Americana legend Todd Snider has passed away at the age of 59.
This one feels so cruel. What a devastating loss.
Variety reports:
Todd Snider, a singer-songwriter who had been a leading light of the Americana music scene for three decades, captivating fans with songs like “Alright Guy,” has died at age 59, it was announced Saturday morning.
The news was announced on his social media accounts and confirmed by friends. No cause of death was given, although his family had announced on social media Friday that Snider had been hospitalized with pneumonia.
Friends famous and otherwise quickly began to weigh in with shock and heartbreak. “Freak flags at half-staff for the Storyteller and all the songs he still had left to write. I sure did love him,” wrote Jason Isbell on Threads. “No. I refuse to accept the loss of Todd. I refuse,” wrote Adeem the Artist. Said Aaron Lee Tasjan, who recently produced a record for Snider, “I don’t know if anyone has ever been as good to me in my life as you were. … My music wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for you.”
Our condolences for his family, friends, and fans. All of us at Country Universe are among that last group, and we are grieving with you.
I’ve actually been revisiting your “Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists” feature on Todd, Kevin. The excellent soundtrack has helped in trying to understand this monumental loss to the music world. RIP.
Snider was a true character. His ability as songwriter to make you laugh with one line then burst into tears a few lines later was special. He was all conversational charisma and insight.
This loss feels like losing your favourite kooky neighbour you have lived next to for years. You really just can’t imagine anyone else ever living in that house or filling that space.
Thank you,Todd Snider, for your many gifts.
You will be missed.
What a sad loss. I got into Todd Snider music after reading Kevin’s Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists feature on him! After that, I bought all of his digital albums that I could find at the time.
I was just thinking of him the other day because of his song “Ballad of the Kingsmen” about the controversy behind the song “Louie Louie.” Hadn’t listen to his music in years but was thinking of that song and “Beer Run” just the other day. May he rest in peace