Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Todd Snider
1966 - 2025
Todd Snider
1966 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1966
DIED
2025
Todd Snider Obituary
Born October 11, 1966, in Portland, Oregon, Snider grew up in the Pacific Northwest before forging his musical identity in Texas and eventually settling in Nashville, where he became a beloved fixture in that city's vibrant roots-music scene.
Snider first gained wide notice with his 1994 debut album "Songs for the Daily Planet," scoring minor hits with "Alright Guy" and "Talking Seattle Grunge Rock Blues." The album also included "Trouble," which was later a Top 20 country hit for Mark Chesnutt.
Over more than three decades, Snider went on to release more than twenty solo albums and multiple collaborations. His 2004 record "East Nashville Skyline" is often cited as a high-point of the alt-country movement.
From the earliest days of his professional career, Snider became known for his live shows, which blended his humor with his music. In long breaks between songs, Snider told stories that meandered around the point before eventually leading to it. Concertgoers loved to sing along with songs like "Beer Run" and "Play a Train Song."
Characterized by sharp wit, frank empathy and a storyteller's ear, Snider's songs gave voice to outsiders, misfits, and the overlooked, balancing humor and frankness in equal measure. He counted among his mentors the legendary songwriters John Prine (1946–2020), Jerry Jeff Walker (1942–2020), and Kris Kristofferson (1936–2024).
Beyond his albums, Snider co-founded the band Hard Working Americans and branched out into writing and television cameos, including appearances in the series "Squidbillies."
His impact on the roots music community was deep. He inspired younger songwriters and earned the respect of peers, including rock critic Steven Hyden, who called him "an unheralded songwriters' songwriter." Though he struggled at times with health issues and the pressures of life on the road, he remained true to his craft and his voice.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
48 Entries
paul stenshoel
March 15, 2026
love from a piggy Kpiggy
CHERYL GUADAGNO
February 27, 2026
Too much to Think about, Too much to Figure out .... I am beyond devastated that Todd has left this Earth I felt he had SO much more to contribute to this World I would love it, if we (his fans) could write a song about his last weeks on Earth, cause you KNOW he would have already! Miss you already, Love you Forever
Todd Francis
February 15, 2026
Miss you Todd. Love you
Fred Cheney
February 15, 2026
Todd accompanied on many trips from my home in mid-coast Maine to my job in Boston. Will miss him. Wrote a parody of "Vinyl Records," the the local library.
How you can show support
Pamela Allen
January 27, 2026
Love and miss you Todd
Douglas Lee Coffland
January 8, 2026
So now that you are gone, Todd Snider still rules
Christopher Gombosky
January 8, 2026
Thank you Todd!
The many memories and kindness you shared and created I will never forget!
I will miss you and love you my friend!
D. Rigs
January 1, 2026
Always loved how I felt like Todd was singing for me. Truly an underrated gem!!! I still remember NYE in the New Daisy Theater in Memphis when I was there last.
Jeff Bradford
December 30, 2025
I am so saddened about his passing. His musical talents, and the way he expressed himself through his music will be greatly missed! He had such a knack for his musical storytelling. We will always have his music. I pray God be with his family through the loss.
Wilson Schwager
December 30, 2025
I was deeply moved and affected upon hearing of Todd having passed away, not to mention just shocked. Although he left a great legacy, there was surely more to come. RIP Todd, and thank you.
Wilson Schwager
Jim Beshwate
December 16, 2025
My heart sunk to the ground when I heard of Todd´s death. I was lucky to see him once several years ago in Paso Robles Caiifornia. I loved his music and stories and I had ticjets to see him with Patty Griffin at the Troubador a couple years ago but he wasn´t feeling well and cancelled. R.I,P. Todd you are well loved.
victor
December 11, 2025
My Condolences.
Bill Farnam
December 8, 2025
Heartbroken,I know he is in good company.
Katie
December 8, 2025
Thanks for the music and laughs. It was an honor to see you perform. You were so kind. I thought we'd see you again. You're missed.
J Sieglaff
December 5, 2025
He was an amazing singer and songwriter who will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the music community. RIP Todd.
Bart Salzer
December 4, 2025
RIP Todd you will be missed terribly. May you fly straight to Hippy Heaven and we will meet you there
Richard Hatch
December 3, 2025
There are 8 billion people on this planet but there will only ever be one Todd Snider - It's a sadder place without Todd
Christopher Scott Waddell
December 2, 2025
You were and always be my hero. This world was a brighter place with you in it
Jane Bennett
December 1, 2025
My deepest love & condolences to Todd´s family. Enjoyed his stories at shows & sang along with him many times over the years.
