David Ackles: cult songwriter, baritone tales, and DeBaser reviews

The Profile

American singer-songwriter and pianist from Rock Island, Illinois. Released four acclaimed albums (1968–1973) on Elektra and Columbia; American Gothic was produced by Bernie Taupin with arrangements by Robert Kirby. A child actor in the Rusty films, he later wrote for stage/TV, survived a serious 1981 car accident, and died on March 2, 1999.

Born in Rock Island, Illinois; American nationality; four studio albums: David Ackles (1968), Subway to the Country (1970), American Gothic (1972), Five & Dime (1973); American Gothic produced by Bernie Taupin with Robert Kirby arrangements; admired for a deep baritone voice and literary, theatrical songwriting; child actor in the Rusty film series; serious car accident in 1981 impacted his arm; wrote the musical Sister Aimee; taught theater and wrote for television/film; died March 2, 1999.

American singer-songwriter David Ackles (baritone, piano) released four acclaimed albums from 1968 to 1973, including American Gothic produced by Bernie Taupin. Celebrated for orchestral, literary songs and dark storytelling, he remained commercially overlooked. He acted as a child, later wrote for stage/TV, survived a serious 1981 car crash, and died in 1999. These reviews trace his cult legacy and key tracks.

Notable Quotes

❝ “Five & Dime” could be the breakthrough album.

❝ Promoted as the “Sgt. Pepper’s” of folk, labeled as a “classic” by Melody Maker, “American Gothic” was released in July ’72, the same year as “Pink Moon” by the aforementioned Nick Drake, released a few months earlier.

❝ It’s a melancholic, slow, and powerful melody that conquers me every time and gives me that jolt: the hairs on my arms and legs standing up.

❝ David Ackles does not climb the charts with this album, nor will he with the subsequent “American Gothic” or the final “Five & Dime,” after which he will retire quietly, having learned the hard way that in the world of “pop music” the louder you shout (it doesn’t matter what), the more attention you get.