Discover the Iconic Loudon Wainwright III: Musician, Actor, and Storyteller

Born in Chapel Hill, N.C. in 1946, Loudon Wainwright III came to fame when “Dead Skunk” became a Top 20 hit in 1972.

His songs have since been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, Earl Scruggs, and his son Rufus Wainwright, among others. Wainwright has recorded 27 albums, including his 2009 Grammy Award-winning High Wide & Handsome.

In October of 2020 Loudon unveiled the album I’d Rather Lead a Band, in which he is featured as a vocalist with Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks. The 14-song collection of classic songs from the 1920s and ‘30s was widely acclaimed. During the pandemic, Wainwright produced a number of virtual shows, including The Special Relationship (presented by the Royal Albert Hall ) and The Great Unknown, a musical tribute to his friend, the late George Gerdes.

In 2022 Loudon released Lifetime Achievement, an album of 15 original songs, that established his singular talent as our foremost six-string tragicomedian, not only undiminished, but hitting new heights.

Additionally Wainwright has co-written with songwriter/producer Joe Henry on the music for Judd Apatow’s hit movie Knocked Up, and composed topical songs for NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered. An accomplished actor, he has appeared in films directed by Martin Scorsese, Christopher Guest, Tim Burton, and Judd Apatow. Wainwright has also starred on TV in M.A.S.H., and on Broadway in Pump Boys and Dinettes. Most recently, he appeared in the film Pleased to Meet You, and the television series, Mosaic, directed by Steven Soderbergh.