His songs will live on forever. My heart is broken, as I know yours is. We will never forget Todd. Take peace in knowing we will all be together again to listen to the greatest band in heaven, with John, Jerry Jeff, Guy, and Billy Joe, & all the rest.
Patty Pierce
November 30, 2025
Photos by Stacie Huckeba and others on the Wire. Thank you, they are beautiful!
Patty Pierce
November 30, 2025
Georgeann Broth
November 29, 2025
Thank you so much for all of your songs and stories to live by. So sorry you are gone way too soon.
Michael Sparks
November 25, 2025
Todd, thank you for helping me be more brave than I ever thought I could be.
Mike Pratt
November 21, 2025
Todd Snider, what can I say except absolute legend, still in tears, can´t wait to see him on the other side.
Ronn Thompson
November 21, 2025
Not very many days go past that I don´t jam to one or two of my favorite Snyder stories....he made em up from real life and some were the truest that he told .
RIP TS. Your whit and absolute realness was unmatched in my book.
Kevin and Janet Burgart
November 21, 2025
This is not news any of us wanted to hear. I am struggling to understand this loss. Our condolences to all who are missing and mourning Todd Snider, he will be missed by many.
We were lucky to see him perform several times in Nashville and we enjoy listening to his music on regular rotation in our home. Many lines from his songs are often quoted in our normal speach, much like people do with Monty Python movies. His songs are a backdrop to our lives and his words roll off our tongues as if we owned them.
Todd Snider will be missed...our hearts are so heavy.
Robin Rainbird
November 20, 2025
Somehow people still don't know who Todd Snider is. I always tell them if Jerry Jeff Walker and Warren Zevon had a baby with Jimmy Buffett it would be Todd Snider. But he was ultimately just himself. Our hearts are broken even though it was clear he hadn't been well for several years. Heartbreak after heartbreak took a toll on him -- John prine, Jerry jeff, Buffet. His color wasn't good but he still had that smile. I will always remember and be haunted by the last words I saw him say so respectfully to those who thought he was just some messed up homeless guy who was to be dispatched with.
"That's my passport, I'm not homeless. I'm cold, can I sit in the car. I'm famous. I have a band. I'm sick." In a voice that all of us know was not Todd's regular voice, it was breathless it was weak. You were our voice Todd and we loved you so much. No one expected you to live to 100 but no one expected this either. My dearest love to all of those who are suffering from this huge hole in the world.
Chris Waddell
November 20, 2025
We love and miss you terribly
J Roy
November 20, 2025
Todd gave us all great lines in his music. My favorite, "You know I've always been afraid of a 12 step crowd
They laugh too much and talk too loud
Like they all know where everyone should be". RIP Todd..."It's Been A Long, Long Year", buddy.
John
November 19, 2025
Very inspirational artist. Saw him at the Boulder theater in 1995. Still remember his show. Rest in peace and thank you
Amanda Bailey
November 19, 2025
Todd´s infectious smile and story telling has impacted my life for over 25 years from the first time I met him in Nelsonville to the other times I met and saw him. He will leave a hole in the world with out new stories and songs. He made a difference in my life and so many others. I hope he sings loud with, John, Jerry Jeff and Kris for us all to hear him down here!!
Melissa Burke
November 19, 2025
So heartbroken and disturbed by the death of Todd Snyder and the days leading up to it. He was a staple here in Colorado and friends with many people. He always had time to talk to fans and actually become friends with them.
But beyond that his legacy will be in his music, his outlook on life, his honesty and his incredible ability to craft a song like nobody else.
Todd Snyder is an artist that won´t be repeated.
He took the old school with him after he brought it into modern times as well,so that we could all savor the true experience of folk songs.
His legacy will be his friendship with people, his widely spread collaboration with other musicians andin his ability to make everybody feel a little better. See you down the road, Todd.
Jodie M Nanni
November 19, 2025
He will always be remembered for his unique storytelling and his humor. He was a free spirit and we were all blessed to have experienced such an amazing talented wonderful time he shared with us all.
God Bless you and you will always be remembered and missed.
John Peel
November 19, 2025
John Peel
Derek Sibert
November 19, 2025
Sail on, my friend...
Mary Rogers McKearney
November 18, 2025
Todd´s passing has left a sorrow that´s hard to put into words. I will forever cherish those Memphis days in the early ´90s, witnessing Todd´s raw talent take shape. His humor, his spark, and the light he carried made every moment around him unforgettable. And I am so grateful for that.
Todd leaves an indelible mark on the music world and on everyone whose life he touched. My heartfelt condolences to his Mom, the entire Snider family, his friends, and his beloved fans.
