Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Sean Morrison

Daniel Johnston death: US songwriter who influenced Kurt Cobain dies of heart attack aged 58

Cult songwriter Daniel Johnston has died of a heart attack aged 58 (Picture: Rex Features)

Daniel Johnston, a cult songwriter who influenced Nirvana star Kurt Cobain, has died aged 58 following a heart attack.

Beck, Judd Apatow and Ezra Furman were among those to pay tribute to musician after news of his death emerged on Wednesday.

The American folk artist and visual artist died from a heart attack on Tuesday, The Austin Chronicle reported.

He had reportedly been in poor health and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar.

Paying tribute, US musician Furman wrote on Twitter: "Daniel Johnston was one of my best teachers. I love his work and I’m so glad that it’s still here.

Other industry strars took to social media to share their favourite of Johnston's tracks and performances.

Johnston’s physical health also began to suffer after had a fall and was hospitalised.

The American singer was most famous for his songs Life In Vain, True Love Will Find You in the End and Walking the Cow.

He had a number of high profile fans, including Nirvana singer Cobain, who once described him as one of the "greatest" songwriters of all time.

The star's songs have been covered by bands such as Death Cab For Cutie, Bright Eyes, Beck and Flaming Lips.

He was born in California, raised in West Virginia and became known as a songwriter after moving to Austin, Texas.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.