Jerry Jeff Walker Is Recovering From Throat Cancer

Texas country music legend and revered songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker has revealed that he’s been suffering from throat Cancer, and recently experienced some health setbacks during his treatment and recovery. Citing that he and his camp did not want a lot of publicity about the Cancer diagnosis until after he responded well to treatment, it was revealed Thursday (9-28) in an email to close fans that during his recovery, Jerry Jeff developed pneumonia and a blood infection that was said to be “an understatement to call a setback.”
But according to the Jerry Jeff Walker camp, he is now over the hump and on his way to a full recovery, with no affect to his singing voice. The illness is now being revealed as the reason for his recent disappearance from the public eye.
The 75-year-old, known most notably for penning the iconic song “Mr. Bojangles,” was one of the primary catalysts for creating the world-class music scene in Austin, TX that would later launch Willie Nelson and others to superstardom. Though he started his career as mostly a folk artists, records like Walker’s Viva Terlingua were decidedly country in style, and helped increase the name recognition of fellow songwriters such as Ray Wylie Hubbard, Guy Clark, and the Lost Gonzo Band with Gary P. Nunn.
“Jerry Jeff was diagnosed this summer with throat cancer,” reads the note to fans. “The prognosis was good (as good as it can be considering….isolated and treatable). It was his wish to get through the treatment before sharing the news. The good news is that the treatment is now over. The bad news is that in the middle of his 6th week of the 7 week treatment, he developed not only pneumonia but a blood infection as well. It is an understatement to call this a set-back, but he has fought it off and now is well into recovery. Because of this he will now be in rehab for a few weeks to get his strength back. His voice is strong and he is issuing orders to us all, so we know the Scamp is back!!”
However a series of upcoming shows have been affected by Jerry Jeff’s prolonged recovery.
“There will have to be shows in November either cancelled or re-scheduled,” says the note. “We are sorry for this, but just know that he will be back sharing his stories with you all in the future! Thanks for understanding his wish to get through this without too much attention. I know many of you have dealt with similar issues either yourself or with loved ones. It is tough, but does hone ones perspective on what is important.”
September 29, 2017 @ 7:22 pm
Good luck Jerry. Hope the recovery lets you stay around a lot longer.
September 29, 2017 @ 8:18 pm
Jerry Jeff is the first country musician I came to love and Viva Terlingua is the album that started it all for me back in 1973.
I hope he is on the road to recovery.
September 29, 2017 @ 10:29 pm
I swear 2017 can go fuck itself I feel it takes Jerry! What a horrible year of loss for country music
September 30, 2017 @ 4:55 am
Jerry Jeff was one of the ones that started it for me, first bought ‘ridin’high’ and I was all in. Saw him a few times and was always a great show. His book is a good read as well. Hope his recovery continues, I know there is still some good music in him to be made.
September 30, 2017 @ 5:35 am
One of my early favs too. I have almost everything he’s recorded, saw him 5 times in concert, and even got to meet him before on of his concerts. I hope he gets better soon and can record some new music!
September 30, 2017 @ 10:41 am
I will always be growing grey around the temples. Love ya Jerry. Here’s to a speedy rest of your recovery!
Claudette Johnson
Belligham, Washington
September 30, 2017 @ 7:45 pm
One of his best records back in the day was contrary to ordinary, what a great song and album, there is also a great live recording of the song which is just awesome. Get well, Donald Clyde Crosby of Oneonta, NY.
October 1, 2017 @ 2:44 am
I agree, 2017 needs to get the hell out of here. Speedy recover to Jerry!
October 1, 2017 @ 11:28 am
Jerry Jeff, you’re the best, no one even comes close. I listen to a lot of music, a lot of different kinds of music, but when I’m done and I put your music on, I say to myself, “Ah, now I’m home!” Get well soon.
October 7, 2017 @ 6:05 am
Hone on!
October 12, 2017 @ 6:43 pm
Never Let A Day Go By!
October 23, 2017 @ 2:57 pm
I am very sorry to hear about this news. I am recovering from cancer also. Sending many wishes for a complete recovery. KEEP ON PLAYING!°°°°°
November 11, 2017 @ 10:15 pm
does anyone know how Jerry Jeff is doing? I seem to recall that he would resume his appearances soon, but it does not look that way. I was planning to see him at Gruene Hall in December, but it appears that those shows are not scheduled at this time.
Lord, I hope he’s ok.
December 5, 2017 @ 12:36 pm
Loved you then and love you now, as I always will! Prayers for your complete recovery!
December 5, 2017 @ 12:38 pm
Loved you then, love you now, as I always will!
December 7, 2017 @ 12:03 pm
Get well soon! I have my Belize Camp tickets for this January, hope all is well by then!
May 6, 2018 @ 9:11 am
Best to you Scamp! I hope all’s well on your end . Best wishes for you and your family
October 28, 2018 @ 10:54 pm
Went through throat cancer surgery, chemo and radiation about the same time as you Scamp. I bought tickets for your show at Talking Stick to celebrate the end of my treatments and found out about your bout with this devil. I know you won’t do requests, but please stay well!
October 30, 2019 @ 11:26 am
I was dating a girl in Austin and on one of the weekend trips down there she took me to see Jerry Jeff. I was hooked immediately! Have bought all of his music and seen him a number of times at Gruene Hall. Wish you all the best.
An Okie who appreciates damn good music!
October 24, 2020 @ 6:47 am
I was lucky enough to be one of one of Ron’s classmates. He was a clown in school and always had his guitar with him. I was always so proud that he was in our class of 1960 in Oneonta New York. Rest in peace Ron. Heaven is a better place with you in it.????????????????