It is with a heavy heart that I write this post. Todd Snider was an alt-country legend and one whose music powered me through undergrad and grad school and beyond (2000’s Happy To Be Here and 2002’s New Connection especially). His imprint on alt-country remains large but few benefitted from his mentorship as much as alt-country singer-songwriter Aaron Lee Tasjan. For those wanting to understand the scope of the Snider – Tasjan bond, this Facebook post from Tasjan says it all. Snider’s ability to mentor Tasjan was a response to the many country singers who mentored him over the years, including but not limited to: Jimmy Buffett, Guy Clark, John Prine, Kris Kristofferson and Jerry Jeff Walker.

Tributes have come from the likes of Korby Lenker, Hayes Carll, Susan Werner, Zac Maloy, Rolling Stone, Steven Hyden, Darren DeVivo, WhiskeyRiff, JamBase, eTown Radio, Saving Country Music, Live for Live Music, among others.

As for Snider, he just released his album High, Lonesome and Then Some last month and was touring behind it before being hospitalized on Nov. 3 after being attacked outside his hotel room in Salt Lake City. Snider was discharged (but not without a fight) and made his way back home to Hendersonville, TN. While there, he began having trouble breathing and was told he was battling previously undiagnosed walking pnuemonia. While in the hospital his condition worsened, before he passed this morning. His High, Lonesome album tour was only a week old before the tour was cancelled.

As news of Snider’s death spread through Nashville, many gathered at the Purple Building in East Nashville where Snider often played and was the host site of a documentary Snider filmed.

High, Lonesome and Then Some was his 21st album (and 17th studio album) and arguably one of his best. His most well-known album remains 2004’s East Nashville Skyline (ENS), which was a pivotal album in roots music, not unlike Lucinda Williams’ Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, which came six years before the release of ENS.

Snider was unapologetically himself and a rare breed. His self-effacing manor, charismatic personality, humor and first-rate songwriting made him a must-see live act. To celebrate him and his impact on roots music, I implore you to spend some time this weekend listening to his music.

UPDATE: More tributes have poured in, including Jason Isbell, Steve Poltz, Ellis Paul, Ashley McBryde, Griffin House, Kathy Mattea, Walker County, Americana Music Association, Taste of Country, author Alan Paul, Tony Logue, Rich O’Toole and many, many others.