Patterson Hood

Patterson David Hood was born on March 24, 1964, in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the son of Jan Patterson Adams and David Hood, a longtime bassist for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. He began writing songs at the age of eight and was playing guitar in a local rock band by 14. He attended the University of North Alabama, where he co-founded the band Adam’s House Cat in 1985 with Mike Cooley. The group gained recognition, winning Musician Magazine’s Best Unsigned Band competition three years later. However, significant commercial success eluded them, with their sole full-length album, “Town Burned Down,” not released until September 2018 by ATO Records. After the dissolution of Adam’s House Cat, Hood and Cooley continued their collaboration, eventually forming Drive-By Truckers in 1996 in Athens, Georgia.

Since co-founding Drive-By Truckers, Hood has been a primary songwriter and lead vocalist for the band, which has released 14 albums and toured extensively. His songwriting often explores themes related to the American South and incorporates progressive political views. Beyond his work with Drive-By Truckers, Hood has released four solo albums. His solo career began with “Killers and Stars” in 2004 via New West Records, followed by “Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs)” (2009), “Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance” (2012) released through ATO Records, and “Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams” (2025).

In 2012, Hood formed Patterson Hood and the Downtown 13, a collective of musicians including Mike Mills of R.E.M. and John Bell of Widespread Panic, to record “After It’s Gone,” a protest song against the construction of a new Wal-Mart in downtown Athens. The track was released on 7-inch vinyl by ATO Records for Record Store Day. In 2020, Hood made a cameo appearance in the film “The Dark Divide.” His career reflects a sustained commitment to music, both as a band member and a solo artist, characterized by poignant storytelling and social commentary.