Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune DVD

Comments about PBS Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune DVD:

Phil Ochs has gotten a bit lost over time. His songs still get played, but mostly by people who played them when they came out, who now get their Ochs fix from the couple of collections in which that voice, those lyrics, can still be found. So for those of us of that generation, it was good to revisit those times, when a song could make a difference.

For others, this special had enough songs and historical background to help them discover a singer and activist who helped define those times with his words. Even without that context, there are some beautiful, powerful songs in this special that deserve to be heard, and a man who earned the right to be remembered.

Ultimately it's a story that ended too soon, and badly. But it is also a story of a man standing up for what mattered, and using his songs to define what he saw as the purpose for living in his generation. He was a singer and songwriter who put his songs and voice on the line, and this special reminded us of a time when that was so important, and why his songs still matter today.

Comments about PBS Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune DVD:

If you were alive during the period from the mid-sixties to the mid-seventies, and if you were aware of the movements for social justice and against the war in Viet Nam, you knew about PHil Ochs and his powerful and very relevant songs. And if you were very lucky, you were at one of the many rallies that he lent his support to.

This documentary captures the essence of that period and of this brilliant, tortured man. Watching it will give you a good insight into the singer/composer and the era.

Remember Chicago!