Ed Askew: The Unsung Folk Genius of Gay Love Songs

Ed Askew, a visionary American artist, is being celebrated posthumously for his deeply personal folk music and pioneering openly gay love songs. Having passed away last year at the age of 84, his final album, 'The Final Painting,' is now being released, featuring acclaimed artists like Bill Callahan and Sharon Van Etten. Askew's work, which includes approximately 50 albums released throughout his life, is lauded for its singular brilliance and "primordial" quality.

Askew's musical journey began in the 1950s, and his career saw him release numerous records, often self-funded through house painting and art teaching. His unique sound, influenced by figures like Kurt Weill and Erik Satie, has been likened to artists such as Robert Wyatt and Bob Dylan, though his baroque songwriting style is arguably more akin to the visual arts of Paul Cézanne.

In recent years, Askew's music has found a new wave of appreciation, with artists like Trembling Bells and Steve Gunn collaborating with him. His song "Moon in the Mind" was notably featured in the 2024 Netflix series 'Baby Reindeer.' Askew's friend and collaborator, Jay Pluck, highlighted the bravery in Askew's early gay love songs, a facet of his identity that was integral to his art.