Jimmy LaFave was born in Wills Point, Texas. He started school in Mesquite and by Junior High was making music perched behind his Sears & Roebuck drums kit. It wasn’t long before his mother traded a drawer full of green stamps for his first guitar, and the switch to singer-songwriter was in progress. His family later moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he finished high school. Jimmy lived in Austin, TX for nearly 30 years, but is often identified as being from Oklahoma because of his strong musical ties to the state and his role in the development of “Red Dirt Music.” Early on he embraced the spirit of Woody Guthrie and worked to promote Guthrie’s legacy around the world in both words and song.
Jimmy LaFave passed away on May 21, 2017 from myxofibrosarcoma, a rare form of cancer but his legacy through music and art will continue.
I was at this show, Jimmy did an amazing "Magnolia" in tribute to his friend J.J. Cale who had recently passed. Any chance you can post it? He was such a colossal talent and the interplay between Rad, Glenn, Bobby and Phil is extraordinary. How we miss him!
Jimmy’s songs, music, voice, and friends are part of the fabric of ours lives. Always in my heart creating the rhythm to which we navigate the world. Walk in grace my red dirt friends
Recovering from major foot surgery, five weeks in on my back with my leg above my heart, and I have discovered this amazing, creative musician that has melted my heart… Jimmy so blessed I just discovered you today at 56 years young I will forever wake up each morning and listen to your soulful voice…. Thank you for the gift you left the world….🙏♥️💫
A magnificient idea! Thank you for that! Every time I hear Jimmy's voice I get emotional. I never had the chance to see him playing live, yet, I can assure you, he's very alive in my heartbeat. Thank you Jimmy for such wonderful moments that you greet me with your outstanding music! I wonder if there's any better legacy one can leave to the Humankind?
Loved the songs and commeraderi out side the 8 ~ fun times and great memories of Okemah ...a whole lot of "great" performers. Jimmy ended the event with "This Land Is Your Land" ..Thanks always nice to walk back into yesterday..
