Small question:
I know that nobody is going to beat Jesus in this category, but are there any historical or literary or Lady of the Lowlands types that have had several songs written about them? There are plenty of "Mary"s (Springsteen alone must have five or ten) but I’m talking about subjects that are a little more specific.
Just curious.
Dunno. I bet there are lots of folk and rock songs about John Kennedy. I’m not finding a good list right now, though.
If her autobiography is to be believed, Patty Boyd inspired George Harrison’s “Something” and Eric Clapton’s “Layla”, “Wonderful Tonight,” and “Bell Bottom Blues.”
Hank Williams has been mentioned in many, many, many country songs by other people.
There have been quite a few songs about Superman; I think we’ve had at least one thread listing them.
Romeo pops up in a lot of popular songs, with and without Juliet. Sometimes the name refers to a specific literary character and sometimes it’s a signifier for any young man or boy in love, so I’m not sure how you’d count all the references. R&J have also inspired dozens of operas, symphonies, etc.
If you’re more interested in folk songs, Robin Hood is a serious contender.
Of course, you get into murky territory trying to settle what a song is ABOUT, as opposed to what just happens to be mentioned or used as a metaphor.
Elvis
Most often by Hank Jr. I think this is the winner though.
Lots of songs about Santa Claus (or St. Nicolas).
Major Tom is a recurring character who, I believe, only exists in song.
Stagger Lee?
If you look at folk or protest music, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of songs about a few particular politicians.
At least two big ones for George H W Bush: “Keep On Rockin’ in the Free World” and “Dizz Knee Land.”
Queen Elizabeth II: “Her Majesty” and “God Save the Queen: She Ain’t a Human Being.”
Jack White claimed that several of his songs were about Rita Heyworth.
Elton John and Phoebe Legere have written and performed songs about Marilyn Monroe.
HW also features strongly in Beck’s Loser “I’m a driver, I’m a winner, things are going to change, I can feel it.” and KMFDM’s A Drug Against War. “Bomb the living bejeebus”
Patti D’arbanville is the inspiration for two Cat Stevens songs, *Wild World *and My Lady D’arbanville
deleted
Not by the Friends of Distinction (Grazing in the Grass)
ETA: He said in the deleted post that God and Jesus get mentioned a lot but the Holy Spirit gets left out.
Heh, sorry, wrote the post then realized the OP had already mentioned God/Jesus. I should probably go to bed.