Iconic folk musician and painter Ed Askew has passed away. He was 84 years old.
The news of his death was confirmed on Instagram by his collaborator Jay Pluck, who wrote that Askew passed away on Saturday, January 4. The cause of death has not been revealed.
“Rest in Peace, Ed Askew (December 1, 1940 – January 4, 2025) — we love you forever,” Pluck captioned the Instagram post, which included video of Askew performing live and a shot of him standing in front of the artwork.
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He then quoted lyrics from Askew’s 2013 song “Crazy Angels,” before revealing that the memorial service will be held in “early spring.” “Please contact me at any time and I will respond as soon as I can,” Pluck added. “More pictures to come. Ed was a brilliant artist and a brilliant person and I love him.”
Meanwhile, Jerry David DeCicca, who produced Askew’s 2013 LP. For the worldshe paid tribute to the late singer on Instagram on Sunday, January 5.
“Goodbye, Ed Askew. You were loved and always will be. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life and music. It was an honor to produce For the World. ❤️,” David wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of the late musician’s records and a photo of him with a black dog.
A representative for Askew has not yet responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Born in Stamford, Connecticut, Askew moved to New Haven to study painting at Yale Art School in 1963.
After graduating from art school in 1966, Askew was drafted, but instead found a job teaching at a private prep school in Connecticut.
During this time he started writing songs and acquired his Martin Tiple at that time.
“I must have written 25 songs that semester; all the material on Unicorn and maybe some things on Small eyes” he said, according to his former record label, Drag City.
Ed Askew.
Brill/ullstein image via Getty
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In 1967, Askew moved to New York for a few months where he met Bernard Stollman of ESP Disk, who offered him a contract.
While residing in New Haven between 1968 and 1986, he performed with his band and later as a solo artist. By 1987, he had moved to New York City in 1987, where he continued to write and record songs, and perform occasionally.
During his career, Askew released 11 albums, including 1968’s Ask the Unicornin 1999These Nights and Days and in 2005 Small eyes.
His latest album, Londonwas published in 2020.
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Source: HIS Education