Guy Clark, country singer-songwriter dead at 74

NASHVILLE, May 17 (UPI) -- Guy Clark, prolific country singer-songwriter, has died at the age of 74.

Confirmed by his manager Keith Case and on his official Facebook page, Clark died after battling cancer for several years.

Known for his literary songwriting style, Clark penned classics such as "Desperadoes Waiting for a Train," "Magnolia Wind," "LA Freeway" and "Magdalene."

Clark would often collaborate, record and mentor fellow country acts such as Rodney Crowell, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris. Although never a top selling artist himself as a singer, he wrote chart-topping hits including "Heartbroke" for Ricky Skaggs, "Oklahoma Borderline" for Vince Gill and "She's Crazy for Leavin'" for Crowell among others.

Over his long career and 13 albums, Clark was nominated for multiple Grammy awards and finally took one home in 2014 for his last release, My Favorite Picture of You which was dedicated to his deceased wife Susanna who died from lung cancer in 2012.

Clark is survived by his son Travis and daughter in law Krista McMurty Clark.