Amy Farris
DOB Unknown – September 26, 2009
Amy Farris was an Austin fiddler who in recent years was living in Los Angeles. Throughout her career, the much-respected musician and singer had collaborated with a who’s-who of Austin and Los Angeles musicial fixtures. That list includes Brian Wilson, Peter Case, Alejandro Escovedo, Exene Cervenka and Kelly Willis. As a session player in Los Angeles, she played on musical tracks on such television shows as Mad Men and CSI: Miami. She was also part of Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women, both the album and the current tour. Several online sources have speculated that Farris may have committed suicide. Official cause of death was not immediately released. She was 40 years old.
Thanks to Shilah Morrow of the Sin City Social Club for the help
What You Should Own
Rest In Peace, Amy. Amy fought an heroic battle against horrific lifelong depression. From an almost total collapse about four years ago she fought her way back against alcohol, substances and an almost criminal lack of available medical insurance coverage in California and Texas. When she was finally able to get competent care her talent roared back and she was able to achieve at least a glimmer of her potential. If you were lucky enough to see Dave and the Guilty Women, you know that Amy commanded the stage to Dave’s left. I’ve seen her accompany other musicians in an almost uncanny fashion… a trait illustrated by the now famous story of her spur of the moment studio song playoff in front of Brian Wilson. Listen to it — it’s right there at the end of “The Waltz.” Her music teacher at UT once told her that she really had little aptitude for the violin. Maybe that’s why she played the fiddle. (She wisely majored in English.)
However, as you get older, sometimes even the best of us just run out of gas. Amy sure as hell gave it a shot.