Luke Bell is known in the USA for his country hits “Where Ya Been?” and “Jealous Guy”. Now the singer was found dead in Tucson, Arizona. He was just 32 years old. A cause of death has not yet been announced.
Bell’s friend and artist Matt Kinman reported the sad news to the Saving Country Music newspaper. According to them, the musician has been missing in Tucson since August 20. The Tucson Police Department confirmed his death on Tuesday (August 30). A statement to USA Today said the investigation is ongoing.
A music career on detours
Bell was born on January 27, 1990 in Lexington, Kentucky. Raised in Cody, Wyoming, he began his music career while still in college. At that time he was playing gigs in local bars. He later moved to Tennessee, Texas and Louisiana as part of his career.
In an interview for the Los Angeles Times he spoke about his music career: “I’ve heard people like John Prine. Then I moved to Austin for a few years and got to know the Texas Tornadoes and this scene. Then I went to New Orleans. I was only there for about six months. I lived in a moldy trailer that smelled of bleach in the Lower 9th Ward. It was tough,” he said.
In 2014 he recorded the album Don’t Mind If I Do in Nashville, Tennessee, which he released on Bandcamp. Two years later he released his first official album of the same name, Luke Bell (2016). Most recently he released his single “Jealous Guy” in January 2021.
Fans commemorate Bell on Twitter
Bell’s fellow country singer, Margo Price, took to Twitter to pay tribute to him. She wrote: “God damn our dear friend Luke Bell rest (easily) in peace”. Many Bell fans commented on her tweet. One user called his eponymous album “one of my favorite records. It’s so damn sad,” said the fan.
goddamn, rest east to our dear friend, Luke Bell ? https://t.co/oeUMmRpipg
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) August 30, 2022
Additionally, singer Shelby Lee Lowe wrote that Bell’s only album “is better than what most artists will spend their lives trying to make.” He added: “So cool and so different. I am saddened by the news of his death. I’m thankful I found this record he made.”
Luke Bell had one record and it’s better than most artists will spend a lifetime trying to make. So cool and so different. I’m sad to hear the news of his passing. I’m grateful I found this record he made. pic.twitter.com/gm2ytP1w4Z
— Shelby Lee Lowe (@ShelbyLeeLowe) August 30, 2022
“He was a real troubadour out there”
Country band Mike and the Moonpies also honored the late artist with a statement. It said on Facebook: “We have just learned of the death of Luke Bell and are heartbroken by the news. I can vividly remember the first time I met Luke at the Hole in the Wall over a decade ago, right down to the clothes on his back. The man (and his music) left a lasting impression. He was a real troubadour out there on the Lost Highway. Do yourself a favor and put on some Luke Bell songs in his memory tonight. Rest in peace friend.”