Did Michael Hurley have children? All about outsider folk singer’s family as he dies at 83

Michael Hurley, the iconic folk singer-songwriter who was often referred to as the "Godfather of Freak Folk," passed away on April 3, 2025, at the age of 83, according to a report in USA Today.

His publicist informed us that he died in his home in Oregon; however, no cause of death was revealed. The news was confirmed by his family in a statement shared by Hurley’s recording label, No Quarter, on Instagram,

"It is with a resounding sadness that the Hurley family announces the recent sudden passing of the inimitable Michael Hurley. The “Godfather of freak folk” was for a prolific half-century the purveyor of an eccentric genius and compassionate wit. He alone was Snock. There is no other. Friends, family, and the music community deeply mourn his loss."

According to a report in the Independent, Hurley had five children—three children with his ex-wife, Marjorie, and two more with two different women. Let us take a look at his life and family.

---

Everything you need to know about Michael Hurley’s family life

Michael Hurley met Marjorie Sacco, his girlfriend and future wife, in Greenwich Village. They were working for the same music agent and promoter, Peter Outlaw. He called her Pasta. The couple moved around a lot. At first, they rented a small house in Lambertville, New Jersey, according to his interview with Popwatch Magazine. Hurley said,

“I bought a 1951 Plymouth station wagon and picked apples in a Bucks County orchard.”

While Sacco worked as a waitress in The New Hope Diner. Speaking about his relationship with her, he said,

“Neither of us had any idea of how beautiful we were. We didn't know that they should have been making a movie about us, but at the time they didn't know either. We drew practically no attention at all.”

He further continued,

“Except every once in a while some weirdo would hit on Pasta. But she was so tough and savage that she would teach them to leave her alone. We smoked cigarettes. I have no idea what we would be talking about as we drove by the highway side (4), but I believe she loved me like a woman who wants to have babies would.”

Later, they moved to Mexico, followed by Philadelphia, where their first child, a daughter whom they named Daffodil, was born. They next headed to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where his wife gave birth to their sons, Jordan and Colorado.

He mentioned that he became tired of his relationship and went to live “on Martha's Vineyard for a while,” where he met another woman named Kim. They welcomed their fourth son, Rollin.

Independent reported that he welcomed his fifth child, a daughter named Wilder Mountain Honey, with another girlfriend, Bethany.

During an interview with It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine, he revealed that he was discovered by Frederick Ramsey when he was hitchhiking.

“Fred picked me up one day when I was carrying the blond Stella and asked me what kind of music I played on the guitar. I told him mostly blues and twanged a few notes.” He said, and added he asked him to come to his place to “learn more blues” if he wanted.

No Quarter Records founder Mike Quinn paid him a tribute and called him “a true American treasure.” He said,

“I'm thankful that I got to know him and work with him over the past few years. Michael just finished a new album. It was mastered the week before he died, and he was very proud of it (as he should be… it's outstanding). Hopeful it will see the light of day soon.”

Hurley was born on December 20, 1941, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He released over 30 albums during his career, spanning from his debut, First Songs, in 1964 to his final album, The Time of the Foxgloves, in 2021, reported Independent.