A critical constant in singer-songwriter culture, like Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, and Bill Callahan, to name a few, Hurley brought something so sacred and sophisticatedly superb to this world of atmospheric adventure and confused chaos. Whether you knew him as Elwood Snock, Doc Snock, “The Godfather of Freak-Folk,” Snockman, The Snock, or just Snock, Hurley shapeshifted in the rich, radical world of music and art like no one else before him, and certainly after him.

As classic as a cold bottle of Coca-Cola on a hot summer day, or the sweet-toothed grins of happy campers under a full moon in June, their smiles reflecting in the campfire light, Hurley’s music transcended the singular genre of folk and instead dwelt in the soft subconscious of the creative working-class heroes. In an electrifying effort, where the land meets the sonic sea, a profound artist, storyteller, and all-around tonal trickster broke the suffering skies with his human departure earlier this month at 83. He'll forever be in our hearts.