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The People’s Troubadour

The Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who died this week, brought the street into the studio.

The People’s Troubadour

In the quiet backyard of Cologne, 2015, Glen Hansard, the singer-songwriter whose life story is chronicled in the 2007 indie film "Once," stood ready to perform his impassioned hit "Say It to Me Now." The performance, captured in a raw and unfiltered video, epitomizes the essence of Hansard, who died this week at the age of 56. With the iconic Takamine guitar, affectionately dubbed "the Horse," he wove a tale of resilience and authenticity through his music, garnering admiration from fellow artists and musicians alike.

His music journey began as a street musician at the tender age of 13, shaping him into the artist he became. His influence transcended borders, earning him accolades and respect from legends in the industry. Hansard's legacy lives on through his music, his collaborations, and his unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and communal musical experience.

Written by urgent.news from The Atlantic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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