Malcolm Holcombe was an acclaimed singer/songwriter in the insurgent country-folk vein who grew up in Weaverville, North Carolina. The release of his debut album, 1996's A Hundred Lies -- which featured his moody poetry, country blues guitar, and rumbling baritone -- was met with acclaim from USA Today and Rolling Stone's David Fricke, among others, and garnered comparisons to artists such as John Prine and Tom Waits. (The album was originally recorded for Geffen and then re-released on Hip-O.) Holcombe also earned raves in print from such Nashville notables as Lucinda Williams. He also played as a duo with Durham, North Carolina native Valorie Miller. The two toured nationally with Shelby Lynne and opened for artists such as Merle Haggard and Wilco. Holcombe died on March 9, 2024, of respiratory failure after being diagnosed with cancer; he was 68 years old. ~ Erik Hage