Is Paul Cauthen Country’s Reformed Rebel?

Is Paul Cauthen Country’s Reformed Rebel?

From Rolling Stone All Access by Rolling Stone

April 8, 2026 · 57 min

About this episode

Paul Cauthen discusses his new album and the complexities of his identity as a country artist.

You’ve never met a mother quite like Paul Cauthen. The outrageous Texas country singer remains proudly defiant on his new album The Book of Paul, which he says is about “the freaking trials and tribulations of Paul.” In a new episode of Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast, the man known as “Big Velvet” tells us exactly what those tribulations are. He also talks about writing songs for Beyoncé, explains a lyric that dissed Kenny Chesney, and reveals where his alter-ego “Big Velvet” ends and Paul Cauthen begins. It’s a wild ride with one of country music’s most complex figures. Country is Here… Nashville is Now. Check out our Hear Now playlist on Spotify, updated weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Rolling Stone

Guest: Paul Cauthen

Topics covered

  • country music
  • Paul Cauthen
  • songwriting
  • music industry
  • Texas country
  • artist identity

Keywords

  • Paul Cauthen
  • country music
  • The Book of Paul
  • songwriting
  • Beyoncé
  • Kenny Chesney
  • Big Velvet

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