Nanci Griffith: The Poet of the Lone Star State




Nanci Griffith was a true Texas original. Born in Seguin in 1953 and raised in the state capital of Austin, she was steeped in the sounds of country and folk music from an early age. Her father, Marlin, was a cowboy poet and singer, and her mother, Ruelen, was a classically trained pianist. It was no surprise, then, that Nanci developed a love of music at a young age.
After graduating from high school, Nanci moved to Nashville to pursue her musical dreams. She quickly made a name for herself as a songwriter, penning hits for the likes of Jimmy Buffett and Kathy Mattea. But it was her own recordings that truly captured her unique voice.
Nanci's songs were often deeply personal, drawing on her own experiences of love, loss, and longing. She had a gift for writing lyrics that were both poetic and relatable, and her music resonated with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
One of Nanci's most famous songs is "Love at the Five and Dime." Written in the early 1980s, the song tells the story of a chance encounter between two strangers in a small-town five and dime store. The lyrics are simple and unadorned, but they perfectly capture the magic of that moment when two people first fall in love.
"Love at the five and dime
Where the lights are dim
And the music's soft and low
Love at the five and dime
Where the dreams are free
And the nights are slow"
Nanci's music was not just about love, though. She also wrote songs about the social and political issues of her time, such as the Vietnam War and the plight of the working class. Her songs were always honest and heartfelt, and they often challenged the status quo.
Nanci Griffith was a true pioneer in the music industry. She was one of the first female singer-songwriters to achieve mainstream success, and she paved the way for many other women who followed in her footsteps. She was a gifted songwriter, a talented musician, and a passionate advocate for social justice. She will be deeply missed by her fans, her friends, and her family.

"Nanci Griffith was a true American treasure. Her songs were honest, heartfelt, and timeless. She will be deeply missed." - Lyle Lovett

"Nanci was a great songwriter and a wonderful human being. I was honored to know her and to call her a friend." - Emmylou Harris

"Nanci Griffith was a true original. Her music was a gift to the world." - John Prine