Published to coincide with the twentieth anniversary of the death of the folksinger and activist, an authorized biography details Ochs's rise to fame, his influence on the music and politics of the 1960s, and the ongoing battle with depression that finally resulted in his suicide.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Michael Schumacher, whose past works include biographies on Allen Ginsberg (Dharma Lion: A Critical Biography of Allen Ginsberg) and Eric Clapton (Crossroads: The Life and Music of Eric Clapton), profiles Phil Ochs, the singer, songwriter, and political activist whose genius was widely admired, but whose work was often made famous by other artists. Ochs, who achieved recognition in the early 1960s, could not escape comparison with Bob Dylan, with whom he had a tumultuous relationship. The violence of the 1968 Democratic Convention, where Ochs was a demonstrator, seemed to mark the beginning of the artist's demise and disillusionment. In 1970, he recorded his last album, falling into a depression that ultimately led to his suicide in 1976.
From Publishers Weekly
In folk singer Phil Ochs (1940-1976), the 1960s had the perfect tragic hero for a tumultuous era. Though a gifted songwriter and tireless antiwar and civil rights activist, Ochs suffered a running battle with manic depression that ruined his career and eventually drove him to suicide. Schumacher (Crossroads; Dharma Lion) covers Ochs's personal and professional highs and lows. He provides the requisite family background (e.g., that Ochs's father, also manic depressive, and mother were unhappily married; that his relationships with his siblings were strained), but he doesn't overdo it. Through extensive interviews with Ochs's family members, friends and business associates, Schumacher constructs a balanced portrait of the musician's brief but eventful life. Ochs's unsuccessful marriage and distant relationship with his daughter are contrasted to his commitment to the antiwar cause and to human rights issues in both the U.S. and South America. Schumacher doesn't gloss over Ochs's musical shortcomings: samples of Ochs's lyrics show his gift for the written word, but excerpts from concert reviews indicate that he could give deplorable live performances. The author's presentation of Ochs's humiliating attempt to revive his career by sporting an Elvis-style gold lame suit at a Carnegie Hall performance is particularly piercing and demonstrates how Ochs often misjudged his audience. Twenty years after Ochs's death, it seems odd, if not ludicrous, that the FBI once considered him a potential threat to American society; as Schumacher shows, he was, in fact, more of a threat to himself. Because Ochs never had a major commercial hit, memory of his accomplishments are fading with time; this worthy chronicle should keep those memories, and Ochs's spirit, alive for a while longer.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Schumacher's bio. of Ochs is as powerful as the man.,
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This review is from: There but for Fortune: The Life of Phil Ochs (Paperback)
I have been a devoted fan of Phil Ochs since the mid-1960's. I never knew or totally understood the depth of his committment to the forces of life or how this committment drove him into the depths of mental illness. Mr. Schumacher filled in the missing data about Phil that made him much more real to me. After finishing the book, I wept as I listened to his music and mourned for the loss of his courage and vision. Phil's music taught me to be a more sensitive human being, helping shape my political consciousness even to this day. I thank Mr. Schumacher for the effort he made to make Phil more real. My only criticism of the book lies in my disagreement with him as to the quality of some of Phil's more risky efforts at his art, i.e. productions of songs like "Crucifixion". Otherwise, this book is definitely a must read for anyone who wants to learn about the heart and mind of a social movement.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
There But For Fortune,
By Robert Dorroh (Sonora, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: There but for Fortune: The Life of Phil Ochs (Hardcover)
Sadly, this excellent biography of one of the sixties generation's great topical songwriters is out of print. Michael Schumacher writes a moving account of Ochs, who was haunted by his own personal demons and political enemies, such as the FBI, a federal agency sworn to protect us. Ochs' songs, including "Crucifixtion" - among the greatest songs of the Vietnam War era - are the heart and soul of a tremendous creative talent. Ochs' descent into mental illness is sad, yet Schumacher's account of it leaves us with meaning and encouragement to follow Ochs' social and political conscience.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must read for any Phil Ochs fan. No sugar-coating.,
By mriley000@aol.com (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: There but for Fortune: The Life of Phil Ochs (Paperback)
A well-documented biography of one of the greatest topical song writers and singers ever. Easy-to-read account of Phil Ochs life. Includes background information on the circle of people that lived, travelled and performed with Phil Ochs. Also provides a look at the troubled era when Phil was at his peak. Chronicles the hipocrasy and ineptness with which certain parts of our own government tracked and harrassed people with contrary views.
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