Townes Van Zandt was an American musician and songwriter born on March 7, 1944. He is known for his profound lyrics and influence on the folk and country music genres. Van Zandt's songs, such as "Pancho and Lefty," have been covered by many artists and are celebrated for their storytelling quality. Despite facing personal struggles, his music has left a lasting legacy, and he is regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of his time.