Kelly Joe Phelps died at his home in Iowa, his friend confirmed.
Phelps' bereaved family requested his friend and fellow musician Steve Dawson to deliver the news about the singer's passing, saying that he died at his home at the age of 62.
He added in the Facebook post that Phelps shockingly died while everyone was waiting for him to play music again.
"I also know of many people the world over who he touched deeply with his soulful music, incredible lyrics and spectacular guitar playing. If you are one of those people and have photos or stories to share, please do so here on this post. I will not be answering private messages sent to the page, and the family would appreciate their privacy being respected at this time," he said.
Sad to hear of Kelly Joe Phelps’s passing. His beautiful music was certainly an influence and he was a kind man and generous with his time.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) June 3, 2022
Dawson said that he died peacefully on May 31, but he did not confirm whether Kelly Joe Phelps' cause of death had something to do with the health issue he endured for years.
Kelly Joe Phelps' Possible Cause of Death
The Guardian noted that Phelps suffered from a nerve disorder in his right arm following the release of his last album, "Brother Sinner and the Whale," in 2012.
According to Medline Plus, ulnar neuropathy is common in patients with diabetes. It occurs when a person's ulnar nerve suffers damage and causes pain after "hitting the funny bone."
As shared by The Country Blues, Phelps still wrote a post on his website and Facebook account on Dec. 7, 2016.
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"Hello everyone, I hope all is well and good for you folks, wherever this note finds you. I'm aware that there has been much curiosity regarding my lengthy absence from the music world. Fortunately, there is nothing to be worried or concerned about. My health is fine, and my hand neuropathy issues seem to have gone away, as well," he wrote.
Phelps started his career early, thanks to his musical family. He was initially trained as a jazz musician before trying other genres after watching Mississippi Fred McDowell.
In 1994, he dropped his debut album "Lead Me On." It gave way to him to show his slide guitar skills while offering his soulful voice to fans.
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