American music has lost one of its most resourceful and sincere storytellers. Todd Snyder, the iconic singer-songwriter who shaped alt-country and Americana with his sharp wit and poetic sensibilities, has died at the age of 59.
This morning’s scary news: folk heroes, storytellers, and UN WFPK favorites @ToddSnider you died. 💔
tod daniel snyder
1966-2025 pic.twitter.com/jM9FFpvdXh— WFPK (@WFPK) November 15, 2025
This news was confirmed by his relatives through social networks, who described him as follows: “Folk hero” and “Poet of the World” His departure left a void in the independent music scene.
tod snyderBorn in Portland, Oregon in 1966. He moved to Tennessee in the ’90s and quickly became a mainstay in the genre.. his debut album, Songs for the Daily Planet (1994)released on Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville label, peaked at number 23 on Billboard’s New Artists chart. It was the beginning of a prolific career with more than 16 albums that blended folk, blues, rock, alt-country, and funk.
topics like “It’s okay, man.” and “Talking Reality Television Blues” (Recorded by Tom Jones in 2021) captures his unique style. Lyrics that distill the essence of everyday life with devastating humor, shocking phrases, and brutal honesty.
Inspired by legends like Guy Clark, John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, and Jerry Jeff Walker. Snyder achieved DIY icon statuseven after signing with major labels such as Capitol Records and MCA Nashville. Appointed in 2021 Oregon Music Hall of Famerecognizes his lasting influence.
His death occurred on November 14, 2025, and the cause was Complications from undiagnosed walking pneumonia, It got worse A few weeks ago, he was violently assaulted outside a hotel in Salt Lake City.
The event led him to He canceled his tour, was hospitalized with injuries, and was later arrested for disorderly conduct at a Utah hospital. After early discharge from hospital. Return to Hendersonville, Tennessee His condition was complicated by respiratory problems.required emergency medical evacuation.
Within 24 hours of announcement, His family was asking for prayers and support.emphasized his breathing difficulties.
I didn’t wait for the compliment. In a touching message from his record label, Aimless, they remembered him as follows: “Vice President of Rapidly Changing Department” and “narrator” He always found humor in the chaos of the earth.
“He conveyed so much kindness and sensitivity through his songs and taught many of us how to see the world through a different lens.”says the statement.
They asked fans to honor him by playing his records at maximum volume. “Put on your favorite Todd Snyder song and play it loud enough to wake up the whole neighborhood, or at least loud enough to wake you up all the time.”.
Snyder leaves behind a legacy of 90 minutes of distraction. “Imminent destruction”It is full of love, compassion, and peace, and will continue to resonate in American music for years to come. “Sail away, old friend, I’ll see you on the road again someday.”concluded his loved ones.
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