Grammy-Winning Folk Singer-Songwriter Dies At 68

Nanci Griffith, a respected singer-songwriter across the country and folk genres, has died at 68.

According to the Washington Post, Gold Mountain Entertainment confirmed Griffith’s death in a public statement on August 13. Griffith’s management company did not reveal the cause of death to honor the singer’s wishes.

“It was Nanci’s wish that no further formal statement or press release happen for a week following her passing,” Gold Mountain Entertainment explained.

 

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The Texas native was known for writing songs that celebrated and romanticized Southern living. Griffith is known for songs such as “Love at the Five and Dime” and “From a Distance.” Her signature high-pitch voice inspired many artists, including country star Darius Rucker. Rucker considered Griffith one of his idols, and he credits her as the one of the reasons he moved to Nashville. On Twitter he wrote: 

“Today i am just sad man. I lost one of my idols. One of the reasons I am in Nashville. She blew my mind the first time I heard Marie and Omie. And singing with her was my favorite things to do. Grammy-winning folk singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith dies.”

Today i am just sad man. I lost one of my idols. One of the reasons I am in Nashville.She blew my mind the first time I heard Marie and Omie. And singing with her was my favorite things to do. Grammy-winning folk singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith dies. https://t.co/LxybrFSHAh

— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) August 13, 2021

Griffith released music and toured up until 2012. Her last album, Intersections, was released under her own label, Hell No. 

Check out Griffith’s iconic voice in the video below.