MUSIC NEWS - Sadly James Victo "Vic" Chesnutt, 45, Athens, GA singer-songwriter known for his songs about death and black humor, died on Christmas Day at a local Athens hospital. Vic was in a coma since earlier in the week after taking an overdose of muscle relaxant, said the family spokesman, Jem Cohen.
For nearly 20 years, Chesnutt sang darkly comic and candid songs dealing with death, vulnerability, and life’s simple pleasures. A car accident when he was 18 left him partly paralyzed, but he's said that the accident allowed to focus better as a musician and a poet. Fans including Madonna, R.E.M., and Smashing Pumpkins who covered his music for the album, Sweet Relief II, a 1996 set that raised funds for musicians’ health care.
He recently appeared on NPR's ""Fresh Air"" and talked about the impossible financial demands he faced due to his health, despite help from Sweet Relief, the musicians' health care fund. "I don't want to die," he told Terry Gross.
He is survived by his wife, Tina Whatley Chesnutt; a sister, Lorinda Crane; and nine nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Bridges Funeral Home, 3035 Atlanta Highway, Athens, GA 30606 on Sunday, December 27, 2009. After the memorial service, family and friends invite you to join them at CinÈ, 234 West Hancock Ave., Athens, Ga. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Shepherd Center, 2020 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta GA 30309 or Nuci's Space, 396 Oconee Street, Athens, GA 30601. A tribute at the 40 Watt Club in Athens is being set up, details to be announced. A private interment ceremony will be held later in Pike County, Zebulon, GA.
More @ VicChesnutt.com
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