We’re heartbroken to share that Todd Snider passed away on November 14, 2025, at age 59. In honor of this legendary singer-songwriter, storyteller, and beloved figure in Americana music, we’re replaying our unforgettable conversation with Todd.

Todd Snider was more than a musician—he was a rambling troubadour, a cosmic comic, and someone who could distill life down to its essence with words and song. From his breakthrough 1994 debut “Songs for the Daily Planet” to his critically acclaimed “East Nashville Skyline” and his final album “High, Lonesome and Then Some,” Todd created a body of work spanning over three decades that captured the humor, heartbreak, and honest truths of the human experience.

In this episode, Todd shares stories about learning from his songwriting heroes—John Prine, Jerry Jeff Walker, Guy Clark, and Kris Kristofferson—and how those mentors shaped his craft. We talk about his journey from Portland to Texas to becoming the unofficial “mayor of East Nashville,” his approach to storytelling in song, and the art of finding humor even in life’s darkest moments.

Todd’s songs like “I Can’t Complain,” “Beer Run,” and “Alright Guy” became anthems for those who appreciated plainspoken, lived-in lyricism delivered with wit and wisdom. His influence on the roots music community runs deep, inspiring countless songwriters and earning the respect of everyone who heard him play.

As his friends and family said, “How do we move forward without the one who gave us countless 90-minute distractions from our impending doom? The one who always had 18 minutes to share a story.” We move forward by carrying his stories and songs with us—messages of love, compassion, and peace.

Rest easy, Todd. Your words, your music, and your spirit will live on.

We&rsquo;re heartbroken to share that Todd Snider passed away on November 14, 2025, at age 59. In honor of this legendary singer-songwriter, storyteller, and beloved figure in Americana music, we&rsquo;re replaying our unforgettable conversation with Todd.
Todd Snider was more than a musician&mdash;he was a rambling troubadour, a cosmic comic, and someone who could distill life down to its essence with words and song. From his breakthrough 1994 debut &ldquo;Songs for the Daily Planet&rdquo; to his critically acclaimed &ldquo;East Nashville Skyline&rdquo; and his final album &ldquo;High, Lonesome and Then Some,&rdquo; Todd created a body of work spanning over three decades that captured the humor, heartbreak, and honest truths of the human experience.
In this episode, Todd shares stories about learning from his songwriting heroes&mdash;John Prine, Jerry Jeff Walker, Guy Clark, and Kris Kristofferson&mdash;and how those mentors shaped his craft. We talk about his journey from Portland to Texas to becoming the unofficial &ldquo;mayor of East Nashville,&rdquo; his approach to storytelling in song, and the art of finding humor even in life&rsquo;s darkest moments.
Todd&rsquo;s songs like &ldquo;I Can&rsquo;t Complain,&rdquo; &ldquo;Beer Run,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Alright Guy&rdquo; became anthems for those who appreciated plainspoken, lived-in lyricism delivered with wit and wisdom. His influence on the roots music community runs deep, inspiring countless songwriters and earning the respect of everyone who heard him play.
As his friends and family said, &ldquo;How do we move forward without the one who gave us countless 90-minute distractions from our impending doom? The one who always had 18 minutes to share a story.&rdquo; We move forward by carrying his stories and songs with us&mdash;messages of love, compassion, and peace.
Rest easy, Todd. Your words, your music, and your spirit will live on.

On the Takin’ A Walk-Music History Podcast, Buzz Knight goes deep with American music’s most iconic voices. From Rock & Roll Hall of Famers  with legendary storytellers, to artists and their indie music journey, musicians reveal the stories behind songs, the creative breakthroughs, career-defining risks, and backstage truths that shaped their legacy. Drawing on decades in radio and deep music history knowledge, The Buzz Knight podcast delivers music interviews that explore more than just the songs — Knight uncovers the inspiring music stories and human truths that define music history. 

Takin’ A Walk is the Music History Podcast that gives you In-depth music interviews. 

If you love our show you’ll love these podcasts:

The Music History Podcast 

Hit Parade Music History Podcast 

A History of Music in 500 Songs

Music History Today Network

Music is History 

New episodes drop weekly across all podcast platforms where you can hear all of the stories behind songs.

Check out our other shows

Music Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman

Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman 

Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson 

Part of iHeartPodcasts

On the Takin&rsquo; A Walk-Music History Podcast, Buzz Knight goes deep with American music&rsquo;s most iconic voices. From Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Famers &nbsp;with legendary storytellers, to artists and their indie music journey, musicians reveal the stories behind songs, the creative breakthroughs, career-defining risks, and backstage truths that shaped their legacy. Drawing on decades in radio and deep music history knowledge, The Buzz Knight podcast delivers music interviews that explore more than just the songs &mdash; Knight uncovers the inspiring music stories and human truths that define music history.&nbsp;
Takin&rsquo; A Walk is the Music History Podcast that gives you In-depth music interviews.&nbsp;
If you love our show you&rsquo;ll love these podcasts:
The Music History Podcast&nbsp;
Hit Parade Music History Podcast&nbsp;
A History of Music in 500 Songs
Music History Today Network
Music is History&nbsp;
New episodes drop weekly across all podcast platforms where you can hear all of the stories behind songs.
Check out our other shows
Music Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman
Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman&nbsp;
Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson&nbsp;
Part of iHeartPodcasts

Takin' A Walk - Music History with Buzz Knight

On the Takin’ A Walk-Music History Podcast, Buzz Knight goes deep with American music’s most iconic voices. From Rock & Roll Hall of Famers  with legendary storytellers, to artists and their viral music success, musicians reveal the stories behind songs, the creative breakthroughs, career-defining risks, and backstage truths that shaped their legacy. Drawing on decades in radio and deep music history knowledge, The Buzz Knight podcast delivers music interviews that explore more than just the songs — Knight uncovers the inspiring music stories and human truths that define music history. 

Takin’ A Walk is the Music History Podcast that gives you In-depth music interviews. 

If you love our show and these inspiring music stories you’ll love these podcasts:

The Music History Podcast 

Hit Parade Music History Podcast 

A History of Music in 500 Songs

Music History Today Network

Music is History 

New episodes drop weekly across all podcast platforms where you can hear all of the stories behind songs.

Check out our other shows

Music Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman

Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman 

Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson 

Part of iHeartPodcasts

 

On the Takin&rsquo; A Walk-Music History Podcast, Buzz Knight goes deep with American music&rsquo;s most iconic voices. From Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Famers &nbsp;with legendary storytellers, to artists and their viral music success, musicians reveal the stories behind songs, the creative breakthroughs, career-defining risks, and backstage truths that shaped their legacy. Drawing on decades in radio and deep music history knowledge, The Buzz Knight podcast delivers music interviews that explore more than just the songs &mdash; Knight uncovers the inspiring music stories and human truths that define music history.&nbsp;
Takin&rsquo; A Walk is the Music History Podcast that gives you In-depth music interviews.&nbsp;
If you love our show and these inspiring music stories you&rsquo;ll love these podcasts:
The Music History Podcast&nbsp;
Hit Parade Music History Podcast&nbsp;
A History of Music in 500 Songs
Music History Today Network
Music is History&nbsp;
New episodes drop weekly across all podcast platforms where you can hear all of the stories behind songs.
Check out our other shows
Music Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman
Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman&nbsp;
Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson&nbsp;
Part of iHeartPodcasts
&nbsp;

In Memory of Todd Snider: East Nashville's Beloved Troubadour-Music History

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/83024885-fc89-48cc-b64a-b35900f34731/transcript