“There is no other”–Folk legend dies at 83
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The GrayVine community joins the world in mourning the loss of a true original, Michael Hurley, the “Godfather of Freak Folk,” who passed away at the age of 83.
His sudden departure leaves a void in the hearts of many, from family and friends to the countless fans and fellow artists he inspired throughout his eclectic and storied career.
On April 4, Michael Hurley’s publicist confirmed the news of his death. A statement was shared on behalf of his family.
"It is with a resounding sadness that the Hurley family announces the recent sudden passing of the inimitable Michael Hurley," it said. "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."
No cause of death has been shared.
Born in 1941 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Michael Hurley's journey into the world of music and art was as unconventional as the man himself.
In his early twenties, Hurley ventured to the vibrant Greenwich Village in New York City, where he quickly made a name for himself within the folk scene.
His distinctive sound and artistic flair earned him the affectionate nickname “Snock,” a moniker that would become synonymous with his unique brand of creativity.
In 1964, Hurley released his debut album, First Songs, on Folkways Records, a collection that showcased his raw and authentic approach to music.
The album caught the attention of Jesse Colin Young, the late songwriter who passed away just last month at the same age.
Young's encouragement led Hurley to produce two more albums, Armchair Boogie and Hi Fi Snock Uptown, which further cemented his place in the annals of folk music.
Also read: Timeless talent lost—Music icon of “The Standells” dies at 82
Perhaps Hurley's most celebrated work came in 1976 with the release of Have Moicy!, a collaboration with the Holy Modal Rounders that resonated with audiences for its humor, heart, and unfiltered expression.
In the 1980s, he launched his own label, Bellemeade Phonics, through which he distributed his music up until the early 2000s, when independent record companies began to take over the release of his work.
Hurley remained musically active for the next four decades, consistently putting out new albums.
During a 2021 interview with Psychedelic! Baby Mag, Hurley reflected on the kind of music he preferred.
“I like original music,” he said. “I like to listen to people who are playing themselves, not somebody else or who they think they should be. I like a raw truth. I like to celebrate the hilarity of life. The whole deal. The boogie woogie, the bebop and the blues as well as folk music of all nations.”
His final released album was The Time of the Foxgloves, which came out in 2021.
Still, his publicist confirmed that Hurley had recently completed a new record.
“It was mastered the week before he died, and he was very proud of it,” he said. “Hopefully, it will see the light of day soon.”
In addition to music, Hurley was a talented cartoonist and painter, often designing the cover art for his own albums. He continued to tour and perform until shortly before his passing.
Beyond his musical talents, Michael Hurley was also a gifted cartoonist and painter, often creating the artwork for his own albums.
His visual art, much like his music, was characterized by its whimsical and often surreal nature, offering a window into the mind of an artist who saw the world through a different lens.
Hurley's passion for art and music never waned, and he continued to tour and perform up until his final days.
Source: distortculture / Youtube.
Michael Hurley's legacy is not only found in his music and art but also in his family.
He is survived by his children—Jordan, Colorado, Daffodil, Rollin, and Wilder Mountain Honey—who, along with his ex-wife Marjorie and former partners Kim and Bethany, mourn the loss of a remarkable individual.
Read next: The vault is opening: Bruce Springsteen has a surprise decades in the making
As we reflect on the life and influence of Michael Hurley, we at The GrayVine invite our readers to share their memories and experiences of his work. Did his music touch your life in a special way? Do you have a favorite album or song? Perhaps you're an admirer of his visual art? Let's celebrate the life of a man who danced to the beat of his own drum in the comments below.
His sudden departure leaves a void in the hearts of many, from family and friends to the countless fans and fellow artists he inspired throughout his eclectic and storied career.
On April 4, Michael Hurley’s publicist confirmed the news of his death. A statement was shared on behalf of his family.
"It is with a resounding sadness that the Hurley family announces the recent sudden passing of the inimitable Michael Hurley," it said. "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."
No cause of death has been shared.
Born in 1941 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Michael Hurley's journey into the world of music and art was as unconventional as the man himself.
Michael Hurley, known as the “Godfather of Freak Folk,” has died at the age of 83. Image source: Democracy Now! / Youtube.
In his early twenties, Hurley ventured to the vibrant Greenwich Village in New York City, where he quickly made a name for himself within the folk scene.
His distinctive sound and artistic flair earned him the affectionate nickname “Snock,” a moniker that would become synonymous with his unique brand of creativity.
In 1964, Hurley released his debut album, First Songs, on Folkways Records, a collection that showcased his raw and authentic approach to music.
The album caught the attention of Jesse Colin Young, the late songwriter who passed away just last month at the same age.
Young's encouragement led Hurley to produce two more albums, Armchair Boogie and Hi Fi Snock Uptown, which further cemented his place in the annals of folk music.
Also read: Timeless talent lost—Music icon of “The Standells” dies at 82
Perhaps Hurley's most celebrated work came in 1976 with the release of Have Moicy!, a collaboration with the Holy Modal Rounders that resonated with audiences for its humor, heart, and unfiltered expression.
In the 1980s, he launched his own label, Bellemeade Phonics, through which he distributed his music up until the early 2000s, when independent record companies began to take over the release of his work.
Hurley remained musically active for the next four decades, consistently putting out new albums.
During a 2021 interview with Psychedelic! Baby Mag, Hurley reflected on the kind of music he preferred.
Hurley was a prolific musician, cartoonist, and painter who influenced many singer-songwriters. Image source: Democracy Now! / Youtube.
“I like original music,” he said. “I like to listen to people who are playing themselves, not somebody else or who they think they should be. I like a raw truth. I like to celebrate the hilarity of life. The whole deal. The boogie woogie, the bebop and the blues as well as folk music of all nations.”
His final released album was The Time of the Foxgloves, which came out in 2021.
Still, his publicist confirmed that Hurley had recently completed a new record.
“It was mastered the week before he died, and he was very proud of it,” he said. “Hopefully, it will see the light of day soon.”
In addition to music, Hurley was a talented cartoonist and painter, often designing the cover art for his own albums. He continued to tour and perform until shortly before his passing.
Beyond his musical talents, Michael Hurley was also a gifted cartoonist and painter, often creating the artwork for his own albums.
Hurley had recently completed an album that was mastered the week before he died and is expected to be released posthumously. Image source: Democracy Now! / Youtube.
His visual art, much like his music, was characterized by its whimsical and often surreal nature, offering a window into the mind of an artist who saw the world through a different lens.
Hurley's passion for art and music never waned, and he continued to tour and perform up until his final days.
Source: distortculture / Youtube.
Michael Hurley's legacy is not only found in his music and art but also in his family.
He is survived by his children—Jordan, Colorado, Daffodil, Rollin, and Wilder Mountain Honey—who, along with his ex-wife Marjorie and former partners Kim and Bethany, mourn the loss of a remarkable individual.
Read next: The vault is opening: Bruce Springsteen has a surprise decades in the making
As we reflect on the life and influence of Michael Hurley, we at The GrayVine invite our readers to share their memories and experiences of his work. Did his music touch your life in a special way? Do you have a favorite album or song? Perhaps you're an admirer of his visual art? Let's celebrate the life of a man who danced to the beat of his own drum in the comments below.
