Almost certainly you are thinking about the late and great songwriter David Ackles who was killed in a road accident about 12 years ago.
His Road To Cairo was recorded by Julie Driscoll in the UK ....I also know his work through his album American ? which contains such great songs as Another Friday Night and Montana Song.It received massive critical acclaim when it came out in 1973
His work was certainly folk influenced but I think he was also a composer and teacher of other forms of music.I often sing his stuff while walking to work but for the life of me cannot remember the full name of the album ...perhaps someone can help out?!
A wonderful writer...
ifor