May God bless you and your...
I cry because I’m selfish. I want more of his art. I miss him every day
Matthew Mueller
November 27, 2025 | Kokomo, IN | Friend


Apr 25, 1974 – Jun 24, 2019 (Age 45)
Jeff Austin was a co-founder, mandolinist, and singer for the popular progressive bluegrass band, the Yonder Mountain String Band. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here.
I cry because I’m selfish. I want more of his art. I miss him every day
Matthew Mueller
November 27, 2025 | Kokomo, IN | Friend
Getting sober now, and my mind is always going to Jeff every now and then. I never really cared about celebrities but Jeff was special. He sort of helped raise me in a weird way a musician can when your coming of age. I met him once, me and a buddy sat outside a Yonder show we were too young to get into (after trying to sneak in lol). He actually stopped and talked with us after the show and signed some things. He always reminded me of the Americana John Lennon for some reason... A...
Michael McCormack
February 26, 2025 | Littleton, CO | Acquaintance
I remember a friend who worked with Jeff on a variety show in the high school in 1991. I don't know if it is the same guy. But I wish everyone who knew him peace.
Anonymous
June 02, 2024 | School
saw and met jeff at a few grateful ball shows,sorry to have lost you sincerely/////////////////////tammy & dude
andy smith
May 10, 2024 | Friend
Well, here I am listening to "Franklin's Tower" again at String Summit on You Tube. Just loving it, thinking that it would be great to see them in person one day, at the ripe old age of 60. I just learned of Jeff's death today and it's late November! Getting to experience this wonderful bluegrass, remembering growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Jeff Austin. Life list? Check!!!
Joan
November 22, 2019 | Dallas, TX
Sorry to hear about Jeff,May his music live on and may the family find peace in the God of all tender mercy.
Lena
October 24, 2019
I will always will remember the day in telluride when i was outside the park playing hippie fishing with a dollar bill. And just before dark you walk up and gave a laugh and walk into the show at that time i was still in shock i got see a legend. I'll always remember the smile you had. thank you for such a great memory.
Beau R
July 29, 2019 | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
Your music and musical abilities made my life so happy and joyous. Words cannot express how much love your performances brought out in my friends and I ! YMSB was the best experience you could have :) ~*~ There are so many good memories I have of hearing and seeing you play your mandolin. There is no one else ever that will be as good or as talented as you ~ Please know that my soul connects with you and I send good energy for family.
Tammy Morgan
July 18, 2019 | Eureka, CA | Acquaintance
I have been long time Yonder Mountain Fan and of course was devastated. to hear when Jeff split up. That did not match the devastation to learn of Jeff Ausin's death. fortunate to see him with his band at Elk Creek Cafe (small venue bar/cafe/restaurant in rural central Pa) within past year and I am able to say best Bluegrass i have heard in my life. My reason to post this this is to his family: he kept referencing his family as his inspiration. There were small children in the audience that...
Alfred Deno
July 14, 2019 | Lewisburg, PA