An American protest singer and songwriter who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 1960s and released 8 albums in his lifetime. He performed at many political events, including anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies, student events and organised labour events over the course of his career.

After years of prolific writing in the 1960s, Ochs's mental stability declined in the 1970s. He eventually succumbed to a number of problems including bipolar disorder and alcoholism and took his own life in 1976.