A Gifted Songwriter/Singer

Nanci Griffith was one of the most influential country and folk music singer-songwriters of the late Twentieth century. She was a consummate storyteller. Her songs were called “three-minute novels.” They had universal appeal.

Love at the Five and Dime: The Songwriting Legacy of Nanci Griffith, by Brian T. Atkinson, is a new biography of Nanci Griffith.

Atkinson tells Griffith’s story through the words of those who knew and intersected with her. Although he provides interstitial material to tie the book together, most of his quotes are extracted from either numerous interviews he made researching this book, or from previously published memoirs, or reminiscences of others in the country music scene. This includes quotes from Griffith herself.

Those quoted include everyone imaginable, from high school friends to musicians, producers, and music critics who worked with or around her. Atkinson interviewed some big names, but the interviews also included many obscure individuals in Griffith’s life. The result is a surprisingly intimate portrayal of Griffith, told by those who knew her best. It highlights her strengths and flaws superbly.

On stage Griffith seemed innocent and vulnerable, sweet and nice. Atkinson reveals beneath this stage persona was a different Nanci Griffith. When it came to her career she was hard as nails and just as driven. Griffith pursued success with single-minded determination.

Yet she was nice. She is shown to be incredibly generous and protective of those in her band. She gave a boost to numerous singers and songwriters, starting their path to stardom. Lyle Lovett and Kathy Mattea are two performers who feel they owe large debts to Griffith for their career success. Griffith launched Julie Gold’s songwriting career by championing “At a Distance.” Bette Midler may be most associated with the song, but Griffith sang it first — and best.

He traces her career from its beginning in Austin, Texas, and follows her as she went from Houston and back to Austin, and from there to Nashville. He shows her artistic rise and decline. He reveals a seldom-seen dark side, especially later in life. In her last decades, Dupuytren’s contracture prevented her from playing guitar. She also focused too much on what she failed to achieve and too little on her remarkable accomplishments.

Love at the Five and Dime is one of those rare books that keep readers absorbed throughout. Atkinson provides a sensitive, yet realistic look, at the life of a brilliant, troubled artist.

“Love at the Five and Dime: The Songwriting Legacy of Nanci Griffith,” by Brian T. Atkinson, Texas A&M University Press, September 2024, 416 pages, $34.95 (Hardcover),$9.99 (E-book)

This review was written by Mark Lardas, who writes at Ricochet as Seawriter. Mark Lardas, an engineer, freelance writer, historian, and model-maker, lives in League City, TX. His website is marklardas.com.