Tuareg musician Bagui Bouga, calabash, odilirou (traditional flute) player and vocalist and co-founder of the Niger-based band Etran Finatawa, passed away on Friday, August 2nd, in Switzerland after suffering a severe asthma attack. The group Etran Finatawa, meaning ‘the stars … Continue reading →
Sing Out! has learned that master Tuvan throat singer Kongar-ol Ondar has passed away from complications following emergency surgery for a brain hemorrhage. He was 51 years old. Born in 1962 near the Khemchick River in Tuva, a region in … Continue reading →
Chiwoniso Maraire, beloved Zimbabwean mbira player and singer of traditional Shona music has passed away at the very young age of 37, after a battle with lung infection. She was known best for her contemporary playing style and unique musical … Continue reading →
Fat Possum Records has confirmed that delta blues musician James “T-Model” Ford passed away on Tuesday, July 16th of respiratory failure after a prolonged illness. His age was unknown, though he claimed to be 93. Heralded for his rugged personality … Continue reading →
Toshi-Aline Ohta Seeger, wife of folk music icon Pete Seeger, passed away overnight on Tuesday, July 9th. She was a mother, an organizer, an activist and filmmaker … and an essential part of all of her husband’s work. She was … Continue reading →
Robert Calvin Bland, better known as Bobby “Blue” Bland, the “Lion of the Blues,” passed away on Sunday, June 23rd, after fighting an ongoing illness. Bland was 83-years-old and leaves behind a legacy of blues, gospel and R&B that has … Continue reading →
We’re sad to pass along the news that Old-time revival singer, fiddler, banjo and autoharp player Gail Heil passed away on the morning of Thursday, May 30th, succumbing to colon cancer. Her husband, and longtime musical partner Bob Bovee, as … Continue reading →
(This post was originally featured on Mike Regenstreif’s Folk Roots/Folk Branches blog) I was deeply saddened this evening to learn that Sid Selvidge, the great Memphis folk and blues artist, passed away today after a battle with cancer. Sid had … Continue reading →
Earl JJ Pionke, owner of Earl of Old Town folk club, has passed away. He was 80 years old, and had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Earl was known for his dedication to the music he loved, and was adamant … Continue reading →
Country music legend George Jones, also known as “The Possum” has reportedly passed away today. This comes after reports came last week of Jones suffering from a fever and irregular blood pressure. Jones, 81, was in the midst of a … Continue reading →
