Ed Askew is an American singer, songwriter, and one of the most distinctive figures in the indie folk music scene. Born in 1940, Askew’s music transcends genres, blending elements of folk, blues, and avant-garde, and his unique voice and poetic lyrics have earned him a devoted following. While he might not be a household name to the general public, his music has influenced generations of artists, and his songs have appeared in countless films and TV shows. Here are 21 fun facts you might not know about Ed Askew.
1. He Started Playing Music at an Early Age
Ed Askew’s love for music began when he was just a child. Growing up in the suburbs of Connecticut, he was exposed to music at a young age, learning the piano before picking up the guitar. His early interests ranged from classical music to jazz, which would later influence his eclectic musical style.
2. He Was Part of the Greenwich Village Folk Scene in the 1960s
In the 1960s, Greenwich Village in New York was a hub for emerging folk musicians, and Ed Askew was right in the middle of it. Though he didn’t reach the same level of fame as Bob Dylan or Joan Baez, Askew was still part of this vibrant and influential music scene, rubbing shoulders with some of the era’s most famous artists.
3. He Was a College Professor Before Becoming a Full-Time Musician
Before deciding to focus on his music career, Askew was a college professor. He taught English and literature at various institutions, including St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland. His academic background would go on to influence the depth and complexity of his lyrics.
4. His Music Is Often Described as “Avant-Folk”
Askew’s music defies easy categorization, blending elements of folk, blues, and experimental soundscapes. Critics often describe his style as “avant-folk,” with an emphasis on lyrical introspection and unconventional structures. His sound was unique for its time and continues to influence indie musicians today.
5. His Debut Album, Ask the Unicorn, Was Released in 1968
Askew’s debut album, Ask the Unicorn, released in 1968, is often considered a hidden gem of the 1960s folk movement. The album, released on the highly regarded Vanguard Records label, features a collection of introspective and poetic songs that reflect his deep emotional sensitivity and unique artistic voice.
6. Ed Askew Is Known for His Baritone Voice
One of the most distinctive features of Askew’s music is his voice. He is known for his low, baritone vocals that can convey both melancholy and warmth. His voice adds an intimacy to his music, inviting listeners into his world of poetic storytelling.
7. His Lyrics Are Often Deeply Personal
Askew’s lyrics are often introspective and deeply personal. His songs reflect his thoughts on love, life, and the complexities of the human experience. His songwriting is often compared to that of Leonard Cohen, whose poetic lyrics have had a profound influence on Askew’s own work.
8. He Released Several Albums in the 1970s and 1980s
Following the release of Ask the Unicorn, Askew continued to make music throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Although his output during this period was relatively sparse, each album showcased his growth as an artist. Ed Askew, released in 1974, was particularly well-received, showing a more refined, yet still highly personal, approach to songwriting.
9. He Took a Hiatus from Music in the 1990s
In the 1990s, Askew took a break from recording and performing. This period of hiatus was partly due to personal challenges, as well as a general disillusionment with the music industry. However, his fans continued to treasure his earlier works, and his influence never waned.
10. Ed Askew Made a Comeback in the 2000s
After a lengthy absence from the music scene, Askew made a major comeback in the 2000s, with a string of well-received albums. Albums like For the World (2008) and A Distant Mirror (2013) marked his return to the forefront of the indie music scene, introducing him to a new generation of listeners.
11. He Is Known for His Experimental Soundscapes
Throughout his career, Askew has always pushed the boundaries of traditional folk music, experimenting with different textures and arrangements. His use of unusual instruments and sounds, such as the harpsichord and string arrangements, adds a layer of complexity to his songs, making them stand out in the indie folk genre.
12. His Music Has Appeared in Film and Television
Askew’s music has made its way into film and television, often adding a layer of emotional depth to the scenes in which they appear. His song “The Rainbow,” for example, was featured in the 2018 film The Miseducation of Cameron Post, bringing his music to the attention of a whole new audience.
13. He Has Worked with Other Notable Musicians
While Askew is primarily known for his solo work, he has also collaborated with other notable musicians throughout his career. His collaborations with artist Ben Goldberg and others have helped shape his sound and allowed him to explore new musical territories.
14. Ed Askew Was One of the Pioneers of the 1960s “Freak Folk” Movement
Askew is often associated with the “freak folk” movement that emerged in the late 1960s. While not directly involved in the movement’s more psychedelic elements, Askew’s use of unconventional instrumentation, his ethereal lyrics, and his experimentation with sound made him an early pioneer of this genre.
15. His Songs Are Often Inspired by Literature
As an academic with a strong background in literature, Askew’s songs are often inspired by classic texts and poets. His lyrics show a deep appreciation for writers such as Rainer Maria Rilke and T.S. Eliot, blending literary references with his own personal experiences.
16. Askew Has a Dedicated Cult Following
Despite not achieving commercial success on the scale of mainstream artists, Ed Askew has amassed a dedicated cult following over the years. Fans of his music are drawn to his authenticity and his ability to write deeply emotional songs that resonate with listeners on a personal level.
17. He Is Known for His Intimate Live Performances
Askew’s live performances are known for their intimacy and emotional depth. Performing in small, intimate settings, his shows often feel like private concerts, where he shares his most personal thoughts and feelings with the audience. This intimate approach has helped build a loyal fan base.
18. Askew’s Music Has Been Highly Influential on Other Indie Artists
While Ed Askew may not have been a chart-topping artist, his influence on the indie folk scene is undeniable. His unique approach to songwriting, as well as his willingness to push the boundaries of folk music, has inspired countless other artists in the genre. Indie musicians such as Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom have cited him as an influence on their own work.
19. He Is Also a Visual Artist
In addition to his work in music, Askew is also a talented visual artist. His artwork often reflects the same themes of introspection and emotional depth found in his music, and his artistic work provides another layer of insight into his creative process.
20. He Was Influenced by the Folk Movement of the 1960s
Like many other artists of his time, Askew was deeply influenced by the folk movement of the 1960s. His love for artists such as Bob Dylan, Fred Neil, and Tim Hardin shaped his approach to songwriting and led him to explore the more introspective, poetic side of folk music.
21.Ed Askew, Revered Folk Musician And Artist, Dies At 84
Conclusion
Ed Askew’s career is a testament to the power of music that speaks directly to the soul. His poetic lyrics, experimental soundscapes, and intimate performances have earned him a special place in the hearts of his fans. Whether you’re discovering him for the first time or you’ve been following his work for decades, Ed Askew’s music is a rare treasure that continues to resonate with listeners of all generations. His journey through music remains as captivating as the songs he creates, proving that art transcends time.
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