David Ackles | Artist

David Ackles was an American singer-songwriter, pianist, and child actor born 1937 in Rock Island, Illinois. Ackles' style was contemporary folk with theatrical flourishes and pithy urbane lyrics. Although he never gained wide commercial success, he was recognised for his songwriting talents and influenced other artists, especially British singer-songwriters Elvis Costello and Elton John. Jazz-rock team Brian Auger & Julie Driscoll achieved a UK hit with Ackles' song "Road to Cairo" from his first album David Ackles, which was later reissued as Road to Cairo. Ackles released a total of four studio albums between 1968-73, the most well known being American Gothic which was produced by Elton John's lyricist Bernie Taupin, and is regarded by many critics as an iconic commentary on contemporary American life. After his fourth and final album Five & Dime, Ackles was dumped by his record company Columbia and he lived out the remainder of his life working on musical theatre and TV screenplays. Standout albums include David Ackles, Subway to the Country, American Gothic and Five & Dime.

Artist Website: wikipedia/David_Ackles

Featured Albums: David Ackles

Related Artists: Elton John