Ed Askew, a revered folk musician and painter, has died at the age of 84. According to sources, Askew had been dealing with ongoing health challenges and was in hospice care, though the specific cause of death has not been disclosed.
Jay Pluck, Askew’s close friend and manager, expressed his admiration for the late artist in a statement, saying, “Ed was a courageous gay songwriter from the very beginning, and I hope more people come to recognize this. His music has touched lives across generations and continues to inspire.” Pluck announced Askew’s passing on Instagram, sharing that he died on Saturday, January 4.
“Rest in Peace, Ed Askew (Dec 1, 1940 – Jan 4, 2025) — we love you forever,” Pluck wrote in his post, which included a video of Askew performing live and a photo of him standing with his artwork. Pluck also quoted lyrics from Askew’s song “Crazy Angels” and shared that a memorial would be held in early spring.
Jerry David DeCicca, who produced Askew’s 2013 album For the World, also paid tribute on Instagram. “Goodbye, Ed Askew. You were loved and always will be. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life and music. Producing For the World was an honor,” he wrote, accompanied by an image of Askew’s records and a photo of the musician with a black dog.
Born in Stamford, Connecticut, in 1940, Askew moved to New Haven in 1963 to study painting at Yale Art School. After graduating in 1966, he avoided the military draft by taking a teaching position at a private prep school in Connecticut. It was during this period that he began songwriting and acquired his signature Martin Tiple, an instrument that would become closely associated with his music.
In a short stint in New York in 1967, Askew signed a contract with ESP Disk’ after meeting Bernard Stollman. He continued to live in New Haven from 1968 to 1986, performing with a band and later as a solo artist. In 1987, Askew relocated to New York City, where he continued creating music, performing, and recording.
Throughout his career, Askew released 11 albums, including his debut Ask the Unicorn (1968), These Nights and Days (1999), and Little Eyes (2005). His final album, London, came out in 2020.
In addition to his music, Askew was an accomplished painter, exhibiting works at Starr Suites in Brooklyn and Xavier Hufkens in Brussels in recent years. He was also a poet, performing frequently at the Poetry Project and publishing several books.
Askew’s legacy as a multi-talented artist and pioneer in both music and visual arts will undoubtedly endure.
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