Gene Deer Cause of Death And Obituary: Indiana’s Blues Rock Icon, Dies at 64
The Indiana music community is in mourning after the death of Gene Deer, one of the state’s most celebrated blues, rock, and country musicians. Deer passed away on January 6, 2024, at the age of 64, after a long battle with cancer.
Deer was a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and bandleader who had a prolific and versatile career spanning over four decades. He was known for his soulful voice, electrifying guitar skills, and original songs that blended blues, rock, and country influences.
Deer was a regular performer at the historic Slippery Noodle Inn in Indianapolis, where he recorded and released two albums for the Slippery Noodle Sound label. He was voted the “Best Local Blues Band” for nine consecutive years (1995-2003) by the readers of Nuvo Newsweekly.
Deer also toured nationally and internationally, sharing the stage with blues legends such as Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, and Edgar Winter. In 2002, he was hired by Indy car driver Kenny Brack as band leader and musical director for Kenny Brack and the Subwoofers, which toured with the Indy Racing League in 2003. Deer also did a tour of South Africa in 2007 with a support band called The Raging Calm.
Deer’s fans and fellow musicians have expressed their sadness and admiration for him on social media, remembering him as a talented, generous, and humble artist who inspired many with his passion and dedication.
Early Life
Deer was born in Indianapolis in 1959 and grew up in a musical family. His father was a country singer and his mother was a gospel singer. Deer started playing guitar at the age of six and was influenced by artists such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Johnny Cash.
Deer formed his first band, the Gene Deer Band, in 1978 and began playing in local clubs and bars. He soon developed a loyal fan base and a reputation as one of the best blues-rock guitarists in the region. He also wrote his own songs, drawing from his personal experiences and observations.
Deer released his first album, Soul Tender, in 1994, which featured songs such as “C’mon Back”, “Nature of the Beast”, and “Don’t Turn Your Back (on the Blues)”. The album showcased Deer’s ability to fuse blues, rock, and country elements into a distinctive and powerful sound.
Reactions pouring in over the devastating loss of Indianapolis music icon Gene Deer. The Shelby County coroner tells us the 59-year-old was found dead last night. The cause & manner of death remain under investigation. The photos are provided by one of Gene’s closest friends … pic.twitter.com/wU15d76XPI
— Angela Ganote (@angelaganote) January 6, 2024
Deer followed up with his second album, Livin’ with the Blues, in 1997, which included songs such as “Just Shoulda’ Lay’d Off’a the Booze”, “One Foot on the Road”, and “Smokestack Lightning”. The album demonstrated Deer’s versatility and maturity as a songwriter and performer.
Gene continued to record and perform throughout the 2000s and 2010s, releasing several singles and EPs, such as “Deep River Blues”, “Midnight Healing”, and “Be Set Free”. He also collaborated with other artists, such as former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Ed King, blues mandolin icon Yank Rachell, and country singer Erin Harpe.
Deer was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and underwent treatment, but he never gave up on his music. He kept playing and singing until his final days, expressing his gratitude and love for his fans and friends.
Gene Deer’s Obituary, Death & A Legacy of Love
His death has left a void in the Indiana music scene, but his legacy lives on in his music and his memory. Deer touched the lives of many people with his music and his personality, and he will be remembered as a legend, a mentor, and a friend.
Gene Deer is survived by his wife, Lisa Deer, his son, Tyler Deer, his daughter, Ashley Deer, and his grandchildren, as well as his extended family and friends. A memorial service will be held at the Slippery Noodle Inn on January 13, 2024, where Deer’s music will be played and his life will be celebrated.
Deer’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Indiana Blues Society, a nonprofit organization that promotes and preserves the blues culture in Indiana.
His fans and admirers can also pay tribute to him by listening to his music, sharing his stories, and keeping his spirit alive.
Gene was a true bluesman who lived and breathed music. He gave his all to his craft and his audience, and he left a lasting mark on the world. He will be dearly missed, but he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Gene. You were one of a kind.
