Jesse Winchester was an American-Canadian musician and songwriter, known for his blend of folk, country, and blues. He was born in 1944 and began his music career in Montreal, Canada in the late 1960s after moving to avoid the Vietnam draft. His poignant lyrics and distinctive voice garnered him a substantial following, with his songs like "Yankee Lady" and "The Brand New Tennessee Waltz" gaining recognition. His influence can be seen in cover versions of his songs by a variety of artists, ranging from Wilson Pickett to Reba McEntire, highlighting his significant impact on the music industry.