Influential singer-songwriter, visual artist and lo-fi pioneer Daniel Johnston has passed away from a presumed heart attack. He was 58.
The news was broken by Johnston's former manager Jack Tartakov via The Austin Chronicle. It was reported that the artist has passed away on the night of 10 September at home following health complications in recent years.
The Sacramento-born and New Cumberland-raised Daniel Johnston started making music in high school. In 1980, Johnston put out his first full-length record Songs of Pain. Johnston released his Hi, How Are You album in 1983, the artwork of which was popularised by Kurt Cobain after he wore a T-Shirt with the iconic frog motif. He embarked on his final tour in July 2017.
Over the years, Johnston has influenced artists such as Jack Antonoff, Clairo, Death Cab for Cutie, and many more.
BANDWAGON TV
daniel johnston will be missed. a brilliant story teller and songwriter who carried my friends and i through many over night drives in the van. so much to learn from daniel in the way he shared fearlessly.
— jackantonoff (@jackantonoff) September 11, 2019
rest in peace daniel johnston i love you
— claire cottrill (@clairo) September 11, 2019
Today our hearts are heavy with yesterday's passing of Daniel Johnston. His unique songwriting voice, so pure and so direct, spoke to us deeply. It is quite safe to say there will never be another like him and thankfully, his music will play on.
— Death Cab for Cutie (@dcfc) September 12, 2019
His memory is immortalised by the Hi, How Are You Project, a non-profit organisation in support of mental health awareness, research and education, as well as the Hi, How Are You Day celebrated in Austin, Texas every 22 January on his birthday.
We would like to send our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Daniel Johnston during this time of loss. He will be missed.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
-