Daniel Johnston has died after suffering from a heart attack, his manager has confirmed in a statement.
According to the Austin Chronicle, Daniel’s health had worsened in recent years.
Back in 2017, he announced his retirement from live music, sighting health issues.
On his final tour, he was supported by members of bands Wilco, Built to Spill, and Fugazi.
Despite his retirement, Daniel said he had plans for a new album release last year.
He told the Chronicle: “I’ve been working on a new album with [Austin’s] Brian Beattie for years, and I hope it comes out real soon.”
The American singer grew up in New Cumberland, West Virginia.
After dropping out of university, he went on to join the Kent State University’s art program.
At this institution, he recorded his first LP, Songs of Pain.
Two years later, Daniel dropped out of the programme and moved to Austin.
After regularly handing out his music to passers by, he eventually landed himself an appearance on MTV’s The Cutting Edge series in 1985.
He went on to release his most famous songs including Life in Vain, True Love Will Find You in the End and Walking the Cow.
Kurt Cobain brought attention to Daniel’s music by wearing a T-shirt promoting his 1983 album Hi, How Are You.
In 2005, Daniel released his documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston.
The documentary centred around Daniel’s upbringing, career and bipolar disorder.
Also in the documentary, Daniel addressed an “embarrassing” moment in which the star threw the key to a two-seat plane he was in out the window to an audience.
Reflecting on the moment, he told the Chronicle: “Well, it sure was embarrassing.
“Every terrible dilemma, every fabled mistake.
“Nothing I can do about it now, though. I wish they’d added a laugh track to it, because it sure is funny.”
Following the news of his death, many celebrities flocked to social media to pay a tribute.
American film maker Judd Apatow wrote: “So sad to hear of the death of the great Daniel Johnston.”
Alongside a video of the star performing, he added: “Here is a beautiful performance of his which makes me cry every time.”
Singer and songwriter Zola Jesus also commented: “There are not enough words I can say about the important and vitality of Daniel Johnston’s musical spirit.
“He was a huge inspiration to me, to follow my creative impulses no matter how messy or simple. RIP.”
