Consummate folksinger, children's book author, and composer, Tom Paxton looks at life's ups and downs, sometimes poignantly, sometimes in hilarious detail. An integral part of 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, laying bare 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.

This past year, Tom released an album of new songs, Comedians & Angels (Appleseed), saw his first six albums, recorded from 1964 to 1970, re-released, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy at the 2009 Grammy Award presentation.