Daniel Johnston

He'd been on my radar for a long time.  And I hadn't checked him out until his stuff showed up on bandcamp.com.  I also did not know he passed away.  Very sad.  He was eclectic, and his performances are pure outpouring of emotion.  His songwriting is simply expressions of deep inner narratives.  

Many other artists out there have covered his songs.  I love Built To Spill's cover of "Some Things Last a Long Time".  Other artists who've covered Daniel are Tom Waits, Built To Spill, Beck, Death Cab for Cutie, Eels, Bright Eyes, Mercury Rev, and The Flaming Lips.  His stuff might be your thing, but I'd give everything a listen.  It might take a bit to see his genius.  Or other's takes on it may be a way to understand him.

His story is difficult too; with ups and downs.  It shows how difficult it is to see someone who needs help versus being weird or a pain.  It took a lot of effort, patience, and love.  And those around him had to figure out how to live and work with someone like Daniel Johnston.  In the end, I think he lived the best life he could.  As did all those connected to him.  I'd give The Devil and Daniel Johnston a watch even if you're not a fan of his music.