Loudon Wainwright III is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and actor known for his candid storytelling and diverse artistic contributions across music, television, and film. After his 1972 hit single Dead Skunk reached the Top 20, Loudon Wainwright III went on to establish a career as an acclaimed singer-songwriter and actor. His musical journey began after studying acting at Carnegie-Mellon University, writing his first song ‘Edgar’ in 1968. This led to a recording contract with Atlantic Records, secured by Nesuhi Ertegun, before Clive Davis signed him to Columbia Records, where he found widespread recognition for his candid storytelling.
In October 2020, Wainwright unveiled ‘I’d Rather Lead a Band,’ a collaborative album with Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks, featuring classic songs from the 1920s and ’30s. He continued his prolific output with the 2022 release of ‘Lifetime Achievement,’ an album comprising 15 original songs that further exemplify his distinctive narrative songwriting. His one-man theatrical show, ‘Surviving Twin,’ was later adapted into a Netflix special, produced by Judd Apatow and directed by Christopher Guest, further broadening his reach. Wainwright is also scheduled for a tour in 2025.