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Susanna Clark with Townes Van Zandt (far left), Guy Clark and unidentified friend (far right) Photo courtesy of Jeanene Van Zand
Songwriter and artist Susanna Clark died in her sleep Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. She was 73. Born in Atlanta, TX, Clark was probably best known as an artist for one of her paintings, which became the cover image for Willie Nelson's legendary "Stardust" album. She also co-wrote "Easy From Now On," one of Emmylou Harris' better known songs.
art by Susanna Clark
Clark was also well-known as the longtime wife and companion of legendary songwriter Guy Clark, who hailed from Rockport and lived and worked for years in Houston. In addition to his creative foil she served as a muse and sometimes character in his songs, most famously “L.A. Freeway,” which documented their flight from Los Angeles, which ultimately landed them in Nashville in the early 1970s where their home became a hub for songwriting masters like Clark and Townes Van Zandt and students like Rodney Crowell and Steve Earle.
Susanna Clark also appeared in and inspired lines in songs like “My Favorite Picture of You” and “Stuff That Works,” in which Clark wrote:
"I got a woman I love
She’s crazy and paints like God
She’s got a playground sense of justice
she won’t take odds
I got a tattoo with her name
right through my soul
I think everything she touches
turns to gold"
Details are scant right now. More to come.
Very saddened to hear this. My condolences to her family and loved ones.
I hope that Guy survives the loss. Susanna was in the background of so many of his songs starting from the first album, both as a vocalist and an inspiration.
Very Sad
Sad news. We sat one table over from her at a Guy Clark show in Atlanta some years back and she seemed to be having just as much fun as the rest of us who didn't get to see Guy every day.
Thanks for letting us know. It was kind of you to put this column together so quickly.
She and you are loved and respected.
RIP Susanna
Sadness Alert??? Is this the new way of announcing the death of someone? I believe tacky and juvenile come to mind. Did any of you attend Journalism School or, for that matter, school in general?
Simply amazing.
Such a lovely,talented woman. She is now on the other side and will be doing great things to help all of us go on. Love and peace to her family.
'Sadness "Alert"' seems kind of cold for a story about the death of a human being. That headline would be more appropriate for a lost kitten or if the store was out of chocolate ice cream.
Also loved the cover painting she did of Guy (Clark's) album of the denim shirting hanging on a wall -- an incredible artist, and of course a great inspiration to our great songwriters. Sad to hear this news. A beautiful life, well-lived and well-loved ...
Cry like there's nobody watchin'. Remember that Susanna painted, danced, laughed and wrote songs with love and light. Bless Guy Clark.
she gives me laughter in the morning
sweet communion late at night
she makes the load seem less without warning
she opens doors that have never seen the light.
thank you, susanna, for all you did for all of us
'If I can't dance with you, then I won't dance at all"....... God Bless
Susannah and care for her loved ones. So sorry to hear this tragic news.
I am so sorry about your loss Guy. I had the privelage of taking care of Susannah on several occasions and enjoyed every moment of them. Will never forget how she use to correct my english and say who taught you how to say those words lol. I will miss her and Guy you are always in my prayers.