Austin based singer-songwriter Jimmy LaFave passed away in his home in Austin, TX, after battling cancer. Born in Wills Point, Texas, LaFave is often identified as being from Oklahoma because of his strong musical ties to the state, his role in the development of “Red Dirt Music,” and because he embraced the spirit of Woody Guthrie and worked to promote Guthrie’s legacy around the world in both words and song.

LaFave’s mother traded a drawer full of green stamps for his first guitar, and the switch to singer-songwriter was in progress. At the time of his death, Jimmy had recorded numerous new songs at his studio in South Austin and had also begun work on a book featuring a collection of his photography.

He performed for 12 straight years at the annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, where he served on the Advisory Board for the festival. A regular feature at the Folk Alliance International conference, LaFave was beloved by many.

Recently added to the Austin Music Awards Hall of Fame, LaFave was officially recognized by the Governor of Texas and the Texas Music office for his songwriting contribution to the Texas music scene. He will be posthumously inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the pet charity of your choice or perform an act of unsolicited kindness.