Guy Clark (November 6, 1941 - May 17, 2016) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor. He was a major influence on the Americana music scene and was considered one of the greatest and most influential songwriters of all time.
Born in Monahans, Texas, Clark grew up in a family of musicians, singers, and storytellers. He started playing the guitar at age eight and wrote his first song at age thirteen. After high school, he moved to Houston and began playing in local clubs. After a few years, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 1971 and began to make a name for himself as a songwriter.
Clark wrote songs for many other country music artists, including Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, and Ricky Skaggs. Clark's own albums, including Old No. 1 (1975), Texas Cookin' (1976), and South Coast of Texas (1979), showcased his unique style of folk-country-blues. His songs often reflected on his own life experiences, and he was known for his vivid storytelling.
Throughout his career, Clark earned numerous awards and honors, including the 2007 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He also received the Americana Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.
In addition to his music career, Clark also acted in several films, including the 1982 film Tender Mercies, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Clark was married to singer-songwriter Susanna Clark. Together they wrote several songs, including "L.A. Freeway" and "Desperados Waiting for a Train."
Guy Clark passed away at the age of 74 in 2016 after a battle with cancer. He left behind an incredible legacy of music and stories that will continue to inspire generations of songwriters.