Personnel includes: Steve Earle (vocals, guitar).

Producers: Tony Brown, Richard Bennett, Emory Gordy, Jr., Steve Earle.

Compilation producer: Andy McKaie.

Recorded between 1985 & 1987. Includes liner notes by Andy McKaie.

This is part of "20th Century Masters: The Millenium Collection" series.

Audio Remasterer: Erick Labson.

Liner Note Author: Andy McKaie.

Recording information: Memphis, TN (09/30/1985-05/??/1988); Nashville, TN (09/30/1985-05/??/1988).

Photographer: Alan Messer.

The Steve Earle installment of the 20TH CENTURY MASTERS best-of series forgoes Earle's later political material, and instead collects 12 key tracks from the early part of his career when he was battling drug addiction and establishing himself as a maverick Nashville singer-songwriter. Among the cuts are signature Earle tunes such as "Guitar Town," "Someday," and the country-rock anthem "Copperhead Road." While it doesn't offer a complete picture, the set does a solid job of presenting the formative days of this "hardcore troubadour."