Vic Chesnutt

Vic Chesnutt
Vic Chesnutt performing in 2008
Vic Chesnutt performing in 2008
Background information
Birth nameJames Victor Chesnutt
Born(1964-11-12)November 12, 1964
Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
OriginAthens, Georgia, U.S.
DiedDecember 25, 2009(2009-12-25) (aged 45)
Athens, Georgia, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • musician
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active1985–2009
Labels
Formerly of
Websitevicchesnutt.com (no longer active)

James Victor Chesnutt (November 12, 1964 – December 25, 2009) was an American singer-songwriter from Athens, Georgia. His first album, West of Rome, was released in 1990.[5] His commercial breakthrough came in 1996 with the release of Sweet Relief II: Gravity of the Situation, a charity record of alternative artists covering his songs.[6]

Chesnutt released 17 albums during his career, including two produced by Michael Stipe, and a 1996 release on Capitol Records, About to Choke. His musical style has been described by Bryan Carroll of AllMusic as a "skewed, refracted version of Americana that is haunting, funny, poignant, and occasionally mystical, usually all at once".[7]

Injuries from a 1983 car accident left him partially paralyzed; he used a wheelchair and had limited use of his hands.

  1. ^ Sisario, Ben (December 25, 2009). "Vic Chesnutt, Singer and Songwriter, Dies at 45". The New York Times. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  2. ^ Noland, Claire (December 27, 2009). "Indie folk musician was known for dark, humorous songs". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  3. ^ Bush, John. "Vic Chesnutt". AllMusic. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  4. ^ "The Best of Alt.country: Exposed Roots". Entertainment Weekly. January 17, 2015. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  5. ^ Khanna, Vish."Vic Chesnutt's Star Power" Archived November 16, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Exclaim!, October 2007.
  6. ^ Sisario, Ben (December 25, 2009). "Vic Chesnutt, Singer and Songwriter, Dies at 45". The New York Times. Retrieved December 25, 2009.
  7. ^ Carroll, Bryan. "West of Rome: Overview". Allmusic.com. Retrieved December 27, 2009.