John Hiatt

“…one of rock’s most astute singer-songwriters of the last 40 years” – L.A. Times 

A master lyricist and satirical storyteller, John Hiatt delivers songs filled with tales of redemption, relationships and surrendering on his own terms. Hiatt’s finest album is 1987’s Bring the Family. Other catalog highlights include the pop and rock of 1983’s Riding with the King, the rough-hewn blues-rock of 2008’s Same Old Man and 2021’s Leftover Feelings. He has graced more than twenty studio albums with his lyrics and melodies. Additionally, notable artists like Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt and others have recorded his songs. Further, he has earned a place in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and a BMI Troubadour award. Also, he received a lifetime achievement in songwriting designation from the Americana Music Association.

Growing up in Indianapolis, Hiatt found inspiration in The Beatles and Elvis Presley, picking up the guitar at age eleven. At eighteen, he moved to Nashville to work as a songwriter. Then, he found work writing for a publishing company and also performed live at many Nashville clubs. He released his debut album, Hangin’ Around the Observatory, in 1974. Furthermore, his album contained the song “Sure as I’m Sitting Here”, which became a hit for Three Dog Night. 

His albums in the 1970s received critical acclaim but initially did not sell well. Furthermore, Rosanne Cash brought Hiatt to prominence, covering several of his songs in the early 1980s. Then, Hiatt finally found success with 1987’s Bring the Family. The singles “Have a Little Faith In Me” and “Memphis In the Meantime” have been performed by Joe Cocker, Bon Jovi, Gregg Allman and others. 

Hiatt has garnered nine Grammy nominations. Also, he has written some of the most enduring and timeless songs in the last half-century of country and pop. 

Recommended for Fans of Tom Petty, Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle and John Prine.

LEARN MORE: https://www.johnhiatt.com/

PHOTO CREDIT: David McClister