'Poetry Man' Singer Phoebe Snow Dies at 60

By Kiki Von Glinow Posted Apr 26th 2011 12:40PM

Bluesy pop singer and songwriter, Phoebe Snow, died Tuesday morning due to complications from a brain hemorrhage, according to the AP. Snow found fame with her 1970s smooth hit, 'Poetry Man' and released her first eponymous record in 1974, for which received a 1975 Grammy nomination for best new artist.

But the soulful singer and guitarist fell out of the spotlight soon after to take care of her disabled daughter -- but not before making her mark on the music industry. Snow was able to merge her folk roots with her soulful, jazzy voice and create classic hits like, 'Love Makes a Woman' and 'Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.' She also sang the intro tune for the show, 'A Different World.'

The singer's hemorrhage was not an isolated health issue -- Snow also battled numerous blood clots, bouts with pneumonia, congestive heart failure and a stroke.

"The loss of this unique and untouchable voice is incalculable," Snow's manager, Sue Cameron told the AP. "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 chose the career of mother when her daughter was born, rather than continuing her success in the studio. But that did not stop her from letting her passion live on in the form of sporadic collaborations with the likes of Paul Simon, Mavis Staples and Steely Dan's, Donald Fagen. She also sang at Howard Stern and Beth Ostrosky's 2008 wedding.

She released her last album, 'Natural Wonder,' in 2003 and leaves a legacy that isn't far off from her final album's title.

'Poetry Man'

'A Different World' Theme Song

Tags: phoebe snow

Comments

(64)

Tuesday 26 April

By Mrs Sonya Parker

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When Ms. Snow had her daughter who had mental disabilities, she simply and without show disappeared (for the most part) and devoted her life to taking care of that beautiful child. She didn't use her daughter's condition for sympathy or personal gain - she became a full-time nurturer She is such a good role model of selflessness and maternal love.

By DJ

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I am spending my day celebrating the wedding of my cousins daughter. It doesn't have the glamor of the royals but it will be far more sincere.

By Eric

A unique voice who came to prominence at a unique time. When voices were so recognizable. Glad I'm (well) old enough to remember the 70's and before. They don't make Phoebe Snows anymore.

By osfanmike

Very sad. She was truly a great talent. R.I.P.

By keyingatmach5

God Bless Phoebe, I'm so sorry to hear of this loss. She took care of her daughter and deserved a happy life also. I don't know why we fight in this world and are at war and never get along when life is so short. Be kind people, we are blessed. I'm sorry we lost a great woman so young. God Bless your daughter also.

By gposner29

It's a shame what kids call music today....an absolute shame.
No wonder they get violent and drop out of school. The garbage in their ear is a big, big part of it. Talent like Phoebe's is irreplaceable.

By maria1963

Wow, I just heard "poetry man" on the radio today and thought "I haven't heard that in years!" Now I think I know why my local radio station played it. Great song, great voice. RIP.

By c

I remember being mesmerized by her as a young girl at one of her concerts. Beautiful, smooth voice.

By chris

A great Singer with good sound. I pray for her family and love ones. We will see you in the heavenly choir, save me a seat near you and phyllis.

By gymson

Very sad. My wife and I listened to her music alot while dating in the late 70's. Loved her music.....

By Mark T.

We shall all mourn the loss of a beautiful Woman today who's work will thankfully live on forever. I believe I have been humming Poetry Man for 37 years. It's time to say so long, and so recall the call of life.... Thank you Phoebe.

By Audrey

LOVED Phoebe Snow... and especially enjoyed her collaboration
with Paul Simon. Yes, she was one of a kind and we can be grateful for the collection of her work she left behind for us to enjoy.

By sadie

Oh, I loved Phoebe Snow. So sad that she died so young! We will miss her.

By invmartyc

Wonderful talent who suffered more than anyone should. She will be remembered by many of us.

By gary

I remember listening to Poetry Man as a younger guy. There was something very magical about her voice. I am so sorry she had to leave us...gone but not forgotten.
Rest In Peace Angel

By MAMullane

Phoebe Snow has always been one of my top favorite singers ever since I heard her perform in Teaneck, NJ when she was still Phoebe Laub. This is a very sad day as we have lost a great a great person and a great talent. The only consolation is that she is reunited with her daughter now. Rest in peace Phoebe, you were loved by more than you knew and you will be remembered.

By mamullane37

btw...Phoebe was born in 1952 so she was 58, not 60.

By mary

Her rendition of the Garden of Joy would open the thighs of even the most frigid of women...

By ab2859

May Phoebe and her daughter RIP together.

By Joanne

Phoebe's death today makes me so very sad. I have all of her music, the vinyl kind, and have loved her voice forever. I also loved seeing her in interviews because she showed what a special person she was. Speaking of special, I remember how I hated when she pretty much gave up her career to care for Valerie and how selfish I felt when I realized how much that really meant. Her music was still here then and will remain. Rest in peace, dear Phoebe. You did well.

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