The highly acclaimed singer-songwriter Michael Hurley, a legendary figure revered in the folk music scene, passed away at the age of 83. The news was announced by the artist’s family in a statement. Hurley passed away at his home in Astoria, Oregon, shortly after returning from a series of performances at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee.
His family announced the news with “deep sadness” in the statement. Throughout his career, he was widely known by his nickname, “Snock.”
Michael Hurley was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a few days before Christmas in 1941. He embarked on his musical journey at an early age, beginning to play music and compose his own songs during his teenage years. During the summers of his childhood, he frequently listened to the music of artists such as Fats Waller and Jelly Roll Morton, which had a profound influence on the development of his early musical aesthetic.
Hurley received his first guitar at around age 16. Much of his teenage years were spent traveling across the country. This period of travel and exploration eventually led him to the vibrant music community of Greenwich Village in New York City.
It was during one of his hitchhiking trips that he was rescued by folklorist Fred Ramsey, who lived nearby. Ramsey later produced Hurley’s debut album, playing a crucial role in bringing Hurley’s unique musical style to a broader (albeit niche) audience. The process of recording his debut album was accompanied by a years-long battle with mononucleosis.
After his recovery, 22-year-old Hurley recorded his debut album in 1963, aptly titled *First Songs*. Hurley’s release with this record label immediately established him as an important figure in the tradition of American folk music.
*First Songs* incorporated elements of country blues, which set Hurley apart from the prevailing folk music trend of the time. The album did not receive widespread recognition upon its initial release. However, it gained significance in the mid-2000s, being regarded as a key influence on a new wave of “weird folk” artists.
Hurley’s talent extends beyond singing and guitar playing. He expanded his musical skills by learning the violin and banjo. He is also an active illustrator and cartoonist, creating numerous artistic works for his album covers. This visual element has become another distinctive hallmark of his artistic creation.
Over the course of his long career, Michael Hurley has been remarkably prolific, leaving behind a vast body of work. His discography includes over 30 albums, showcasing his relentless output of original songs that blend the traditions of bluegrass, weird folk, and blues music. His music is characterized by a keen sense of capturing odd ideas and concise moments.
Hurley’s songs possess a distinct and peculiar quality, capable of evoking the beauty of tracks like “Be Kind to Me” and “Valley of Tears,” as well as the surrealism of songs like “What Made My Hamburger Disappear?” or “You’re a Dog; Don’t Talk to Me.” He has also created unforgettable tracks such as ‘Sweedeedee’ and “Werewolf.”
Unlike pursuing a traditional career path, Hurley prefers informal settings. “I prefer playing at parties. Small gatherings. Drinking with friends, crossing rivers.” This attitude reflects his independent spirit and focus on the joy of music performance.
Hurley spent the final years of his life in Astoria, a rural area of Oregon. His last full-length album, “The Time of the Foxgloves,” was released in 2021. Despite his advanced age, he remained an active performing artist until his passing.
His final performances took place just days before his death. He performed at the Big Ears Festival 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee, on March 28, 2025, and held a concert at the AyurPrana Listening Room in Asheville, North Carolina, on March 31. His family stated that he continued to create new music until his final moments.
