Key Takeaways
- Larysa, renowned for her powerful vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and dynamic stage presence, passed away untimely.
- A GoFundMe page has been launched to support her memorial and family.
- Her song “The Thoughts That Happen (The Mama Song)” reflects her journey as a single mother.
Larysa Jaye, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter celebrated for her unique blend of country, soul, and Americana music, tragically passed away on December 8, 2024, at the age of 40.
Her demise has left a significant void in the music world, as she was cherished for her powerful vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and dynamic stage presence.
The exact cause of her d*ath has not been disclosed, adding to the heartbreak and speculation surrounding her untimely passing.
Her music often delved into themes of empowerment, independence, and self-discovery, touching the hearts of many.
Her passing has left fans, friends, and the music community in profound grief, with heartfelt tributes flooding social media platforms. On Facebook, one shared:
Another friend wrote:
I’m in utter shock right now of the passing of my friend Larysa Jaye. I just hung out with her at the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival last month. We both played the festival & I can’t believe that’s the last time I would ever see her. We talked about co-writing together in the coming year. She will be missed & I send all my prayers to her family. Every time I saw Larysa she was constantly gigging, writing, and being an encouragement to people. I can’t believe she is gone. It’s a loss to Nashville. RIP Larysa, Thank you for always being kind to me & being a light. I know I will see you again in Heaven.
Via Facebook
A third tribute read:
This news breaks my entire heart💔 I love you so much! Thanks for bringing your talent to our show. Thanks for inviting me to perform at yours. But even more than that – your sweet soul, your angelic spirit, your loving heart will be missed. Rest in Peace sis Larysa Jaye ❤️ 😢 🕊️
Via Facebook
The immense outpouring of tributes reflects Larysa’s profound influence on her fans and everyone fortunate enough to know her.
The Muscle Shoals Songwriters Fest, where Larysa performed in November 2024, also paid tribute:
We are shocked to hear about the passing of Larysa Jaye. This was Larysa’s first time performing at our festival. We were blown away by her exceptional talent, enthusiasm, and kindness. She, along with her sweet daughter, quickly made friends with our volunteers, staff, and other performers. We were honored to have her on our lineup and we are so saddened to hear about her passing. Rest in peace, Larysa. Your songs will continue to inspire and uplift the world. ❤️
Via Instagram
In the wake of her passing, her publicist, David Hawkins, created a GoFundMe page with the permission of her family and pastor.
The campaign aims to raise $30,000 to support her memorial and her family.
Her family has asked that all media inquiries be directed to her representative.
Larysa was a highly gifted and versatile artist, seamlessly crossing the boundaries of multiple musical genres with authenticity.
Some of her most beloved songs include “Just Like That,” “Ring of Fire,” “Hard Place,” and her recent hit “I Don’t Do Love.”
A proud mother of four, Larysa channeled her life experiences into her music. Her song “The Thoughts That Happen (The Mama Song)” reflects her journey as a single mother, balancing her artistic aspirations with the challenges of parenthood.
Before her music career, she worked tirelessly in customer service and administrative roles, showcasing her determination and resilience.
Her talent led her to perform at prestigious venues, including a residency at Justin Timberlake’s Twelve Thirty Club in Nashville.
She also maintained a longstanding gig at Nashville International Airport and served as the musical director for Nashville’s Shakespeare Festival.
In 2024, she was featured in the Black Opry Revue, a touring group dedicated to uplifting Black artists in country music.
Larysa’s sudden passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the music industry, but her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.
While the world mourns her loss, her music and spirit will continue to resonate, keeping her memory alive for years to come.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Larysa Jaye was born in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1984, and her family’s journey took them from the inner city to Smyrna, Tennessee, then to Blue Springs, Missouri, and finally to Nashville.
- She completed her high school education at Nashville’s Hillwood High School and later applied to Belmont University for Commercial Performance, but they did not accept her.
- In 2019, Larysa and her ex-husband finalized their divorce.
Lary and I met when I moved to Nashville, 13 years ago. I used to be the booking agent for Hotel Indigo (downtown) and a few other venues and I’d book her all the time because she was so dang GREAT at what she did! Not only an epic performer with ALL the necessities that go along with it such as one heck of a vocal range and tone, she was a lyricist to boot! She was always on her game; her hair was always done beautifully, she dressed tastefully and like the gorgeous rockstar she was.
She wasn’t only just someone I booked but she was also a friend. We had many a gal-lunch, co-writes, hangs and just enjoyed each other’s company as two women in Nashville, close in age, doing what we loved!
I was just in a car accident a week before hers. My dad was in the car with me, visiting for Thanksgiving. Thank GOD we walked away without a scratch. We both are still in complete shock as to how that even happened. And to hear of Larysa’s accident so close together…it’s hard to even put into words.
Larysa was an INCREDIBLE mommy. She put her kids before herself, always. Worked all day, every day, to give her children the best lives they could have. My heart goes out to each of them, and her family and all of us who knew and loved her.
I refer to her as a sparkle. She just SPARKLED. Always!
May your beautiful soul rest in peace, Lary. I am so so terribly sorry for the tragic ending of your life but one day we’ll all learn why the angels needed you more than we did. I’m sure we’ll write a song about it 😉
With respect and love,
~Alyssa