# Born 89 Years Ago Today in Chicago, the Folk Legend Whose Songs Have Been Recorded by Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, and Johnny Cash

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/born-89-years-ago-today-in-chicago-the-folk-legend-whose-songs-have-been-recorded-by-bob-dylan-dolly-parton-and-johnny-cash/
- Published: 2026-11-01T00:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-01T01:40:27+00:00
- Original publisher: American Songwriter
- Original article: https://americansongwriter.com/born-89-years-ago-today-in-chicago-the-folk-legend-whose-songs-have-been-recorded-by-bob-dylan-dolly-parton-and-johnny-cash/
- Topics: Art, Culture, Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Tom Paxton turns 89, marking seven decades in folk music.
- His songs have been recorded by major country and folk artists.
- He has released more than 70 albums and built a following abroad.

## Summary

Tom Paxton, born in Chicago on 31 October 1937, is an American folk singer-songwriter whose career has lasted seven decades. His songs have been recorded by artists including Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, reflecting his influence beyond his own modest US chart success.

Raised in Oklahoma, Paxton discovered folk music at university and began writing songs while serving in the US Army. He became part of New York’s Greenwich Village folk scene, released his major-label debut, *Ramblin’ Boy*, in 1964 and has since issued more than 70 albums. Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner’s 1967 version of “The Last Thing on My Mind” reached number seven on the US country singles chart, while Paxton built a substantial following through overseas touring.

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