Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright III
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Name	Loudon Wainwright III
Birth date	September 5, 1946
Birth place	Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, musician, actor

Loudon Wainwright III is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and musician, known for his distinctive voice and poignant lyrics, often drawing comparisons to Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, and Pete Seeger. With a career spanning over five decades, he has released numerous albums, collaborated with notable artists such as Richard Thompson, Nick Lowe, and John Hiatt, and has been named as an influence by Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, and Kate McGarrigle. His music often incorporates elements of folk music, rock music, and country music, reflecting his eclectic style and diverse influences, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Joni Mitchell. As a member of the Wainwright family, he has been part of a musical dynasty that includes his children, Rufus Wainwright and Martha Wainwright, as well as his former wife, Kate McGarrigle, and her sister, Anna McGarrigle.

Early Life and Career

Loudon Wainwright III was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to a family of musicians and writers, including his father, Loudon Wainwright Jr., a journalist and editor at Life magazine, and his mother, Martha Wainwright, a musician and singer. He began his music career in the 1960s, performing in coffeehouses and folk clubs in New York City, alongside other emerging artists such as Joan Baez, Judy Collins, and Arlo Guthrie. His early work was influenced by the American folk music revival, which included artists like Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and Lead Belly. He released his debut album, Loudon Wainwright III, in 1970, which featured songs like "School Days" and "Glad to See You", and was produced by Thomas Jefferson Kaye, who also worked with Joni Mitchell and Buffy Sainte-Marie.

Music Style and Influences

Loudon Wainwright III's music style is characterized by his witty, insightful, and often humorous lyrics, which frequently incorporate elements of storytelling and social commentary, similar to artists like Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, and Nick Cave. His songs often reflect his personal experiences, relationships, and observations, drawing comparisons to Carly Simon, James Taylor, and Jackson Browne. He has cited influences such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan, as well as folk music traditions from the British Isles, including Celtic music and English folk music. His music has also been compared to that of John Prine, Steve Goodman, and David Bromberg, all of whom are known for their unique blend of folk, rock, and country music.

Discography

Loudon Wainwright III has released over 25 albums throughout his career, including Album I (1970), Album II (1971), Album III (1972), and Attempted Mustache (1973), which featured the hit single "Dead Skunk". Other notable albums include Unrequited (1975), T Shirt (1976), and Final Exam (1978), which showcased his ability to craft catchy, humorous songs like "Rufus Is a Tit Man" and "Be Careful, There's a Baby in the House". He has also released several live albums, including A Live One (1979) and Career Moves (1993), which feature performances with artists like Richard Thompson, Nick Lowe, and John Hiatt.

Film and Television Appearances

In addition to his music career, Loudon Wainwright III has made numerous appearances in film and television, including roles in The Aviator (2004), Big Fish (2003), and 28 Days (2000), as well as television shows like M*A*S*H, The Simpsons, and Undeclared. He has also composed music for films like The Squid and the Whale (2005) and Knocked Up (2007), and has appeared in documentaries like The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack (2000) and Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man (2005), which featured performances by Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright, and Martha Wainwright.

Personal Life

Loudon Wainwright III has been married twice, first to Kate McGarrigle from 1971 to 1977, with whom he had two children, Rufus Wainwright and Martha Wainwright, both of whom are also musicians. He later married Suzzy Roche in 2011, a member of the Roches family, who are known for their folk music and harmony singing. He has also been in a long-term relationship with Anna McGarrigle, Kate's sister, and has collaborated with her on several musical projects, including the album Heartbeats Accelerating (1990).

Awards and Legacy

Throughout his career, Loudon Wainwright III has received numerous awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best Traditional Folk Album for High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project (2009), which featured collaborations with Nick Lowe, John Hiatt, and Richard Thompson. He has also been named as an influence by a wide range of artists, including Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, Kate McGarrigle, and Anna McGarrigle, as well as Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, and Leonard Cohen. His music has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, and he continues to tour and release new music, solidifying his legacy as a unique and innovative singer-songwriter. Category:American singer-songwriters