Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright III is an American singer-songwriter, folk singer, humorist and actor from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. His work spans blues, comedy, contemporary folk, country folk, folk and rock.

Career

Wainwright begins recording with Atlantic Records in 1970, which releases his first album. He records more than twenty albums across eleven different labels, and his writing is known for a witty, self-mocking style. Two of his albums receive Grammy nominations.

Notable songs and screen work

He is best known for the 1972 novelty hit Dead Skunk (in the Middle of the Road), recorded with pianist Teddy Wender. He also appears on three episodes of M*A*S*H in the show’s third season, playing Captain Spalding, the “singing surgeon”.

Outside music, he acts regularly in Judd Apatow films and plays the father in Undeclared.

Family

Wainwright is the father of Rufus Wainwright and Martha Wainwright. Their mother is Kate McGarrigle, his late wife.

Education

He graduates from St. Andrew’s School.