Mystery Behind JD Crowe Cause of Death: Grammy Award Winning Bluegrass Musician Dead at 84

After his career of more than 50 years, influential bluegrass musician JD Crowe passed away at the age of 84.

It was his son, David, who confirmed his death on Saturday, December 25 to The Associated Press. In the said brief message, "We just want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. As great of a musician as dad was, he was even better husband, father, and friend."

Crowe's family also announced his death earlier via Facebook, with no cause of death revealed. However, his son stated through Bluegrass Today last December 17 that he was recovering after being discharged from a brief hospitalization.

JD Crowe's Music Career

According to Billboard, James Dee Crowe was born in 1936. Throughout his career, he worked with Jimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys and Mac Wiseman's the Country Boys.

He also had a short time forming his own band named the Kentucky Mountain Boys, which later changed to the New South. Alongside Crowe, he was joined by Red Allen, Doyle Lawson, Bobby Slone, and Larry Rice.

Based on Crowe's profile page in the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, he "had a musical conversion experience" for as young as 12-years-old, when he first heard Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs & the Foggy Mountain Boys play at WVLK's Kentucky Mountain Barn Dance in Lexington.

The site also mentioned a list of his writing credits and achievements during his entire career. BMI's database credited JD Crowe with six published compositions and arrangements which included, "Bear Tracks," "Black Jack," and "Crowe on the Banjo."

The late singer also became a Grammy Award winner in 1983, claiming the Country Instrumental of the Year for his song, "Fireball."

Numerous tributes from fans and friends were shared online following the announcement of his death.

"He was an absolute legend," bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings wrote on Twitter. "He will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play bluegrass music. He had tone, taste, and TIMING like no other."

Another user tweeted, "RIP to the Kentucky legend JD Crowe. One of the great talents in Bluegrass music history and as good a picker as you will ever hear. Part of our state's unparalleled music history, he will be dearly missed."

May his soul rest in peace.