Love,
Mary
Randolph Pritchard
November 18, 2025
I was at my happiest at Todd's shows. It is unfathomable that I will never see him perform again. This is a loss I will never get over. He will forever be in my heart and soul. TODD SNIDER RULES
Patty Pierce
November 18, 2025
It's been some sad days, since you left. Hard to fathom, really; all such a blur. I'm just a thankful and grateful fan, happy you came my way and glad I got to witness you live and in person. Sincere condolences to all who knew and loved you, especially your mama. Thanks for the music, Todd. The laughs and that beautiful smile were just added pleasures. You'll live on as one of the best. Already missed, terribly, but the thought of you no longer being in pain, will bring comfort. Your music will be everlasting and probably studied forever more. Sail On, my friend!
Brad B
November 18, 2025
Todd's voice, ability to express himself, to connect with people, his dedication to his craft, emotion, presence, humor & heart all made him one of a kind
A true artist & storyteller
"The years go by as quickly as a wink, enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, its later than you think."
Gregory Meade
November 18, 2025
Todd, you have touched more lives than you could EVER know with your music, and stories, and the approachable qualities You had; It was like you were just another fan. Some obscure guy who one could sit and chat with over a beer.
You have blown me away with your guitar playing style and your songwriting Speakes VOLUMES, in and of itself.
Todd Snider, Family, Friends of his,
My thoughts are with you all in this tragic time. Know this ! : Your friend/father/brother/cousin/nephew/ex husband/ fellow musician/..... Has touched So Many lives thru music and stories and books and entertaining, THAT Todd Snider will live on Forever in the hearts, minds, and music, of us
All!!! !!! !!!
Daniel Leyes
November 18, 2025
I loved you man. You changed my life from darkness to possibility. Sail on my friend.
Tom Maneely
November 18, 2025
Todd passing is truly a loss that leaves the world without one of the most talented songwriters of all time. Singer and songwriter with unmatched ability to tell stories that reaches in the hearts of fans both with humor and a message is rare in these days. He was definitely an alright guy! RIP my friend.
Katherine Bell
November 18, 2025
So sorry Todd has left us here to carry on without his songs of incisive commentary and witty repartee that lighten life's burdens with humour. I came across Snider's songs free-livestreaming the uniquely levitating KPIG radio of Freedom CA early in the century. His outstanding turn of phrase caught my attention and I made a Clearlake penpal nattering about Todd's talent on the station chatboards that day. Beaming peace and truth rays for a helpful resolution of mystery around Todd's tragic demise. Vale troubadour Snider, and condolences to friends and family.
Greg Williams
November 18, 2025
I met Todd In San Francisco at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass , an annual event in San Francisco that draws 80 bands, 500,000 to 700,000 people, and 3 days of free music in Golden Gate Park. As Todd was getting ready to go onstage I talked to him through an open fence and asked him if he wanted to indulge in some of that " worry be gone" and he told me if he did he would forget the words to his songs, so instead, he took off his all access pass and handed it to me so I could go backstage . We eventually got around to that " illegal smile". I have since met up with Todd a few times at the " Great American Music Hall " In San Francisco and would chat about our dear Friend who ran KPIG radio in Freedom California ( Santa Cruz County) Laura Ellen Hopper, god rest her soul. Todd was one of " us" . Goodbye old friend . Having you and your music in my life just made so much damn sense.
" One day in San Francisco
I was standing in the airport line
In one of my bags I had all of my clothes
In the other bag I had all of those old records of mine
the lady said " I could only have one bag"
I had two , oh what a drag
I had to get on that plane and leave all of my clothes behind "
greg williams , formerly of Michigan Center, but San Francisco has been home since '84
Carlos Graham
November 17, 2025
Some of my best memories from childhood was having Todd as a friend. He was one of my first friends in Oregon when my family moved from Baltimore. We did all the crazy things young boys do and the memories I have of Todd will always be with me. I had no idea he went on to become such an icon in music. Todd was a great friend and even though it's been decades since I last saw him the memories I have of him will always be a pleasant place for me to go too.
Thank you for our friendship Todd. You will be missed.
Susan Hill
November 17, 2025
My condolences to your family. Todd will be remembered for his musical abilities. Our Heavenly Father will remember all the good Todd did in behalf of others. May God comfort your family and give you peace.
Dawnangela Minton
November 17, 2025
Thank you, man.
Dawnangela Minton
November 17, 2025
Your music always fits into my life just right. One of my favorite memories with my dad is taking him to the Ryman to see you perform. He loved it. How couldn´t he? We all love Todd Snider. I am glad that you are not suffering anymore. Thank you for the countless shows I saw you play. Thank you for the music I listen to all the time. Thank you for the stories. I love you, man.
Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results
Make a Donation
in Todd Snider's name
How to support Todd's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Todd Snider's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more