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Remembering Michael Hurley: A Folk Icon
Michael Hurley, the influential folk artist and singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in the Greenwich Village folk scene during the 1960s, has passed away at his home in Astoria, Oregon, at the age of 83. His family confirmed the news, honoring him as the “Godfather of freak folk,” and emphasizing his unique creative genius and warm humor. “He alone was Snock. There is no other,” they stated, reflecting on his singular contribution to music.
With a career spanning over six decades, Hurley’s music captured a wide array of influences, including bluegrass, freak folk, and blues. His original compositions often displayed a playful edge—from whimsical album artwork featuring unexpected imagery, such as a wolf devouring whoopie pies on the cover of 1994’s Wolfways, to quirky song titles like “You’re a Dog; Don’t Talk to Me” and “What Made My Hamburger Disappear?”—while simultaneously addressing profound themes of life through intricate storytelling and detailed observations that urged listeners to reflect on the broader aspects of existence.
Hurley was born just before Christmas in 1941 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He discovered his passion for music in his early teens, drawing inspiration from jazz legends like Fats Waller and Jelly Roll Morton during family road trips. Choosing to forge his own path, he left high school to focus on creating zines, playing music, and traveling with his guitar. His journey led him to cross paths with folklorist Fred Ramsey, who would become instrumental in producing Hurley’s first album. After a prolonged battle with mononucleosis, Hurley released his debut, First Songs, in 1963 on the Folkways label, which famously showcased figures like Woody Guthrie and the groundbreaking Anthology of American Folk Music.
Beyond his talents as a singer and guitarist, Hurley was also an accomplished fiddle and banjo player, as well as an illustrator. He often created the art for his own album covers, highlighting his multifaceted creativity. His childhood friend, Jesse Colin Young, who later founded the band Youngbloods, played a significant role in promoting Hurley’s music. Young’s support helped Hurley gain traction in the music scene, leading to the release of several albums, including Armchair Boogie in 1971 and Hi Fi Snock Uptown in 1972, both released under Warner Bros.’ Raccoon imprint.
Following his time with Warner Bros., Hurley signed with Rounder Records, where he released the acclaimed Have Moicy! in 1975. The album received extensive appreciation from critics and listeners alike, paving the way for further releases such as Long Journey in 1976 and Snockgrass in 1980. Despite continuing to create a prolific number of records well into his later years, Hurley’s music also resonated deeply with younger generations of artists, earning him respect and admiration from contemporaries like Yo La Tengo, Cat Power, Lucinda Williams, Vic Chesnutt, and Calexico.
Michael Hurley’s legacy is marked not only by his extensive discography but also by his distinct voice in the folk genre, characterized by a blend of humor and earnestness that invites audiences to ponder both the absurd and the profound in everyday life.
Source
pitchfork.com