This is the first biography of the elusive musician who influenced an entire generation of country songwriters as his tragic life became the stuff of legend. At last, here is the authorized biography of Townes Van Zandt (1944-1997), who wrote such unforgettable songs as Pancho & Lefty and If I Needed You. Born to a wealthy oil family in Ft. Worth, Texas, hounded by alcoholism and an unshakable depression, Van Zandt pursued a nomadic existence following his muse, whatever the cost to himself, friends, and family. Based on exclusive interviews with everyone who knew Van Zandt, including his best friend Guy Clark and colleagues like Steve Earle and John Prine, To Live's to Fly is a compelling portrait of a complex, haunted artist.