Dick Curless—best known for his national 1965 hit, the truck-driving anthem “A Tombstone Every Mile”—was one of the most versatile and powerfully eloquent singers of his time. In the 1950s he became a regional favorite in the Northeast for his wide-ranging repertoire and his smooth, sonorous baritone. In the mid-1960s, Curless was signed by Buck Owens’s management, production, and publishing company and toured nationally with Owens. Curless’s album Traveling Through, completed just months before his death in 1995, is a rootsy exploration of the sad and spiritual sides of country, blues, and gospel music. Award-winning author Peter Guralnick, who guest co-curated the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new exhibit on Curless and wrote a lengthy profile on him for his 2020 book, Looking to Get Lost: Adventures in Music and Writing, will lead the discussion. Joining the conversation will be musician, producer, and artist manager Jake Guralnick, Peter’s son, who produced Traveling Through for Rounder Records. Chuck Mead, co-founder of country band BR549 and longtime Americana solo artist, will perform briefly in tribute to Curless. Presented in support of the exhibition Dick Curless: Hard Traveling Man From Maine. Ford Theater. Included with Museum admission. Program ticket required. Free to Museum members.

MEMBERS RESERVE TICKETS HERE

NON-MEMBERS PURCHASE HERE

When purchasing admission:

• select the date of this program,
• select a gallery entry time of 1:00 p.m. or earlier,
• select your Experience, and
• select the Exhibit Program as an add-on.