Countless rockers have written songs about it. Boston music legend Mark Sandman actually did it. And now, tragically, folk artist David Olney has, too.
Over the weekend, Olney died onstage at the 30A Songwriters Festival in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. According to singer-songwriter Amy Rigby, the performer was in the middle of his third song “when he stopped, apologized and shut his eyes.” Efforts were made to resuscitate Olney, but he was already gone.
David Olney has a local connection as well: he was born in Providence, RI. He spent close to 50 years as an active and beloved member of the Nashville music community, and it’s clear he’ll be missed. But there’s not many people that get the honor of “dying doing what they loved.” Olney does. Rest in peace, David.