Paxton, Tom

▪ American folk singer-songwriter

in full  Thomas Richard Paxton 

born Oct. 31, 1937, Chicago, Ill., U.S.

      American folk singer-songwriter who was especially prominent in the folk music revival (folk rock) of the 1960s.

      After studying drama at the University of Oklahoma and serving in the U.S. Army, Paxton joined the folk music scene in New York City, singing and playing acoustic guitar in small folk clubs. Despite a substantial following as a performer, he became more widely known as a composer. Paxton's work ranged from sorrowful ballads (“The Last Thing on My Mind,” “Ramblin' Boy”) to topical political and social protest songs (“Whose Garden Was This,” “Peace Will Come”) to children's tunes (“The Marvelous Toy,” “Jennifer's Rabbit”). He was particularly noted for his perceptive lyrics and for his use of insightful humour and satire.

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