Daniel Johnston was an enigmatic figure in the world of music, revered for his earnest and raw songwriting that often dealt with themes of love, mental illness, and existential ponderings. Born on January 22, 1961, in Sacramento, California, Johnston grew up in West Virginia and found solace and expression through drawing and music. With a voice that quivered with emotion and a lo-fi aesthetic that came from recording on rudimentary equipment, he created a vast body of work that touched countless listeners and influenced many musicians.

Johnston's journey gained momentum in Austin, Texas, where his unique cassettes, such as "Hi, How Are You" (1983), started to circulate within the local scene and beyond. Despite struggling with serious mental health issues, which often impeded his career, Johnston became a cult icon, especially after Kurt Cobain was spotted wearing a t-shirt featuring the cover of "Hi, How Are You." His discography is marked by a prolific output that includes several albums like "Fear Yourself" (2003) and "Is and Always Was" (2009). Daniel's music also lives on through compilations and live recordings, such as "Daniel Johnston at Home Live" and "Love Lives Forever (BBC Sessions 2003 - 2011)," showcasing his ability to captivate an audience with his sincerity and simplicity. Sadly, Daniel Johnston passed away on September 11, 2019, yet he left behind a legacy as a true American original whose heartrending songs continue to resonate with dedicated fans and first-time listeners alike.

Genres

Alternative Rock

Anti-folk

Chamber Pop

Countrygaze

Lo-fi

Melancholia

Noise Pop

Outsider

Related Artists

Elliott Smith

The Mountain Goats

Sufjan Stevens

The Microphones

Sebadoh

Bright Eyes

Neutral Milk Hotel

Guided By Voices

Bon Iver

Beat Happening

Jeffrey Lewis

Iron & Wine

Latest Release

All Good Children Got To Die

Daniel Johnston

Single - Released October 8, 2024