John Fahey (February 28, 1939–February 22, 2001) combined folk, blues, Indian raga, 20th century composition styles, and classical into a musical gestalt he called "American Primitive," bringing back the solo guitar as an emotive instrument in the process.

Widely heralded as one of the greatest fingerstyle guitarists of all time, it is rare to find a solo acoustic guitarist worth his salt that does not cite Fahey as an influence. A very diverse array of bands, including Slint, Cul de Sac (with whom he has also collaborated on a 1997 record), Sonic Youth, and the avant-garde musician Jim O'Rourke also acknowledge his influence.

Late in his life he began recording increasingly experimental music.