Michael Hurley, Underground Folk Legend and Singer-Songwriter, Dies at 83
Briefly

Michael Hurley, an influential outsider folk artist known for his unique style, has died at age 83 in Astoria, Oregon. Celebrated for his blend of bluegrass, freak-folk, and blues, Hurley's music featured playful yet poignant themes, encouraging listeners to appreciate life's complexities. He began his musical journey in Pennsylvania, influenced by jazz greats, and after a battle with illness, recorded his first album in 1963. Over a prolific career of more than six decades, Hurley's artistic contributions spanned songwriting, recording, and illustration, securing his place as a beloved figure in the folk community.
Michael Hurley, known as the 'Godfather of freak folk', left behind a legacy of innovative music that blended styles and emphasized life's bigger picture.
Over a career spanning more than 60 years, Hurley's distinctive folk music characteristically mixed playful eccentricities with profound reflections on life.
Read at Pitchfork
[
|
]