Who Is Loudon Wainwright III? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on September 5, 1946, Loudon Wainwright III is a celebrated American folk musician known for his wit and engaging storytelling through music. With a career spanning over five decades, he gained acclaim for his distinctive sounds and poignant lyrics. Wainwright has released numerous albums and has been recognized with prestigious awards, contributing significantly to American folk music culture.
As of 2025, Wainwright is 78 years old. His legacy continues to inspire new artists while his music resonates with audiences worldwide.
| Occupation | Folk Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 5, 1946 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Loudon Wainwright III's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Loudon Wainwright III stands approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and weighs around 175 pounds (79 kg). At his age, he maintains a healthy physique indicative of his active lifestyle and commitment to well-being. His distinctive look, characterized by his expressive features and signature style, adds to his captivating stage presence.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Loudon Wainwright III has been married three times, with notable relationships that have influenced both his personal life and music. His most recent relationship has been a topic of interest among fans. Currently, he is dating a talented musician who shares his passion for music, inspiring collaborative projects and new creative directions.
As a father, Wainwright has three children, including well-known musician Rufus Wainwright, who has also made a significant impact in the realm of contemporary music.
Reflecting upon his career in 1999, he stated, "You could characterize the catalog as somewhat checkered, although I prefer to think of it as a tapestry." In 2017, Wainwright released his autobiography, Liner Notes: On Parents & Children, Exes & Excess, Death & Decay, and a Few of My Other Favorite Things.
He is the brother of singer Sloan Wainwright and has four children, including musicians Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, and Lucy Wainwright Roche. He has been married and divorced twice, including to folk singer Kate McGarrigle.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Loudon Wainwright III’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His earnings come from his extensive music career, including album sales, concerts, and royalties. His continued relevance in the industry allows him to maintain a stable financial status, even in his later years.
Career, Business, and Investments
Loudon Wainwright III's career began in the late 1960s, and he has since released over 25 albums, showcasing versatility across various musical styles. He also has ventured into acting, appearing in television series and films, which has further diversified his portfolio.
Over the years, Wainwright has invested in music festivals and other artistic ventures, supporting emerging artists and promoting the folk music genre. His business acumen in the arts has established him as a prominent figure beyond just music.
Wainwright's career began in the late 1960s. He had played the guitar while in school but subsequently sold it for yoga lessons while living in San Francisco. Later, in Rhode Island, Wainwright's grandmother got him a job working in a boatyard. An old lobsterman named Edgar inspired him to borrow a friend's guitar and write his first song, "Edgar".
Wainwright soon bought his own guitar and in about a year wrote nearly twenty songs. He went to Boston and New York City to play in folk clubs and was eventually noticed by Milton Kramer, who became his manager. He signed a record deal with Atlantic, which released his self-titled debut album in 1970.
Social Network
Loudon Wainwright III maintains an active presence on various social media platforms. He connects with fans through Instagram and Twitter, sharing insights about his music, personal life, and upcoming projects. His engagement fosters a strong sense of community among listeners and followers, keeping his legacy alive in digital spaces.
Wainwright has said that, like many of his contemporaries, he was inspired musically by seeing Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival in 1963. He was one of many young folk singers tagged as the "new Dylan" in the early 1970s, a fact that he later ruefully satirized in his song "Talking New Bob Dylan" from the album History (1992).
Education
Loudon Wainwright III attended Oberlin College in Ohio, where he initially pursued a degree in history. However, his love for music led him to switch paths, ultimately shaping his career as a musician. The liberal arts education contributed to his unique songwriting style, blending historical references with personal narratives.
He appeared as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live in the first season's fifth episode, which was hosted by Robert Klein and broadcast on November 15, 1975. He performed "Bicentennial" and "Unrequited to the Nth Degree".
