Why did Michael Hurley call himself Snock? Nickname origin explored as outsider folk singer passes away

The iconic outsider folk legend Michael “Snock” Hurley has passed away. The freak folk legend’s family confirmed the news of his death to Rolling Stone.

Michael Hurley was a singer-songwriter, painter, and cartoonist. He was a prominent name in the Greenwich Village music scene during the ‘60s and the ‘70s and expanded his career for decades until he died in 2025.

Hurley referred to himself as “Snock,” a nickname he used because he simply liked it. The singer-cartoonist talked about the pseudonym in a 2015 interview with the Vermont-based alt-weekly newspaper Seven Days,

“It's just a nickname. It's like when you knock claves together or break a clam shell. Snock.”

On being asked by the interviewer if he “just liked the sound of” his nickname, Hurley replied affirmatively,

“Yep. That's all it is.”

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Michael “Snock” Hurley recorded his first album at 22

The Pennsylvania native began his music career in the ‘60s. Before recording his first album, Hurley worked as “a local party entertainer” and took “coffeehouse gigs.” Michael told Perfect Sound Forever in 1997,

“When I was 17 I began to ramble. A muskrat will do the exact same thing. I hitchhiked to New Orleans, New York, and Mexico. I was then learning to play the guitar. I was having a lot of fun with it and eventually became a loco local party entertainer with Robin Remaily.”

He added,

“I didn't think my blues playing and songsterism would go any further than that, but eventually phased into coffeehouse gigs in NYC and the making of Folkways record #3581.”

Speaking about what made him pick up the guitar, Hurley said,

“I just liked the looks of it. I liked banjos too. I liked mandolins too. I liked anything with strings on it and a resonation chamber on it. Then I liked the rock and roll records that were coming out.”

Michael was 22 when he recorded his debut album, First Songs, with Folkways Record. Remarking on his humorous artistic style, Snock told The New York Times in a 2021 interview,

“I never thought of a career in music [...] What I do is goof off — and try to get away with it.”

After starting in the ‘60s, Hurley went on to drop 31 albums throughout his career, which lasted more than six decades. A few days before he died, Snock was still seemingly performing for the audience.

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Tributes pour in after Michael “Snock” Hurley passed away

The outsider folk icon's family confirmed his death in an obituary published by Rolling Stone. Hurley’s loved ones issued a statement saying,

“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.”

After the announcement, No Quarter Records’ owner, Mike Quinn, also paid his respects to the late singer. A post from the record label featured Quinn’s statement, which reads,

“So sad to hear about Michael Hurley. A true American treasure. I'm thankful that I got to know him and work with him over the past few years.”

Hurley, who was reportedly signed with No Quarter Records, had finished a new album recently, per Mike Quinn,

“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.”

Music composer and artist Meara O'Reilly (@mearabai) also posted on X,

“RIP our beloved Michael Hurley. I met him as a teenager and my friend Brooke and I toured across the country with him when I was 25. He was one of the most original, gentle, and hilarious people I've ever known. Love you forever Snock ❤️❤️❤️”

Others on social media also paid tributes to Snock.

“RIP michael hurley. i just saw him play 5 days ago at what i think was his last set. i could not stop crying the entire time bc it was so powerful to see him still doing his extremely singular and beautiful thing. a massive inspiration,” a user shared their experience of witnessing the legend.

“one of my favourite artists on many levels :’) rip michael hurley and thank u,” another user added.

“Michael Hurley (December 20, 1941 – April 4, 2025). He was a singer-songwriter, a painter, elegant and heretical. He sang very pure songs. I loved R.I.P.,” someone wrote.

“RIP Michael Hurley. Folk music lost a legend today,” another one wrote.

Michael “Snock” Hurley was 83 at the time of his death. The family didn’t disclose the cause of his demise.