Top 10 John Hiatt Tunes

In my opinion, John Hiatt is one of America's top singer-songwriters of the last half-century. His lyrics are poignant and to the point, evocative, with a rhythm that synchronizes with his guitar and back-beat. Writing songs that others have covered and made famous, he resides in a pantheon of icons that include Robert Johnson, Cole Porter, Bob Dylan, Carl Perkins and Carole King.

I have seen him live as a solo act and with a band. John has an uncanny ability to fill rooms large and small. I saw him at Ravinia in 2008 and he was fantastic.

Here are my 10 top John Hiatt tunes:

Through Your Hands - Covered by Don Henley on the 'Michael' soundtrack. To me it's an inspiration to creation.

Ridin' With the King - Covered by B.B. King and Eric Clapton as a duet. It starts slowly and resolves otherwise.

Angel Eyes - Steve Earle covered this classy song dedicated to a classy lady. I know: if you sing this song to a woman, and you mean it, she is yours all the way....

Slow Turning - My favorite line is about the kids in the backseat 'bangin' like they're Charlie Watts'.

Head South - Roll down those nylons, it's hot when you Head South.

Perfectly Good Guitar - A lament about those who would be 'Smashing a Perfectly Good Guitar'.

Paper Thin - Read all about it. Sometimes I think John'll saw through his guitar with his pick playing this song.

Thing Called Love - Made famous by Bonnie Raitt. It don't come from me and you; it comes from up above. Oh, and we ain't no amoebas.

Tennessee Plates - Careful what you do and careful what you say...you'll end up spending 5-8 making them too.

Memphis in the Meantime - A back beat and a smirk will get you everywhere! Let's go to Memphis in the meantime, baby. Memphis in the meantime, girl.

Have a Little Faith in Me - Covered by Joe Cocker and others, this is the most beautiful ballad that can be sung to the one that one loves! From a whisper start....