Date of Birth: June 30, 1936
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: February 10, 2002
Biography
Dave Van Ronk was a prominent American folk singer, guitarist, and songwriter, often referred to as the “Mayor of MacDougal Street.” Born in Brooklyn, New York, Van Ronk became an integral part of the Greenwich Village folk music scene in the 1960s. He played a crucial role in the American folk music revival and was a mentor to several well-known artists, including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Phil Ochs. His music encompassed a variety of styles from traditional folk to blues and jazz. Van Ronk’s gruff voice, intricate guitar playing, and encyclopedic knowledge of American music traditions earned him a lasting legacy. He continued to perform and record music until his death in 2002.
5 Interesting Facts about Dave Van Ronk
1. Dave Van Ronk was a self-taught musician who initially started his career as a jazz guitarist before transitioning to folk music.
2. He was known for his deep, raspy voice and his mastery of fingerstyle guitar.
3. Van Ronk was a dedicated leftist and active participant in the Civil Rights Movement and anti-Vietnam War protests.
4. The Coen Brothers’ film “Inside Llewyn Davis” (2013) was loosely based on Van Ronk’s life and memoir.
5. He was posthumously inducted into the Folk Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dave Van Ronk
1. “I’m a folk musician, and folk music is the music of the people.”
2. “I never intended to be a singer; I just kind of fell into it.”
3. “Music is a way of talking to people, and I’ve always tried to say something worth listening to.”
4. “The only thing that’s real about the commercial music business is the money.”
5. “I was never interested in fame. I was interested in music.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Dave Van Ronk’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Dave Van Ronk did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Dave Van Ronk Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Van_Ronk
2. [Dave Van Ronk at AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dave-van-ronk-mn0000680475
3. [Dave Van Ronk’s Official Website](http://davevanronk.net/
4. [NPR’s Tribute to Dave Van Ronk](https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1140992
