Keith Sykes

In the summer of 1967, Keith Sykes hitchhiked to the Newport Folk Festival and saw Arlo Guthrie perform “Alice’s Restaurant.” Inspired, he learned the song, performed it at a Holiday Inn in Charleston, South Carolina, and was hired on the spot for a regular gig. It was the start of a remarkable career.

Over the next four decades, Keith became a celebrated troubadour and songwriter, with more than 100 of his songs recorded by artists like Rosanne Cash, the Judds and George Thorogood. He toured across the country, played iconic venues, appeared on Saturday Night Live and Austin City Limits, and hosted songwriter nights on Memphis’ Beale Street.

A key member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, Keith co-wrote the title track for Volcano and toured extensively. He also collaborated with John Prine, crafting songs that blended sharp wit with heartfelt storytelling.

To date, Keith’s songs have sold over 25 million copies worldwide. With 13 albums and a successful publishing company that helped launch artists like Todd Snider, Keith Sykes remains a prolific and influential figure in music.