Pioneer Michael Herli, an Outsider Icon, Passes Away at 83

Legendary Folk Musician Michael Herli Passes Away

The legendary folk musician Michael Herli has passed away at the age of 83.

Pioneer of Eccentric Folk Music

Herli was a trailblazer in the realms of outsider folk and strange folk movements during the 1960s. His family confirmed his passing, stating: “With great sadness, the Herli family announces the recent sudden transmission of the unique Michael Herley. ‘The Cross Father of the Ugly People’ was a source of eccentric genius and compassionate wit for half a century. He leaves behind friends, family, and a musical community that deeply mourns his loss.”

The cause of death has not been disclosed by his family.

Michael Herli introduced his distinctive perspective to folk music with the release of his debut album “First Songs” in 1964. Other notable works include the albums “Boogie,” “Hi Fi Snock Uptown,” and the 1976 classic “Moicy!”, which became an underground favorite.

Throughout his life, Herli released over 30 albums, with popular songs such as “Werewolf,” “O My Stars,” “Twilight Zone,” “Boeme of the Identified,” “It Should Be Gelatin,” “Slyurf’s Song,” “You Must Find Me,” and many more.

Along with his unique approach to folk music, Michael Herli was recognized for his creative contributions to album art.

Herli inspired artists like Lucinda Williams and Kat Powers, the latter of whom covered “Werewolf” on her 2003 album “You as Free.” Devendra Banhart also released several of Herli’s albums through his Gnomonsong label.

In 2018, Herli made a brief appearance in the acclaimed film Do Not Leave a Trace, where he performed “O My Stars.”

His final album, “The Time of the Foxgloves,” was released in 2021, though he continued to write and perform up until recently. Just days before his passing, Michael participated in the Large Ears Festival in Tennessee.

Following the announcement of his death, numerous musicians paid tribute to Michael Herli. Hamilton Leithauser from Walkmen reminisced about the folk legend, while Langhorne Slim took to Instagram to honor both Herli and the late Val Kilmer, stating: “Two giants in their crafts. Both changed the way I saw things after experiencing their work. Both expanded my perception of art. Rest in peace and thank you.”

See more tributes below.

RIP Michael Herli 🙌 https://t.co/qdepwtsu8s

– Hamilton Leithauser (@hleithauser) April 3, 2025

I am with Michael Herli. It is possible that the worst photo is when the lick of him. Flapping lips played in the background, and he said: “What kind of shit is this?” TEAR pic.twitter.com/wtugjhd0y

– Ryley Walker (@ryleywalker) April 3, 2025

RIP Michael Herli. I just saw him play 5 days ago; I think that was his last set. I couldn’t stop crying, as it was so powerful to witness how he still creates his incredibly unusual and beautiful work. A huge inspiration.

– More Eaze (@more_eaze) April 3, 2025