Phil Ochs Preferred To Be Called A Topical Singer
Photo Credit: Gai Terrell/Redferns via Getty Images
Gaining fame as a liberal folk singer during the Vietnam War, Phil Ochs preferred to be called topical. One of his first notable songs was the anti-war anthem “I Ain’t Marching No More.” Known more for his lyrics than craftsmanship, he was a vocal pacificist who was overcome with depression over societies violence.
In 1976, Phil Ochs committed suicide. The war had taken everything from him, and he had no creative juices left. A leader of the “Flower Power” revolution, Ochs may be gone, but his legacy remains thanks to songs like, “Cross My Heart, I Hope To Live,” and “Nobody Buys From The Flower Lady.” Up next, going back to where it all began with Bob Dylan and Allen Ginsberg!
