Country singer, David Olney, died while performing at the 30A Songwriters Festival in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, on Saturday, January 18th.
The first sign that something was wrong was when the 71-year-old suddenly apologized to the audience. He then closed his eyes.
He was experiencing a heart attack, and despite an attempt from a doctor in the audience to revive the Jerusalem Tomorrow singer, he died doing what he loved.
Amy Rigby, another performer at the festival, shared the sad news on Facebook, describing the 71-year-old's passing as "graceful and dignified".
Her post read: "David Olney, a beautiful man, a legend, a songwriting poet died last night. I was sitting next to him in the round, [and] had been so honored and looking forward to getting to trade songs with him and Scott Miller.
"Olney was in the middle of his third song when he stopped, apologized and shut his eyes. He was very still, sitting upright with his guitar on, wearing the coolest hat and a beautiful rust suede jacket we laughed about because it was raining like hell outside the boathouse where we were playing - I just want the picture to be as graceful and dignified as it was, because it at first looked like he was just taking a moment [sic]."
The post continued: "Scott Miller had the presence of mind to say we needed to revive him. Doctors in the audience and 30A folks were all working so hard to get him to come to. It's hard to post about this because I can't really believe he's gone."
"I am so sorry for his wife and family and friends and all the people who loved him and his music. Even those who never heard of him. We all lost someone important last night."
The 71-year-old was active for over four decades on the music scene and made over 20 albums during his career. He was also a member of the Nashville-based band The X-Rays since 1973. He released two albums with them before going solo in 1985.
Our condolences are with Olney's family, friends and fans.
