Born 89 Years Ago Today in Chicago, the Folk Legend Whose Songs Have Been Recorded by Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, and Johnny Cash
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.
In short
- 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.
Explained simply
Tom Paxton is an American singer and songwriter associated with the folk music revival of the 1960s. Folk songs often draw on everyday life and traditional styles, and Paxton became known for writing songs that other performers could also make their own.
After growing up in Oklahoma and discovering folk music at university, Paxton began writing songs while serving in the US Army. He later joined the music scene in New York’s Greenwich Village, a gathering place for folk performers, and released his first major-label album in 1964.
Many better-known performers have recorded Paxton’s songs, including Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. This has helped give his songwriting a reach beyond his own chart success, while decades of recording and touring built him an international audience.
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