Remembering Jeremy Tepper
• Jeremy Tepper, musician, journalist, executive, Program Director of SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel and for decades a leading light of the Americana/alt-country movement, died Friday, June 14 of a heart attack at the age of 60.
The sad news was confirmed by Tepper’s wife of 27 years, singer-songwriter Laura Cantrell, who also hosts the George Harrison-focused Dark Horse Radio on SiriusXM’s The Beatles Channel. Cantrell’s post reads: “I am heartbroken to share the news of the passing of my husband, Jeremy Tepper, who died suddenly today of a heart attack here in Jackson Heights. Jeremy was an amazing, unique person, a loving father, son, brother, and friend who was close with so many of you, especially his many friends in the music world. We will share more soon about plans to celebrate his life, but we are devastated by this unimaginable loss and ask for privacy and time to grieve.”
“Lost my good friend Jeremy Tepper last night,” said Steven Van Zandt, guitarist in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and founder of Little Steven’s Underground Garage, the parent platform of Tepper’s radio show. “An incredibly tragic loss so young. He ran my Outlaw Country station on SiriusXM brilliantly. It is actually quite a complicated format and he made it look easy. Our deepest love and condolences to Laura and his family and friends.”
Tepper joined Sirius in 2004 as format manager for its Outlaw Country channel, beginning a two-decade stint at the satellite radio service that also saw him working with the Willie’s Roadhouse and Road Dog Trucking channels. Earlier this year, singer Mojo Nixon, Tepper’s longtime friend and SiriusXM colleague passed away after a performance on the Outlaw Country Cruise.
In a statement, SiriusXM said, “Jeremy Tepper was a beloved member of SiriusXM. With an unwavering dedication to music and an innovative spirit, Jeremy profoundly influenced us all. His contributions to our organization, particularly in shaping the identity of SiriusXM Outlaw Country and Willie’s Roadhouse, are beyond measure. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Tepper is survived by his wife, Laura Cantrell, who he married in 1997, and their daughter, Bella. Variety has more details about Tepper’s life and career.
