Patterson Hood is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, guitarist, and co-founder
of the Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers. Born in Muscle Shoals,
Alabama, Hood grew up immersed in the region’s rich musical heritage, with his father, David Hood, being a renowned session bassist for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Drawing inspiration from storytelling
traditions and a passion for rock, country, and soul, Hood’s music often explores themes of Southern identity, social justice, and personal
introspection. While best known as frontman, singer, songwriter, and guitar
player for Drive-By Truckers, he is also a writer of essays, columns, and
short stories as well as a solo performer and producer.

Since forming Drive-By Truckers in 1996 with Mike Cooley, Hood has been
a driving force behind the band’s narrative-driven sound, blending gritty,
guitar-heavy arrangements with evocative lyrics. Albums like Southern
Rock Opera (2001) and The Dirty South (2004) have solidified their
reputation as one of the most influential Southern rock bands of their
generation.

Beyond his work with the Truckers, Hood has released solo albums
including Killers and Stars (2004) and Heat Lightning Rumbles in the
Distance (2012), showcasing his versatility as a songwriter. His latest solo
album, Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams, produced by Chris Funk (The Decemberists) and released via ATO Records in February 2025, earned widespread critical acclaim, including 9/10 from Uncut and 8/10 from Mojo. Pitchfork called it Hood’s “most adventurous and surprising, and his best” solo record, while Forbes praised it as “one of Hood’s most focused studio efforts.”

Whether fronting the Truckers or performing solo, Hood remains a vital
force in contemporary Americana and Southern rock, celebrated for turning
life’s raw realities into compelling, soul-stirring art.