Daniel Johnston death: US songwriter who influenced Kurt Cobain dies of heart attack aged 58
Daniel Johnston, a cult songwriter who influenced Nirvana star Kurt Cobain, has died aged 58 following a heart attack.
Beck, Judd Apatow and Ezra Furman were among those to pay tribute to musician after news of his death emerged on Wednesday.
The American folk artist and visual artist died from a heart attack on Tuesday, The Austin Chronicle reported.
He had reportedly been in poor health and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar.
Paying tribute, US musician Furman wrote on Twitter: "Daniel Johnston was one of my best teachers. I love his work and I’m so glad that it’s still here.
Other industry strars took to social media to share their favourite of Johnston's tracks and performances.
Daniel Johnston was one of my best teachers. I love his work and I’m so glad that it’s still here. Forever grateful to my dad for telling me about him after reading a review of the ‘Late Great Daniel Johnston’ compilation, and buying it for me. And thanks DJ for so many songs
— Ezra Furman (@ezrafurman)
So sad to hear of the death of the great Daniel Johnston. Here is a beautiful performance of his which makes me cry every time. Swell season + Daniel Johnston - Life in vain - HD-ACL - with lyrics https://t.co/ELElWjpZ3P via @YouTube @Glen_Hansard @TheSwellSeason
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow)
RIP Daniel Johnston https://t.co/y7ECMuX6Lr
— Beck (@beck)
Johnston’s physical health also began to suffer after had a fall and was hospitalised.
The American singer was most famous for his songs Life In Vain, True Love Will Find You in the End and Walking the Cow.
He had a number of high profile fans, including Nirvana singer Cobain, who once described him as one of the "greatest" songwriters of all time.
The star's songs have been covered by bands such as Death Cab For Cutie, Bright Eyes, Beck and Flaming Lips.
He was born in California, raised in West Virginia and became known as a songwriter after moving to Austin, Texas.