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Twin Cities songwriter Jeff Hanson is found dead

Posted at 9:27 AM on June 6, 2009 by Bill DeVille (12 Comments)

Local recording artist Jeff Hanson was found dead by his parents at his St. Paul apartment on Friday.

He was a very talented gentleman with a wonderful falsetto singing style. He signed to the Kill Rock Stars label in 2003 and released 2 albums. He also performed live at the Current, find it archived at www.thecurrent.org.

Comments (12)

First Elliot Smith, now Jeff Hanson. That record label must be cursed. What a tragic loss for the family and for the music world. I'm a fan and I'm just shocked by this. This just sucks. Are you guys going to do any tribute or anything since he was huge on The Current?

Posted by Dave Adams | June 6, 2009 11:01 AM

Jeff was my oldest and dearest friend of twenty-one years, and upon hearing the news yesterday I was absolutely crushed. Anyone who met him for more than five minutes figured out quickly what he was all about, because he let you know. His career was on the verge of truly taking off, and we had just spoken about his forthcoming fourth album. If you'd ever met Jeff, you no doubt have a story. And there's no doubt that story makes you laugh. Please remember Jeff that way forever- it was one of the many talents he possessed.

Boston Tim

Posted by tim miller | June 6, 2009 12:46 PM

by chance, got to meet jeff on part of his recent east coast tour, playing with some other friends. i was in pittsburgh on a business trip, and happened to hear of their show at an odd little gallery in that town. got to talk and share a few laughs before and after the show. he left quite an impression, so it's sad to hear about jeff today. sad that we have lost such a gifted artist and i'm sure a friend to many. peace to you, jeff.

Posted by bc | June 6, 2009 1:54 PM

My friend Tim said it best. If you met Jeff, you surely remember him and probably are cracking a smile thinking about that time. His ambition and drive to make music was truly amazing. He had been playing music all his life, and I feel fortunate to have played with him for over a decade. He was really an inspiration, and I so admire his drive to stick with what he really loved to do—though it was not always easy and glamourous. He definitely was on the brink, and it's a true shame to see him go so soon. I will miss you buddy, and hope you knew what a talented, humorous, honest, and kind person you were. I hope the Current has the opportunity to pay a bit of a tribute to one of their lesser-known, yet superbly talented artists in the coming days.

-Scheife

Posted by Ryan Scheife | June 6, 2009 1:59 PM

I had the privilege of playing guitar for Jeff in his backing band since this past fall. Jeff had approached Chris Koza about having our band back him up at the Madam Owl cd release show, and it was so much fun that we joined Jeff on tour in Scandinavia and, more recently, on the east coast of the US. The guy could make me laugh like no other, and we made some fantastic memories in a pretty short amount of time. Jeff lived large, and I'd like to think he put as much energy out into the world in his all too short 31 years than most of us do in a longer lifetime.

Jeff was madly talented, and I will always remember the joy of being onstage with him at a particularly good show, helping him bring his musical creations to life. He was a great, kind, loving person. He left us far too soon. Let's remember him well, and keep his amazing albums spinning.

Posted by Peter Sieve | June 6, 2009 4:25 PM

I worked with Jeff a long time ago and even after he quit he would still stop by the theatre to catch a movie and catch up in general. Hooked back up with him via email after his first or second album and got to see a couple of his shows but hadn't talked to him in awhile now. Wish I had stayed in better contact.

Posted by James Evans | June 6, 2009 6:20 PM

Just completely unacceptable news. One of my all-time favorite musicians.

Posted by Andi M. | June 7, 2009 8:27 AM

I'm still stunned by this. He was one of those songwriters that you heard one note, and it was immediately something you held close to your heart. This is a tragic loss for not only the Minneapolis music scene, but for the world of anyone who appreciates what true musical art is about. He will be missed dearly on many levels. These grey skies the last two days feel so appropriate to what this news has done to me. Thoughts go out to his family and extended family. Rest well Mr. Hanson, and thank you for what you gave to this world in the short time we were blessed to have you.

Posted by Kolby | June 7, 2009 6:29 PM

Jeff: I've known you since you were a kid playing with the band in my sister's basement with Goat & Scheife. I know they will miss you forever and have the greatest memories of you forever. Rest in Peace.

Posted by Trin | June 8, 2009 8:24 AM

Thank you Jeff for sharing your absolutely beautiful music.

Posted by Erin | June 8, 2009 1:00 PM

What a tragedy this is. I had the privilege of seeing him play at The Whole in 2004 with about a dozen other people as well his set at The Varsity in 2005 when he opened for Bob Nanna. His music was so beautiful and haunting, you could hardly believe that it was coming from him.

The Twin Cities has lost a great songwriter. He will be sadly missed.

Posted by Courtney Klos | June 8, 2009 2:28 PM

Such sad news. I missed Jeff's most recent show in the Twin Cities. I thought there would be another chance to see him. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Posted by Sarah | June 8, 2009 4:15 PM

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