Alright y’all, I was supposed to be in Stillwater this coming weekend for the Cross Canadian Ragweed reunion—a comeback 15 years in the making—and more importantly, I was finally gonna shake hands with the guy who’s documented this scene better than anyone: Josh Crutchmer. Life threw a wrench in my travel plans, but I’m not about to let that stop me from hyping up one of the most important storytellers in country music today.

Who Is Josh Crutchmer?

If you care about Red Dirt, you already know the name. Josh is a born-and-raised Okie, a Rolling Stone contributor, and an editor at the New York Times, but what really sets him apart is his undeniable dedication to telling the story of this music scene—our scene.

His books aren’t just interviews and liner notes. They’re oral histories, backstage passes, and front porch confessions all rolled into one. He’s not here for the hype; he’s here for the heart of it all. And if you’re a fan of Cody Canada, Turnpike, Boland, or any of the Boys From Oklahoma, you’re gonna want every word he’s written.

The Books That Built the Buzz

• Red Dirt: Roots Music Born in Oklahoma, Raised in Texas, At Home Anywhere (2020) — The blueprint. A love letter to the genre.
• Red Dirt Unplugged (2024) — Foreword by Cody Canada, final chapter with all four Ragweed members, and the first full-band interview in over 15 years.
• Never Say Never (COMING APRIL 21, 2025) — This is the one we’ve all been waiting for.

Never Say Never: The Ragweed Comeback Story We Deserve

This book dives headfirst into the still-hard-to-believe Cross Canadian Ragweed reunion and the legendary Boys From Oklahoma festival in Stillwater. Josh had full access to the band, the festival, and the scene—and he captures it all from the wings. This is not just a recap. It’s a deep dive into Red Dirt’s biggest moment, told by the guy who’s been cataloging it long before the spotlight showed up.

And if that weren’t enough, the book includes fresh stories from Turnpike Troubadours, The Great Divide, Jason Boland, Stoney LaRue, and even new-gen torchbearers like Wyatt Flores and Kaitlin Butts.

Pre-Order It. Support It. Share It.

Bonus: $5 from every copy sold through the site before November 30 goes to the Okmulgee Family YMCA—Josh’s hometown nonprofit that’s still making a difference.

There are special editions, signed copies, show-specific covers, and even a cheeky 420-green version. So whether you’re reppin’ orange and black or just love a good story, there’s a copy with your name on it.

Final Thought

Josh Crutchmer isn’t just writing books—he’s building the record of Red Dirt music. If you love this scene like I do, go pre-order Never Say Never. Support the people who support the music.

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