Remembering Daniel Johnston: Covers Spotify Playlist

Beloved singer-songwriter and visual artist Daniel Johnston died this week at the age of 58. A longtime fixture of the Austin, Texas music and arts scene, Johnston’s reputation for creating raw and emotionally stirring recordings drew critical praise and countless musical admirers.

Johnston’s earliest lo-fi cassette recordings are particularly striking for their poignantly truthful lyrics matched with a delivery both expressive and at times haunting. Mental health issues affected Johnston for much of his life and those struggles regularly informed the subject matter of his songs. Johnston often wrote with a simple underlying truth that cut to the foundation of what it takes to exist in this world.

Many have covered Daniel’s songs, in concert and in the studio, including multiple all-star tribute albums. Below is a Spotify Playlist consisting of covers of Daniel Johnston’s songs, preceded by his original version. In some instances, more than one cover is included, offering a chance to see how diversely Johnston’s songs can be interpreted. Among those who are featured alongside Daniel are Beck, Wilco, Yo La Tengo, Tom Waits, fIREHOSE, The Flaming Lips, Sparklehorse, Death Cab For Cutie, TV On The Radio, M. Ward, Bright Eyes, Guster, Vic Chesnutt and more.

Stream the Daniel Johnston covers Spotify Playlist below: