David Ackles (February 27, 1937 - March 2, 1999) was a Californian singer-songwriter of the 1960s and 1970s. Although he never gained wide commercial success, he influenced other artists, especially British singer-songwriters such as Elvis Costello, Elton John and Phil Collins all of whom are self-declared fans of Ackles. When Collins was on the British radio show Desert Island Discs, he selected Ackles' song "Down River" as one of his eight most favorite songs. When Costello was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, he cited Ackles in his speech as one of his major influences. ...show more

David Ackles (February 27, 1937 - March 2, 1999) was a Californian singer-songwriter of the 1960s and 1970s. Although he never gained wide commercial success, he influenced other artists, especially British singer-songwriters such as Elvis Costello, Elton John and Phil Collins all of whom are self-declared fans of Ackles. When Collins was on the British radio show Desert Island Discs, he selected Ackles' song "Down River" as one of his eight most favorite songs. When Costello was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, he cited Ackles in his speech as one of his major influences.

His first album, the eponymous David Ackles (1968), did not achieve commercial success, but was influential among singer-songwriters. This and his follow-up 1969 release, Subway to the Country, featured songs that melded strong theatrical influences with piano-based rock. His songs reflected the views of their characters-narrators, many of whom were societal outcasts. In this way he presaged many of the songs of Bruce Springsteen and Steve Earle.

His best known work was his third album, American Gothic, released in 1972, which was produced by Elton John's lyricist Bernie Taupin. Though it did not enjoy big sales, the album was highly acclaimed by music critics in the US and UK. The influential British music critic Derek Jewell of the UK The Sunday Times described the album as being "the Sgt. Pepper of folk". ...show less