Photo: Gary Wolstenholme/Redferns

Singer-songwriter and poet David Berman has passed away at the age of 52, his longtime label Drag City confirmed in a tweet. Berman was known for his work as a member of the group Silver Jews, which he founded alongside Pavement members Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich. “We couldn’t be more sorry to tell you this. David Berman passed away earlier today,” his label wrote on Twitter. “A great friend and one of the most inspiring individuals we’ve ever known is gone. Rest easy, David.” Berman had disbanded the Silver Jews after they released their sixth album in 2008. In 1999, he released a well-received collection of poetry, Actual Air. In July, Berman released his first album in 11 years as Purple Mountains, with a tour set to kick off this weekend. The cause of death is currently unknown.

We couldn't be more sorry to tell you this. David Berman passed away earlier today. A great friend and one of the most inspiring individuals we've ever known is gone. Rest easy, David. pic.twitter.com/5n5bctcu4j — 𝕯𝖗𝖆𝖌 𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 (@dragcityrecords) August 7, 2019