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Who was Nanci Griffith?
Nanci Griffith was an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s with her distinctive blend of country, folk, and rockabilly music. She called her style “folkabilly” and won a Grammy Award for her 1993 album Other Voices, Other Rooms, which featured covers of songs by her musical influences
Griffith was born in Seguin, Texas, in 1953 and grew up in Austin, where she started performing in local coffeehouses at the age of 12. She was inspired by artists like Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan, and Woody Guthrie, and wrote songs that reflected her social and political views, as well as her personal experiences
Some of her best-known songs include “From a Distance”, which was later recorded by Bette Midler and became a hit, “Love at the Five and Dime”, which was covered by Kathy Mattea, and “Outbound Plane”, which was co-written with Tom Russell and recorded by Suzy Bogguss. Griffith also collaborated with many other artists, such as Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, and the Chieftains
How did Nanci Griffith die?
Griffith died on August 13, 2021, at the age of 68, in Nashville, Tennessee. Her management company announced her death but did not reveal the cause. However, on September 6, 2021, her family released a statement saying that she had passed away from a very aggressive form of cancer
Griffith had battled with breast cancer in 1996 and thyroid cancer in 1998, and had undergone several treatments and surgeries over the years. She had also suffered from other health issues, such as psoriatic arthritis and Dupuytren’s contracture, which affected her ability to play the guitar
Despite her illnesses, Griffith continued to perform and record music until 2012, when she released her last album, Intersection. She also wrote a memoir, called One Fair Summer Evening…Plus!, which was published in 2017
How did Twitter react to Nanci Griffith’s death?
The news of Griffith’s death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and fellow musicians on Twitter. Many expressed their admiration for her talent, her voice, and her songs, and shared their memories of seeing her live or listening to her records. Some also posted photos and videos of Griffith, or quoted her lyrics.
Here are some of the tweets that honored Griffith:
- “I’m heartbroken to learn that we have lost Nanci Griffith. She was my friend, and my hero, and I learned so much from her. She was a brilliant songwriter, a beautiful singer, and a generous human being. Rest in peace, Nanci. I will always love you.” – Emmylou Harris (@EmmylouSongbird)
- “Nanci Griffith was a huge influence on me as a songwriter and a performer. She had a unique way of telling stories with her songs, and a voice that could break your heart. I’m so sad to hear of her passing. She was a true legend and a trailblazer. Thank you, Nanci, for the music.” – Mary Chapin Carpenter (@M_CCarpenter)
- “I’m devastated by the loss of Nanci Griffith. She was one of my favorite singers and songwriters, and a dear friend. We toured together many times, and I always loved hearing her sing. She was funny, smart, and kind, and she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.” – Lyle Lovett (@LyleLovett)
- “Nanci Griffith was a pioneer of Americana music, and a master of the craft of songwriting. She wrote songs that touched millions of people, and inspired generations of artists. She was also a lovely person, and a joy to work with. I’m honored to have recorded with her, and to have called her a friend. Rest in peace, Nanci. You will never be forgotten.” – Rodney Crowell (@RodneyJCrowell)
- “Nanci Griffith was one of the first artists I ever listened to, and one of the reasons I wanted to become a singer-songwriter. She had a voice that could make you cry, and a spirit that could make you smile. She was a legend, and a hero, and a friend. I’m so grateful for her music, and her kindness. I will miss her terribly.” – Brandi Carlile (@brandicarlile)
Conclusion
Nanci Griffith was a singer-songwriter who left a lasting legacy in the world of music. She was known for her folkabilly style, her powerful songs, and her collaborations with other artists. She died from cancer at the age of 68, leaving behind a devoted fan base and a rich catalog of music. She was mourned by many on Twitter, who celebrated her life and her work. Nanci Griffith was a star that shone brightly, and will continue to shine from a distance
