There But for Fortune: The Life of Phil Ochs

By Michael Schumacher

Book Overview

The life and influence of singer Phil Ochs

Phil Ochs burst onto the American music scene just as the popularity of folk music was breaking through on the national consciousness. Along with friend and rival Bob Dylan, Ochs wrote some of the most compelling topical music of his time. In There But for Fortune, Michael Schumacher explores the life and career of a singer, songwriter, and political activist whose music resonates today as much as it applied to a divided country a half-century ago. His politically charged songs were covered by Pete Seeger; Joan Baez; Gordon Lightfoot; Peter, Paul and Mary; and a host of others, and such songs as "I Ain't Marching Anymore" and "The War Is Over" became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War movement. He seemed to be performing everywhere, from concerts on college campuses to huge demonstrations, culminating with an appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968.

But as this biography illustrates in painstaking detail, Ochs suffered from a dark side that gravely affected his life and music. Diagnosed as manic depressive, he shifted between incredible highs and debilitating lows that ultimately drove him to suicide at age 36. To piece together his life story, Schumacher interviewed Ochs's friends, family members, and fellow musicians; examined his journals and scrapbooks; and even scrutinized his FBI files. While Phil Ochs's life might have been plagued by downturn and tragedies, his music is an enduring call to activism and fighting for a better future.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1517903548
• ISBN13: 9781517903541
• Release Date: April 2018
• Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

There But For Fortune

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.

Must read for any Phil Ochs fan. No sugar-coating.

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.

Schumacher's bio. of Ochs is as powerful as the man.

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.

Phil-Phil Come Back and Teach Us

Imagine Phil Ochs in 1997 singing for the pope. It could never happen. He was the real thing. This book reads like a novel -- but it is as wonderful as DEATH OF A REBEL if not superior. If you love Phil's music, you must read this. If you don't know who Phil Ochs is -- you must read this -- Phil was the real thing. Bob Dylan is a total fraud.

Reads like a novel--great bio; fascinating life

This book was a revelation: it was as though the author was with Phil Ochs every minute of his life, and especially during the time when Ochs changed his identity, and lost his mind. The writing is clear; the book is edited down to eliminate useless details. It's as much as anyone needs to know about Ochs, and will keep the interest even of those people who have never heard Ochs' music. One of the best bios I've read. After finishing this book, I began reading Schumacher's bio of Allen Ginsberg, which is much more detailed, and just as good