Author: Bill Graham

Rain in song often symbolizes more than just weather; it sets moods, evokes emotions, and reflects life’s ups and downs. From Gordon Lightfoot’s melancholy “Early Morning Rain” to Eddie Rabbit’s hopeful “I Love a Rainy Night,” we explore how artists use rain to express everything from sadness and longing to freedom and renewal.

His most important contribution to the music community is as an educator. He founded Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music in 1957 along with Win Stracke and Dawn Greening. Hamilton taught guitar and banjo and served as unofficial dean. Artists including Pete Seeger, Odetta, Doc Watson, and Bill Monroe performed at the school in its early years.

The influences of those who have gone before her may be apparent in her playing but there is no denying she has a style uniquely her own.

Just as the Beatles had heralded a revitalization of rock and roll, James Taylor found himself in the forefront of the singer/songwriter era along with Joni Mitchell.

Kris belonged to a small group of iconoclastic artists who fought for and won their creative freedom outside of the Nashville establishment that dictated the sound of most country music of the era.

There is a pain and loneliness in several of his songs that many of us can identify with in one way or another. He writes about it in a language we understand.

Eagles staples such as “Best Of My Love,” “Heartache Tonight,” “New Kid In Town,” “Victim Of Love,” and “How Long” were co-written or written by Souther.

Emmylou has excelled as both a songwriter and an interpreter of songs. She has sold more than 15 million records, won 14 Grammy Awards, three CMA Awards, and four Americana Awards. She is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as the Academy of American Arts and Science. 

Intentionally or unintentionally, predictably or unpredictably, the folk revival of the 1960s gave way to the era of the singer/songwriter era of the 1970s. If any one artist served as a bridge between the two events it would be Joni Mitchell.

Taj Mahal was at the forefront of blues revivalists who were introducing the genre to a new and younger audience. The music of Son House, Skip James, Mississippi John Hurt and other old guard bluesmen were “rediscovered” thanks to Mahal and others of his generation. 

She continues the battle even today, not only in the Civil Rights arena but in other fields as well.