joe Biden won the state in the 2020 United States presidential election.

2020: Death of Justin Townes Earle

In 2020, Jason Isbell's friend, Justin Townes Earle, passed away from a fentanyl overdose.

April 6, 2021: Casting Announcement for "Killers of the Flower Moon"

On April 6, 2021, it was announced that Jason Isbell was cast in Martin Scorsese's film Killers of the Flower Moon.

September 14, 2021: Formal Announcement of "Georgia Blue"

On September 14, 2021, Jason Isbell formally announced his album, "Georgia Blue", with a digital release date of October 15 and CD/vinyl release on November 26.

September 2021: Contribution to Metallica Tribute Album

In September 2021, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit covered Metallica's "Sad but True" for the charity tribute album The Metallica Blacklist.

2021: Featured in Billions

In 2021, Jason Isbell was featured in an episode of Billions, playing himself viewing an art exhibit.

2022: "Southeastern" Certified Gold

In 2022, Jason Isbell's album Southeastern was certified Gold by RIAA.

June 2023: Release of "Weathervanes" Album

In June 2023, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit released the album, Weathervanes, on Isbell's own Southeastern Records label.

September 2023: Awarded Bachelor's Degree

In September 2023, Jason Isbell was awarded his bachelor's degree in English from the University of Memphis after prior discussions and recognition of his career experience.