Spinner

Phoebe Snow, 'Poetry Man' Singer-Songwriter, Dead at 60

Ron Galella, Ltd., Wireimage

Phoebe Snow, the singer of the 1974 hit 'Poetry Man,' has died from complications of a brain hemorrhage that she suffered in 2010. The 60-year-old passed away in Edison, N.J.

Though many people may not be familiar with the singer, her Top-Five hit continues to be remembered for its mix of folk, jazz and Snow's incredible voice. The song, from her self-titled debut, helped earn her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 1975. Her next album, 'Second Childhood,' went gold but she never again matched the success of 'Poetry Man.'

According to Associated Press, Snow's manager Sue Cameron had witnessed the singer's decline in health over the past year. "The loss of this unique and untouchable voice is incalculable," she said in a statement. "Phoebe was one of the brightest, funniest and most talented singer-songwriters of all time and, more importantly, a magnificent mother to her late brain-damaged daughter, Valerie, for 31 years. Phoebe felt that was her greatest accomplishment."

Snow's daughter Valerie Rose was born with hydrocephalus, a brain disorder that prevents growth, and Snow largely left music to provide the constant care her child needed. Valerie died in 2007.

Aside from several other solo albums, her most recent being 2003's 'Natural Wonder,' Snow sang on Paul Simon's 'Gone at Last,' performed at Howard Stern's second wedding and recorded the theme song to the NBC sitcom 'A Different World,' among many other high-profile gigs. She was planning a once-a-week residency at New York's City Winery when she had her stroke last year.

Snow is survived by her sister, Julie Laub. Funeral services will be private but a public memorial is expected soon.

Phoebe Snow Performs 'Poetry Man'

All the AOL Music info you want to know

Greg Allman Engaged to Woman 40 Years…

The Boot

Paul Archuleta, FilmMagic Seventh time's a charm? Music icon Greg Allman is…

Kanye West, Kim Kardashian Attend…

The Boombox

WireImage Kanye West and Kim Kardashian were spotted canoodling at the…

Vision of Trees, 'Turn 2 U' -- Video of…

Spinner

Artist: Vision of Trees Video: "Turn 2 U" Highlight: "We wanted the video to…

See all AOL Music »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

18 Comments

Filter by:
Barbara

I just wanted people to know I stopped listening to the radio because nothing gave me joy in any form.I found Phoebe way back in1974 and she helm me in her arms until I could get to her.after that I sen her 10 times and had the chance to walk and talk to her it was a life long dream to see her play but pictures and signed posters and excepting my letters of how her music made me stronger than I was.She gave me strength through vinyl .30 years flew bye and I could not get enough of this powerful powerhouse of a Woman.My love for yo is infinite PHOEBE Peace I hope you truly have it now but I don't know how to go on without you!!! Barb...

June 05 2011 at 6:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ogbeau4ua

A TRUE LADY WITH GOD GIVEN TALENT. ( NOT TOO MANY OF THOSE ANYMORE;THIS IS SAD.). PHOEBE PUT OTHERS BEFORE HERSELF. SHE HAD GOD GIVEN CONVICTIONS AND HIGH MORALS. PHOEBE....SWEET SPIRIT REST! .....AMAZING GRACE...HOW SWEET THE SOUND!!!!!!!!

May 15 2011 at 4:14 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Glenn Berger, PhD

Read my memoir of working with Phoebe on her hit single, Poetry Man. http://wp.me/p1otAH-7K

May 03 2011 at 9:30 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kathleen Morse

So sad to have her leave us. I love her and her Angelic voice and now she sings with the Angels. RIP

April 28 2011 at 2:15 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Francie

Thank you, dear Phoebe, for gracing the world with your incredibly lovely voice and musical talents. Even my son remembers listening to you when he was very young, back in the 70's when I used to play my "Poetry Man" album all the time! What a truly loving and devoted Mom you were, and even though we are happy because you are united with your beloved daughter--we will miss you and your music!

April 27 2011 at 1:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dj

sleep on dear phoebe................your songs, besides Poetry Man, was the soundtrack to my junior high and high school years.......sing with the angels......you will be missed..................

April 27 2011 at 1:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Danny Barrett

..Phoebe Snow,great mother, great singer..I always thought Ms.Snow,could have been the greatest of Cantors,if she would have choose to be....Peace be with you..

April 27 2011 at 12:41 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
loufalce

Incredible, isnt it? A fine and talented singer with a lovely voice like Phoebe Snow can go practically unrecognized while a no talent freak like Lady Gaga can be a star.People just don`t know fine music when they hear it. So very sad.

April 27 2011 at 12:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
david

rest in peace you will always be in our hearts

April 26 2011 at 11:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
loufalce

Great voice, great talent. I met her once in the early 80s when she was playing clubs in the NY-Nj area. You couldn`t possibly meet a nicer person. A true class act.

April 26 2011 at 10:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply