NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) – Jeremy Tepper died of a heart attack on Friday (June 14) at the age of 60. Tepper’s death, which was confirmed by his wife, singer-songwriter Laura Cantrell, on social media marks a huge loss for the music community.
“I am saddened to share the news that my husband, Jeremy Tepper, passed away today of a heart attack in Jackson Heights. Jeremy was an amazing, unique man, a loving father, son, and A brother and friend, he was close to many of you, especially his many friends in the music industry. We will share more about our plans to celebrate his life soon, but we are devastated and devastated by this unimaginable loss. Asking for privacy and time to grieve.
Steven Van Zandt, guitarist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and founder of Underground Garage, the parent platform of Tepper’s radio show, expressed his condolences on social media sad: “I lost my good friend Jeremy Tepper last night. It’s an incredibly tragic loss at such a young age. He did a great job running my Outlaw Country station on SiriusXM. This is actually a Quite a complicated format but he made it look simple. Our deepest love and condolences to Laura and her family and friends.
Tepper is not only a radio executive but also a lifelong benefactor of the music industry. Born and raised in New York State, his musical journey began early and has spanned many facets of the industry. As the lead singer of the world-famous Bluebirds, he loves country music and Americana music. He initially co-founded Diesel Only Records in 1990 to distribute his band’s music. The label quickly became synonymous with a unique brand of country called “Trucker Music.”
Diesel Only gained significant attention in 1996 with the release of the compilation album Big Drilling Machine Deluxe Edition, featuring tracks by Marty Stuart, Buck Owens and Steve Earle. The label ran for 15 years under Tepper and became home to artists such as Dale Watson, Amy Allison, Ween and Tammy Faye Starlite. Its influence has been praised by Peter Blackstock, no depression The magazine considers Tepper “a unique and integral cog in the alt-country underworld.”
In addition to his work at Diesel Only, Tepper has made significant contributions as a reporter and editor. He serves as country music magazine editor and country music critic pulse! Magazine. His insights and dedication to the genre helped shape and support the alt-country movement.
Perhaps Tepper’s most lasting legacy is his role at SiriusXM. Tepper joined the satellite radio service in 2004 as format manager for “Outlaw Country,” where he curated a channel that celebrated the country’s rebellious roots and boundary-pushing artists. Described as “no borders, no bullshit,” the channel became a haven for legendary and contemporary country music outsiders. Tepper’s influence extends to SiriusXM channels, including “Willie’s Roadhouse” and “Road Dog Trucking.”
In addition to broadcasting, Tepper plays a vital role in organizing the annual Outlaw Country Cruise event, which brings fans and artists together on unique musical journeys. His impact on this community was profound, as evidenced by his collaborations and friendships with icons such as Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams and Ray Wylie Hubbard.
Earlier this year, Tepper lost his colleague and friend Mojo Nixon, who died after performing on the Outlaw Country Cruise. Now, the community mourns Tepper himself, remembering his undying passion for music and his lasting impact on the genre he loved.
Tepper is survived by his wife of 27 years, Laura Cantrell, and their daughter, Bella.
rest in peace
