Phil Ochs

Description: Topical/protest singer/songwriter

Comparisons: Though he enjoyed less popularity in his lifetime, Phil Ochs' songs are on par with his contemporaries: Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger, as well as Woody Guthrie and Ramblin' Jack.

Trivia Fact: Phil Ochs grew up playing the clarinet; he didn't learn how to play guitar until much later.

Starter CDs: I Ain't Marchin' Anymore (Collector's Choice, 1965). All the News That's Fit to Sing (Collector's Choice, 1964). Live at Newport (Vanguard, 1996).

Phil Ochs Biography: Phil Ochs was born in El Paso, TX, in December, 1940. While studying journalism at the Ohio State University, he met and befriended Jim Glover, whose father was one of Phil's mentors. However, after just three years at the University, Phil moved to New York City, where he quickly infiltrated the booming Greenwich Village folk music scene.

In 1964, he released his first record, All the News That's Fit to Sing; and within two years, he had enough success to play to a sold out crowd at Carnegie Hall.

In 1967, he signed a contract with A&M Records, and began recording his fourth album, Pleasures of the Harbor. Pleasures was a bit of a departure, featuring more ornate arrangements and, as a result, was not received as well as his previous solo, acoustic efforts.

While traveling in Dar Es Salaam, Phil was mugged, resulting in the loss of the higher end of his vocal range.

After returning from that trip, he seemed to go on a downward spiral, suffering from severe depression and anxiety. He committed suicide in 1976, at the age of 35.

Most of Phil's music touches on some of the most difficult issues, raising important social and political questions. Phil's incredible canon of work has been covered by other artists, including songs like "There But For Fortune," and "When I'm Gone."

There have been two biographies written about him, and a number of tribute albums; his music continues to influence and inspire topical songwriters around the world.