Phil Ochs is a figure synonymous with the tumultuous 1960s American folk music scene, known for his incisive protest songs and unwavering political activism. Born on December 19, 1940, in El Paso, Texas, Ochs rose to prominence in the early 1960s in the New York City folk scene, where he became a contemporary of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger, among others. His music, characterized by its sharp wit and earnest political commentary, tackled issues ranging from the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War to social inequality and free speech. Ochs's songwriting, marked by a blend of humor and poignancy, helped to galvanize a generation of activists and music lovers alike.

Throughout his career, Phil Ochs released a series of influential albums and performed at numerous protests and political events, using his music as a vehicle for social change. Some of his most notable songs, including "Draft Dodger Rag," "The Ballad of Medgar Evers," and "Love Me, I'm a Liberal," have become anthems of the protest movement, celebrated and covered by artists across generations. Despite facing personal challenges and struggling with mental health issues later in life, Ochs's legacy as a pioneering voice in American folk music and a relentless advocate for justice and equity continues to resonate. His life and work are commemorated in numerous live recordings, such as "Live Again! Recorded Saturday May 26, 1973 At The Stables" and "Live In Montreal 10/22/66," which capture the raw power and emotion of his performances and offer a glimpse into the fervent spirit of the era he helped define. Phil Ochs's untimely death in 1976 was a profound loss for the music world and the various social movements he championed, yet his songs endure as powerful expressions of resistance and hope.

Genres

American Folk Revival

Folk

Latest Release

Draft Dodger Rag

Phil Ochs

Single - Released April 25, 2024