PO

Phil Ochs

81quotes

Phil Ochs


================

Full Name and Common Aliases

Philip David Ochs was an American folk singer-songwriter known to his fans as a prolific writer of protest songs that captured the spirit of the 1960s social movements. He is also often referred to by his initials, P.D.O.

Birth and Death Dates

Phil Ochs was born on December 19, 1940, in El Paso, Texas. He passed away on April 9, 1976, at the age of 35 due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Nationality and Profession(s)

American, Singer-Songwriter, Musician, Poet

Early Life and Background

Phil Ochs was born into a Jewish family in El Paso, Texas. His parents were both writers and intellectuals who encouraged his early interest in music and poetry. Ochs grew up moving frequently between Texas and New York City, eventually settling in Middletown, New York, where he attended high school.

As a teenager, Ochs became fascinated with folk music, particularly the works of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. He began writing his own songs and performing at local clubs and coffeehouses. After graduating from college, Ochs moved to Greenwich Village in New York City, where he immersed himself in the burgeoning folk scene.

Major Accomplishments

Phil Ochs's music career was marked by several notable accomplishments:

Influential songwriter: Ochs wrote over 200 songs during his lifetime, many of which addressed social issues like racism, war, and economic inequality.
 Critical acclaim: He released six studio albums between 1964 and 1970, with "I Ain't Marching Anymore" (1965) being a commercial success that brought him widespread recognition.
Collaborations: Ochs collaborated with other notable artists of the time, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Alan Ginsberg.

Notable Works or Actions

Some of Phil Ochs's most notable works include:

"I Ain't Marching Anymore" (1965): A critically acclaimed album that captured the mood of the anti-war movement during the Vietnam War.
"There But for Fortune": A poignant song about a friend who was imprisoned for draft resistance, which has become one of Ochs's most beloved and enduring compositions.
 "Cross the Green Mountain" (1970): An album that explored themes of social justice and economic inequality.

Impact and Legacy

Phil Ochs's music and message continue to inspire new generations of artists and activists. His legacy is a testament to the power of art to challenge societal norms and promote positive change:

Social commentary: Ochs's songs offered a unique blend of politics, history, and personal narrative that continues to resonate with audiences today.
 Artistic influence: He has influenced countless musicians, including Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, and Billy Bragg, among others.
Activism and philanthropy: Ochs was an outspoken advocate for social justice causes throughout his life, donating a significant portion of his royalties to organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Phil Ochs's impact on American music and culture is undeniable. His commitment to using his platform to amplify marginalized voices and challenge societal norms has left an indelible mark:

Authenticity: Ochs was unapologetically himself, refusing to compromise his artistic vision or sacrifice his principles for commercial success.
Lyrical depth: His songs continue to captivate audiences with their nuanced exploration of the human condition and their ability to distill complex issues into accessible, unforgettable melodies.
 Timeless relevance: Despite being written over 50 years ago, Ochs's music remains eerily relevant to contemporary social movements and cultural debates.

Quotes by Phil Ochs

Phil Ochs's insights on:

God isn't dead - he's just missing in action.
"
God isn't dead - he's just missing in action.
PO
Even though you can't expect to defeat the absurdity of the world, you must make the attempt. That's morality, that's religion, that's art, that's life.
"
Even though you can't expect to defeat the absurdity of the world, you must make the attempt. That's morality, that's religion, that's art, that's life.
PO
The glory that was Lincoln’s never died when he was slain.
"
The glory that was Lincoln’s never died when he was slain.
PO
I can spare a dime, brother, but in these morally inflationary times, a dime goes a lot farther if it’s demanding work rather than adding to the indignity of relief.
"
I can spare a dime, brother, but in these morally inflationary times, a dime goes a lot farther if it’s demanding work rather than adding to the indignity of relief.
PO
You can do what’s right, or you can do what you are told.
"
You can do what’s right, or you can do what you are told.
PO
Maybe we should raise our voices, ask somebody why. But demonstrations are a drag, besides we’re much too high.
"
Maybe we should raise our voices, ask somebody why. But demonstrations are a drag, besides we’re much too high.
PO
I’m gonna give all I’ve got to giveCross my heart, and I hope to live.
"
I’m gonna give all I’ve got to giveCross my heart, and I hope to live.
PO
Show me a country where the bombs had to fallShow me the ruins of buildings so tallAnd I’ll show you a young landWith many reasons whyThere but for fortune, go you or IYou or I.
"
Show me a country where the bombs had to fallShow me the ruins of buildings so tallAnd I’ll show you a young landWith many reasons whyThere but for fortune, go you or IYou or I.
PO
Some people never get their feet on the ground, They’re either sitting in a chair or theyre laying down...
"
Some people never get their feet on the ground, They’re either sitting in a chair or theyre laying down...
PO
In the courtroom, watch the balance of the scalesIf the price is right, there’s time for more appealsThe strings are pulled, the switch is stayedThe finest lawyers fees are paidAnd a rich man never died upon the chair.
"
In the courtroom, watch the balance of the scalesIf the price is right, there’s time for more appealsThe strings are pulled, the switch is stayedThe finest lawyers fees are paidAnd a rich man never died upon the chair.
PO
Showing 1 to 10 of 81 results