Storytelling songwriters

and Paul Siebel

 

Steve Earle, Chris Knight, and Tom Waits.

 

Here is one of my favourite singer-songwriters telling a story in her own incomparable way:

 

The late, great Harry Chapin and the late, great Jim Croce along with the still among the living Kris Kristofferson. All three could weave a story in about three or four minutes. Here's one of the best- Jim Croce with "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=aB_TM5AvJP0#t=0

 

Jim Croce could sing the phone book and make you think it was the most interesting little story in the world.

 

Lou Reed. 'The Gift', 'Street Hassle', 'Harry's Circumcission', 'Billy', 'My Friend George', 'Beginning of A Great Adventure' and many, many others, with that typical mix of street, harsh realism and humour.

 

Kevn Kinney

 

Patterson Hood/Mike Cooley.. Drive By Trucker records are like novels.

 

He's been called the Ernest Hemingway of country music. Many of his songs have true literary value, double meanings, and ironic twists, and almost all of his story songs were based on true stories.

 

3 pages in and no mention of Johnny Cash?

 

Someone already mentioned Phil Lynott. He was the first person I thought of. Thin Lizzy may be rock, but that guy could tell a story.

Second person I thought of is Freedy Johnston. I was just listening to this today.

 

Mark Eitzel

 

2 more with some examples...

Mark Knopfler (Tunnel of Love, Telegraph Road)
Jim Steinman (Bat Out of Hell series)

 

Yes, exactly my thoughts!

 

Another vote for Paul Kelly, Bruce Springsteen, Richard Thompson, Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt. And I'll add Peter Himmelman, Patty Griffin and Lucinda Williams to the list.