Renowned singer-songwriter and visual artist Ed Askew passed away of natural causes on January 4 at the age of 84. His impressive body of work in acid folk music has made him a cult figure among generations of music enthusiasts.
Originally hailing from Stamford, Connecticut, Askew developed a passion for music in his teens, learning piano before transitioning to guitar. He later moved to New Haven to study painting at Yale University, where he drew inspiration from Paul Cézanne and other modernists. “The issue of innovation never interested me personally, since I believe it may lead to a place where people don’t paint anymore,” he reflected in a 2012 interview. Alongside his artistic endeavors, Askew performed in a band called Gandalf & the Motorpickle and worked as an art teacher and house painter.
In the late 1960s, Askew spent time in New York, where he engaged in poetry and music. During this period, he released his first two solo albums, Ask the Unicorn and Little Eyes, which showcased his unique cosmic folk style. While Ask the Unicorn quickly garnered cult status, Little Eyes remained unreleased until 2002. Following this initial burst of creativity, Askew took a hiatus from recording until the mid-1980s, during which he shared hundreds of songs with friends via cassette tapes.
The eventual release of Little Eyes led to a resurgence in Askew’s career, prompting collaborations and tours with notable artists. He made a significant comeback in 2013 with For the World, his first album since the 1960s, featuring contributions from several esteemed musicians. Askew continued to produce music, culminating in his final album, Sleeping With Angels, released in 2021. Plans for two additional projects were reported, one involving collaboration with Jerry DeCicca and another live recording titled Woodbine Street, featuring guests like Joanna Sternberg.
