Tribute to Ed Askew: Celebrated Cult Singer-Songwriter Passes Away at 84

Ed Askew, a revered figure in the acid folk music scene, passed away on January 4, 2025, at the age of 84 due to natural causes. His death was confirmed by his record label, Tin Angel Records.

Born in 1940 in Stamford, Connecticut, Askew began his artistic journey with piano lessons in his teenage years and later learned to play guitar. A graduate of Yale University, he studied painting, drawing from modernist artists like Paul Cézanne. Askew’s career spanned various roles, including teaching, house painting, and music, during which he performed with the band Gandalf & the Motorpickle.

Askew became prominent in the late 1960s New York art scene, engaging in poetry readings and musical performances. He recorded two albums for ESP-Disk, with “Ask the Unicorn” gaining a cult following, while “Little Eyes” remained unreleased until 2002. Although he took a break from professional recording, Askew maintained his creativity, producing hundreds of self-released cassettes for friends.

The reissue of “Little Eyes” sparked renewed interest in Askew’s music, leading to collaborations with labels like De Stijl and OSR Tapes. His first studio album in decades, “For the World,” was released in 2013 and featured contributions from noted artists such as Sharon Van Etten and Marc Ribot. His 2021 album, “Sleeping With Angels,” marked a significant culmination of his late-career productivity.

Known for his ethereal sound and deeply emotive lyrics, Askew’s music resonated with many across generations. As an openly gay songwriter, he crafted poignant songs that broke barriers, earning respect in the music community. Collaborator Jay Pluck recognized him as a “brave gay songwriter,” while Richard Guy from Tin Angel Records noted his extraordinary ability to connect deeply through his art.

Ed Askew’s work has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences, ensuring that his artistic spirit lives on.