Warren William Zevon was an American rock singer and songwriter. His most famous compositions include "Werewolves of London", "Lawyers, Guns and Money", and "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner". All three songs are featured on his third album, Excitable Boy (1978), the title track of which is also well-known. He also wrote major hits that were recorded by other artists, including "Poor Poor Pitiful Me", "Mohammed's Radio", "Carmelita", and "Hasten Down the Wind".
Zevon had early music industry successes as a session musician, jingle composer, songwriter, touring musician, musical coordinator, and bandleader. However, Zevon struggled to break through in his solo career until his music was performed by Linda Ronstadt, beginning with her 1976 album Hasten Down the Wind. It launched a cult following that lasted 25 years, with Zevon making occasional returns to album and single charts until his death from mesothelioma in 2003. He briefly found a new audience by teaming up with members of R.E.M. in the blues rock outfit Hindu Love Gods for a 1990 album release, although no tour followed. In 2023, Zevon was nominated for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Known for his dry wit and acerbic lyrics, he was a guest numerous times on Late Night with David Letterman and the Late Show with David Letterman.
Birth Name: Warren William Zevon
Also Known As: Sandy moi Zevon Stephen Lyme
Born: January 24, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died: September 7, 2003 (at age of 56) in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genre(s):
Rock,
pop rock,
folk rock,
country rock,
blues rock,
hard rock,
psychedelic rock,
alternative rock,
comedy rock
Instrument(s):
Vocals,
guitar,
piano,
harmonica
Occupation(s):
Singer,
songwriter
Active From: 1965-2003