Nanci Griffith, a Texas-born singer/songwriter, has died at the age of 68 in Nashville.
The news was confirmed by her management company, Gold Mountain Entertainment. Griffith did not provide any further information or a cause of death.
Griffith wrote for herself and other singers
Griffiths was well-known for her storytelling skills, and produced memorable songs such as “Late Night Grand Hotel” or “It’s hard life wherever you go.” Her songs were also a hit with other singers. Kathy Mattea had a country Top 5 hit with Love at the Five and Dime, while Suzy Bogguss reached the Top 10 with Outbound Plane, written by Griffith and Tom Russell.
She was also known for her ability to interpret songs written by other authors, singing with a clear, light voice. She was closely linked to “From a Distance”, a Julie Gold song that became a huge hit for Bette Miler.
Griffith is honored by her peers
She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 1998 and breast cancer in 1996, but she continued her career as a full-time professional throughout the 2000s.
In 2008, Griffith was awarded the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Trailblazer Award. She released “Intersection” in 2012.
When news broke of Griffith’s passing, country and folk luminaries responded quickly. Suzy Bogguss posted on Instagram:
“I feel blessed that I have many memories of our time together as well as most everything she ever documented.” “I plan to spend the day soaking up the articulate, masterful legacy she has left me. “
Rosanne Cash recalled Griffith on Twitter and posted a video of Griffith performing “Trouble in the Fields”, which Griffith performed in the 1990s at New York City’s Bottom Line.
Darius Rucker also paid tribute on Twitter to Griffith. He wrote:
“I lost one of my idols”
“One of the reasons that I am here in Nashville.”
She blew me away the first time Marie and Omie came to my attention. Singing with her was one of my favorite things. “
Reference: npr
