Ep 1. Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune

The show American Masters season 25 episode 1 is titled "Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune" and pays tribute to the life and work of the talented singer-songwriter Phil Ochs. Born in 1940 in Texas, Ochs grew up in a middle-class American family and showed an early interest in music.

As the 1960s became a decade of political and social upheaval in America, Ochs's music became a voice of protest and dissent, touching on issues like civil rights, war, and injustice. His lyrics were raw, emotional, and powerful, and his music became a beacon for people who felt marginalized and oppressed by the status quo.

This episode of American Masters explores Ochs's life and legacy, from his early years as a performer in the Greenwich Village folk scene to his later struggles with depression, alcoholism, and disillusionment. The show features interviews with friends, family members, and colleagues who knew Ochs best, as well as rare footage of the artist performing his greatest hits.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of Ochs's personality and values, as well as the intensity and passion he brought to his music. They see his evolution from a young idealist to a seasoned activist, and the ways in which his songs reflected the changing times in which he lived.

The episode also highlights some of Ochs's most famous compositions, like "I Ain't Marching Anymore," "Draft Dodger Rag," and "Love Me, I'm a Liberal." These songs captured the spirit of the anti-war movement and the struggle for civil rights, and Ochs became a hero to many young people who saw him as a symbol of hope and change.

As the episode progresses, however, it becomes clear that Ochs's life was not without its challenges. He struggled with mental illness and substance abuse, and his political activism often put him at odds with the American mainstream. Despite his many accomplishments, he never achieved the level of fame and commercial success that some of his peers did, and his untimely death in 1976 at the age of 35 cut short what could have been a long and fruitful career.

Overall, "Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune" is a moving tribute to a complex and fascinating artist who left an indelible mark on American music and politics. It is a must-watch for fans of Ochs's work as well as anyone interested in the history of protest music and social justice in America.