12 essential songs by Daniel Johnston

Revisit the late singer-songwriter’s unique body of work with this Apple Music playlist.

September 12, 2019
12 essential songs by Daniel Johnston Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty Images

Yesterday, Texas singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston passed away at the age of 58 from a heart attack. Johnston's lo-fi, brutally emotive, and often optimistic songs touched many musicians and music listeners for decades, and will likely continue to do so in the decades to come. If you're new to his work, the FADER has put together an Apple Music playlist surveying some highlights in his sprawling catalog. Check it out below, and don't be afraid to dive deeper if you like what you hear — Johnston's catalog gives back as much as you put into it.

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12 essential songs by Daniel Johnston