Vic Chesnutt

James Victor "Vic" Chesnutt (November 12, 1964 – December 25, 2009) was an American singer-songwriter known for his raw, intimate lyrics and spare, affecting music. Paralyzed after a 1983 car accident, he recorded from the late 1980s through 2009 and collaborated with artists such as Michael Stipe, Bill Frisell, Guy Picciotto and members of Silver Mt. Zion/Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

Paraplegic after a 1983 car accident; first recordings produced with support from Michael Stipe (Little recorded in 1988, released 1990); collaborated with Bill Frisell, Guy Picciotto, Silver Mt. Zion and others; struggled with addiction; died on December 25, 2009 (death widely reported as a drug overdose/suicide).

DeBaser's reviews consistently praise Vic Chesnutt's raw, intimate songwriting and his ability to convey suffering with stark beauty. Reviewers highlight landmark albums like North Star Deserter and At the Cut and note important collaborators such as Michael Stipe and members of Godspeed/Silver Mt. Zion. The narrative of his life—paraplegia after a car accident, struggles with addiction, and his death on December 25, 2009—frames the listening experience.

For:Fans of confessional singer-songwriters, indie/folk listeners and readers interested in tragic, profound songwriting.