The late musician, known as the "Godfather of Freak Folk" was influential to a generation of singer-songwriters including Will Oldham and Lucinda WilliamsMichael Hurley, a folk musician, cartoonist and painter,

Folk singer and songwriter Michael Hurley passed away in Astoria, Oregon, on April 3, 2025. Dubbed as the 'Godfather of freak folk', Hurley had an unconventional music career.

Michael Hurley, the eccentric singer and songwriter who pioneered the "freak-folk" movement and inspired generations of artists, has died. He was 83."It is with a resounding sadness that the Hurley family announces the recent sudden passing of the inimitable Michael Hurley,