Singer, Songwriter. Upon his graduation from college in 1967, Winchester received his draft notice and decided to protest the Vietnam War by moving to Canada. In 1970, his music, which blended folk, country and blues, caught the ear of The Band's Robbie Robertson who produced his critically acclaimed self-entitled first record. He released several more albums during the '70's, however due to his status as a draft resister, he was unable to tour in the United States and became recognized primarily as a songwriter. His best known songs include 'Yankee Lady', 'The Brand New Tennessee Waltz', 'Mississippi, You're on My Mind', 'A Showman's Life', and 'Biloxi'. Among artists that have recorded his songs are George Strait, Gary Allan, Patti Page, Elvis Costello, Jimmy Buffett, Joan Baez, Anne Murray, Reba McEntire, The Everly Brothers, Wynona Judd, The Weather Girls, Tim Hardin, Emmylou Harris, Ronnie Hawkins, Nicolette Larsen, Ted Hawkins, Colleen Peterson, Raffi and Wilson Pickett. In early 1977, newly elected President, Jimmy Carter, pardoned him, along with other anti-war protesters, as part of an amnesty and Winchester made his first appearance that April at a sold out performance in Burlington, Vermont. Rolling Stone magazine covered the event coining the phrase "the Greatest Voice of the Decade" to describe Winchester's vocal style. In 2007, he was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from performing rights organization ASCAP for his body of work. Winchester died from esophageal cancer.
Singer, Songwriter. Upon his graduation from college in 1967, Winchester received his draft notice and decided to protest the Vietnam War by moving to Canada. In 1970, his music, which blended folk, country and blues, caught the ear of The Band's Robbie Robertson who produced his critically acclaimed self-entitled first record. He released several more albums during the '70's, however due to his status as a draft resister, he was unable to tour in the United States and became recognized primarily as a songwriter. His best known songs include 'Yankee Lady', 'The Brand New Tennessee Waltz', 'Mississippi, You're on My Mind', 'A Showman's Life', and 'Biloxi'. Among artists that have recorded his songs are George Strait, Gary Allan, Patti Page, Elvis Costello, Jimmy Buffett, Joan Baez, Anne Murray, Reba McEntire, The Everly Brothers, Wynona Judd, The Weather Girls, Tim Hardin, Emmylou Harris, Ronnie Hawkins, Nicolette Larsen, Ted Hawkins, Colleen Peterson, Raffi and Wilson Pickett. In early 1977, newly elected President, Jimmy Carter, pardoned him, along with other anti-war protesters, as part of an amnesty and Winchester made his first appearance that April at a sold out performance in Burlington, Vermont. Rolling Stone magazine covered the event coining the phrase "the Greatest Voice of the Decade" to describe Winchester's vocal style. In 2007, he was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from performing rights organization ASCAP for his body of work. Winchester died from esophageal cancer.
Bio by: Louis du Mort
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