Obituary: Ed Askew, Influential Cult Singer-Songwriter, Passes Away at 84

Ed Askew, the beloved acid folk artist and visual creator, passed away on January 4, 2025, at the age of 84, due to natural causes, as confirmed by his record label, Tin Angel Records. Askew’s life and career were marked by a deep passion for both music and visual arts.

Born in Stamford, Connecticut, in 1940, Askew began his artistic endeavors in his teens with piano lessons and later learned to play the guitar. A Yale University graduate, he studied painting, drawing influence from modernist artists like Paul Cézanne. After completing his education, he worked as a teacher, house painter, and musician and performed with the band Gandalf & the Motorpickle.

In the late 1960s, Askew became heavily involved in New York’s art scene, engaging in poetry readings and music performances. He recorded two albums for ESP-Disk, titled “Ask the Unicorn” and “Little Eyes.” While “Ask the Unicorn” formed a cult following, “Little Eyes” did not see release until 2002. Although he stepped back from professional recording for a time, Askew remained prolific, sharing hundreds of self-released cassettes with friends.

A resurgence came in 2002 with the reissue of “Little Eyes,” sparking renewed interest in his music. He later worked with labels like De Stijl and OSR Tapes to reissue more of his work. His first studio album in decades, “For the World,” was released in 2013 and featured collaborations with notable artists such as Sharon Van Etten. His final album, “Sleeping With Angels,” was released in 2021, showcasing a vibrant late-career phase.

Askew’s music, characterized by an ethereal acid folk sound and emotional depth, resonated across generations. He was celebrated as a proud gay songwriter, known for his candidness and poignant compositions. Collaborators and contemporaries, such as Jay Pluck and Richard Guy, praised his ability to connect with audiences through his art. Ed Askew’s lasting influence and the timelessness of his work ensure his artistic spirit will continue to inspire listeners in the years to come.