American singer-songwriter Michael Hurley, known as ‘Godfather of freak folk,’ has been announced dead

Michael Hurley, who changed the sound of folk music and was called the “Godfather of freak folk,” has died. He was 83 years old.

The singer’s family told the world about his death on Thursday in an Instagram post by Hurley’s record label, No Quarter Records. The cause of death was not given.

“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 a prolific 50-year-old who shared his eccentric genius and compassionate wit with the world.”

“He was Snock all by himself. That’s the only one. Friends, family, and people in the music business are very sad about his death.

There was also sadness in the post from Mike Quinn, founder of No Quarter Records. He called Hurley “a true American treasure.”

Quinn said in a statement, “I’m glad I got to know him and work with him over the past few years.” Michael just put out a new record. That was the week before he died, and he was very proud of it, which he should have been; it’s great. We hope it will be seen soon.

Based on music by Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Hank Williams, Hurley started playing guitar when he was in his late teens. He later performed on stage at coffeehouses in New York City, as reported in a 1997 interview in Popwatch Magazine.

The first album Hurley put out was “First Songs” in 1964. He went on to make 31 more records over the course of his career. IMDb says that his music has been in pictures and TV shows like “Leave No Trace,” “Hamlet,” “Deadwood,” and “Curve.”

The singer told The New York Times in 2021, “I never thought of a career in music.” “What I do is goof off — and try to get away with it.”

People have called Hurley’s unique style of music “outsider folk,” which shows how well the Pennsylvania native learnt himself to play the guitar.

Hurley told the Times that he first started making songs by “making stuff up right away.” “You do it your way if you don’t know the right way.” That can make a song better sometimes.”

At the time of release, Hurley’s representatives could not be reached for comment.