Folk icon Michael Hurley dead at 83
Influential folk musician Michael Hurley, who inspired artists such as Devendra Banhart and Lucinda Williams, has died aged 83.
The singer-songwriter was considered an icon of the outsider and freak folk movements of the 1960s. During his career, which spanned from 1964 until his death on April 1st, he released over 30 studio albums. No cause of death has been disclosed.
Hurley was also considered to be an integral part of the Greenwich Village folk scene of New York, though his unusual and eccentric style made him stand out among his peers. Albums such as Armchair Boogie and Have Moicy! are among his most celebrated records.
In a statement first published by Rolling Stone, his family announced: “It is with a resounding sadness that the Hurley family announces the recent sudden passing of the inimitable Michael Hurley. The ‘Godfather of freak folk’ was for a prolific half-century the purveyor of an eccentric genius and compassionate wit. He alone was Snock. There is no other. Friends, family, and the music community deeply mourn his loss.”
Alongside his work as a folk musician, Hurley was well-known for his hand-illustrated artwork, which adorned all of his record sleeves with their distinctive style.
Many artists have shared tributes to the artist following the news, with The Walkmen’s Hamilton Leithauser sharing a post to X that linked to his song, ‘I Paint A Design’, while Ryley Walker shared a photograph of him alongside Hurley.
His most recent album, The Time of the Foxgloves, was released in 2021, although he continued to perform until shortly before his death, having performed his final show in Asheville, North Carolina, on March 31st.
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