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Folk singer Nanci Griffith has died at the age of 68

Updated / Friday, 13 Aug 2021 22:24
Nanci Griffith at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York on 12 September 1997
Nanci Griffith at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York on 12 September 1997

Nanci Griffith, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who penned folk and country songs including 'Love at the Five and Dime,' has died at age 68, record label Rounder Records has said in a statement.

Griffith died in Nashville and no cause of death was given, according to Hollywood publication Variety.

Born in Texas, Griffith gained success as a writer of songs including "Love at the Five and Dime," a hit for singer Kathy Mattea, and ‘Outbound Plane,’ which was recorded by Suzy Bogguss.

She described her style as "folkabilly".

Griffith also recorded duets with Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Willie Nelson and others including Frances Black.

"We are deeply saddened to hear that Nanci Griffith has passed," Rounder Records said.

"Our condolences to her family, friends and many fans."

Griffith won a Grammy for best contemporary folk album for her 1993 album 'Other Voices, Other Rooms,' a collection of covers of classic country songs.

"Nanci Griffith was a master songwriter who took every opportunity to champion kindred spirits," Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said.

"Her voice was a clarion call, at once gentle and insistent. She offered gifts that no one else could give."

Singer and Senator Frances Black said she was "saddened" to hear of Griffith's passing.

In a tweet, Black said she was lucky enough to record some of Nanci Griffith's songs on her first solo album and was "honoured when she came over to Ireland and sang with me on the album".

Irish singer Eleanor McEvoy said Griffith was "an extraordinary singer, writer and player."

"She was very good to me when I was starting out, brought me on the road with her and brought people to my gigs," McEvoy said on Twitter.

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Accreditation: Reuters