Singer-songwriter Greg Trooper passed away on January 15, 2017, just two days after his 61st birthday. Born in Neptune, New Jersey, Trooper lived and worked out of Nashville in the 90s and 00s. Back then, he released some records that were among the best from the early days of what we all started to call Americana.

During his time here, Greg worked with a lot of local musicians. Here is “Trampoline,” a great co-write with fellow Nashvillian Bill Lloyd.

Another from Music City whose life he touched was Steve Earle. It says a lot when a songwriter of Earle’s stature covers one of Trooper’s songs. Steve recorded Greg’s “Little Sister” back in the 80’s as a B-side after Trooper got his attention playing it live. A few nights after Greg’s death, Steve opened his set at Nashville’s City Winery with the song and dedicated that night’s show to Trooper. Listen to Steve play “Little Sister” at the New York City Winery a few nights later. He pays Greg further tribute at the start of this next clip from the same evening.

The photo of Greg at the top was from when he opened for Richard Thompson at the Belcourt Theatre on May 26, 2005. That night, Greg signed my copy of his CD, Make It Through This World. Thanks Greg for passing through town on your life’s journey.