Consummate folksinger, children's book author, and composer, Tom Paxton looks at life's ups and downs, sometimes poignantly, sometimes in hilarious detail. A central figure in folk music since arriving in Greenwich Village in the early 1960s, via Chicago and Oklahoma, Tom has been a primary influence on four distinct generations of folk musicians.  Whether addressing issues of injustice and inhumanity, having a chuckle at the absurdities of modern culture, or celebrating the bonds of family, friends, and community, Tom's songs—"Ramblin' Boy," "The Last Thing on My Mind," "Bottle of Wine," and "What Did You Learn in School Today," to name but a few—endure. Pete Seeger said of Tom's music, "These songs have a way of sneaking up on you. You may find yourself humming them, whistling them, and singing a verse to a friend. Like the songs of Woody Guthrie, they're becoming part of America." Those songs have been recorded by dozens of artists, including Willie Nelson, Placido Domingo, and Johnny Cash.

In addition to releasing a CD of new songs, Comedians & Angels, Tom recently saw his classic children's song, "The Marvelous Toy," published by Peter Yarrow Books as a beautifully illustrated book. Tom was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy at the 2009 Grammy Awards. For a chance to hear a living folk legend, catch Tom Paxton at the Freight.

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