- Album list
- Singer Intro
Philip David Ochs (/ˈoʊks/; December 19, 1940 – April 9, 1976) was an American protest singer (or, as he preferred, a topical singer) and songwriter who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 1960s and 1970s and released eight albums.
Ochs performed at many political events during the 1960s counterculture era, including anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies, student events, and organized labor events over the course of his career, in addition to many concert appearances at such venues as New York City's Town Hall and Carnegie Hall. Politically, Ochs described himself as a 'left social democrat' who became an 'early revolutionary' after the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago led to a police riot, which had a profound effect on his state of mind.
After years of prolific writing in the 1960s, Ochs's mental stability declined in the 1970s. He eventually succumbed to a number of problems including bipolar disorder and alcoholism, and committed suicide in 1976.
Some of Ochs's major musical influences were Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Bob Gibson, Faron Young, and Merle Haggard. His best-known songs include 'I Ain't Marching Anymore', 'Changes', 'Crucifixion', 'Draft Dodger Rag', 'Love Me, I'm a Liberal', 'Outside of a Small Circle of Friends', 'Power and the Glory', 'There but for Fortune', and 'The War Is Over'.
Discography
Main article: Phil Ochs discography
Studio albums and live recordings
All the News That's Fit to Sing (Elektra, 1964)
I Ain't Marching Anymore (Elektra, 1965)
Phil Ochs in Concert (Elektra, 1966)
Pleasures of the Harbor (A&M, 1967)
Tape from California (A&M, 1968)
Rehearsals for Retirement (A&M, 1969)
Greatest Hits (A&M, 1970)
Gunfight at Carnegie Hall (A&M Canada, 1975)
There and Now: Live in Vancouver 1968 (Rhino, 1991)
Compilations and other albums
The Campers: Camp Favorites (Cameo, 1962)
Chords of Fame (A&M, 1976)
Sings for Broadside (Folkways, 1976)
Interviews with Phil Ochs (Folkways, 1976)
A Toast to Those Who Are Gone (Rhino, 1986)
The War Is Over: The Best of Phil Ochs (A&M, 1988)
The Broadside Tapes 1 (Smithsonian Folkways, 1989)
There but for Fortune (Elektra, 1989)
Live at Newport (Vanguard, 1996)
Farewells & Fantasies (Elektra/Rhino, 1997)
American Troubadour (A&M Britain, 1997)
The Early Years (Vanguard, 2000)
20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Phil Ochs (Universal, 2002)
Cross My Heart: An Introduction to Phil Ochs (Polydor, 2004)
Amchitka, The 1970 Concert That Launched Greenpeace (Greenpeace, 2009)
On My Way (Micro Werks, 2010)
Live Again, recorded May 26th, 1973 at The Stables (Rock Beat Records, 2014)
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