Guy Clark

Guy Clark (1941–2016) was an American singer-songwriter born in Monahans, Texas, who became one of the central figures of the outlaw country and Texas songwriter tradition after settling in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for his plainspoken, richly detailed lyrics and warm baritone, Clark wrote songs that read like short stories, drawing on his West Texas upbringing, craftsmanship (he was also a skilled guitar builder), and the people who passed through his life.

His songs were recorded by a wide range of artists, including Johnny Cash, Jerry Jeff Walker, Jimmy Buffett, Lyle Lovett and Vince Gill, and he is remembered for classics such as «Desperados Waiting For The Train», «L.A. Freeway» and «The Cape». Clark mentored and influenced younger songwriters, notably Steve Earle and Ricky Skaggs, who both cited him as a major influence.

He was married to fellow songwriter and artist Susanna Clark for four decades, and their Nashville home became a gathering place for the city's songwriting community. Late in his career he received wide recognition, including the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Folk Album for «My Favorite Picture of You», cementing his legacy as one of the great American songwriters.