Sturgill Simpson Walked Away From Music. Johnny Blue Skies Is Just Getting Started

Three years ago, the Kentucky-born singer-songwriter was modern country's reigning psychedelic outlaw. Then a serious injury robbed him of his voice and threw him into a wrenching identity crisis. Now he's back, with a new perspective informed by off-the-grid time in Paris and Thailand, a superb new album, and even a new name. “Sturgill served his purpose," Simpson says, "but he’s dead, he’s gone, and I’m definitely not that guy anymore.”