Better story teller than Edmund Fitzgerald?

Kingston Trio, remember them? Several polished, musical, and meaningful songs to compete with any.

'Ballad of Old John Webb' - an accused counterfeiter, famed for his 10 pound notes, escapes. "Billy (the 10 pound notes, get it?) broke locks and Billy broke bolts and Billy broke all that he came nigh." Historically, it seems he was released for lack of evidence, but escape from the authorities is more fun. One of their best, and yet remains obscure; album 'String Along'.

'Merry minuet' - an anti cold-war song listing the unintended consequences,  "dedicated to John Foster Dulles," cold-warrior extraordinaire. Best version on 'From the Hungry i.' 

"Four Rode By", a ballad of rampage by "three McLean boys and that wild Alex Haire," Ian & Sylvia.

”El Paso” by Marty Robbins & “No Reply” by the Beatles.  Robbins comes close to Lightfoot’s story telling, and the Beatles are a good bit further behind, at least on this song of theirs.

I'm sure you've heard of a fellow named Johnny Cash. 

Harry Chapin "Greatest Stories Live"  Is an album full of well sung stories.

"A Better Place to Be" is a bit schmaltzy but I have to admit I smile every time I listen to it.