Richard Dobson, American singer-songwriter and guitarist

Richard James Joseph Dobson II (March 19, 1942 – December 16, 2017) was an American singer-songwriter and author. Dobson was a notable figure within the outlaw country movement, a distinctive subgenre of country music that emerged in the 1970s as a reaction against the Nashville establishment. During that pivotal decade, Dobson immersed himself in a vibrant community of like-minded artists and friends, spending significant time with legendary figures such as Townes Van Zandt, known for his poetic lyricism; Mickey White; Rex "Wrecks" Bell; Guy Clark, a celebrated songwriter and craftsman; Steve Earle, who would go on to become a highly influential artist; Rodney Crowell, another prolific songwriter; and "Skinny" Dennis Sanchez. This period was crucial for Dobson, as he collaborated and exchanged ideas with these icons, solidifying his place in a movement that valued authenticity, raw storytelling, and a departure from mainstream country's polished sound.