Joey Stuckey: Blind Musician Dies at 53 After Heart Attack
American musician Joey Stuckey has died at 53 after suffering a heart attack while on a music engagement in Madison, Wisconsin, in the United States. His death on October 17, 2026, came days before the scheduled release of his new EP, ending a career that spanned music performance, recording, education and disability advocacy.
What happened to Joey Stuckey?
Stuckey suffered a heart attack while working in Madison, Wisconsin, according to reports about his death. His family confirmed his passing, prompting tributes from fans, fellow musicians and members of the music community.
His death came just days before the planned October 23 release of his King of Strings EP.
Stuckey’s wife of 23 years, Jennifer Stuckey, said he continued performing and teaching music until his final moments. She also recalled that he had expressed a wish to die while doing what he loved: making music.
His death marked the end of a career built around performing, recording and helping other musicians develop their sound.
Who was Joey Stuckey?
Joey Stuckey was an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, music producer and educator born on May 29, 1973, in Green Cove Springs, Florida.
He grew up in Georgia and became a familiar figure in Macon’s music scene. His work combined elements of Southern rock, blues, jazz and Americana, allowing him to build a career that extended beyond live performances.
Stuckey also served as Macon’s official Music Ambassador, promoting the city’s musical heritage and supporting its creative community.
Throughout his career, he reportedly performed alongside established acts and musicians, including James Brown, the B-52s and Bad Company.
How Joey Stuckey lost his sight
Stuckey lost his sight as a toddler after developing a brain tumour that affected the optic nerves in both eyes.
He survived surgery to remove the tumour but remained blind for the rest of his life.
However, his visual impairment did not prevent him from pursuing his education or building a career in music.
He graduated from high school at 14 and attended Mercer University, where he studied history, communications and music. He later returned to the institution to teach music technology.
His early interest in radio dramas and audio storytelling also helped shape his understanding of sound and its ability to communicate emotion.
That interest eventually developed into a career as a musician and recording engineer.
Inside Joey Stuckey’s music career
Stuckey worked across several areas of the music industry, including songwriting, performing, recording and production.
He owned Shadow Sound Studio in Macon, Georgia, where he worked with musicians and helped them develop their recordings.
His career also included teaching music technology and mentoring aspiring artists. Through these roles, he shared his technical knowledge and experience with people seeking to establish themselves in the industry.
His musical releases included Mixture, which reached No. 9 on the CMJ Top 40 Jazz Charts in North America.
Stuckey also advocated for greater accessibility in music production, particularly for people with disabilities. His work demonstrated how blind professionals could contribute to the technical and creative sides of the recording industry.
Joey Stuckey’s legacy
Stuckey’s influence extended beyond his own recordings and performances.
Through Shadow Sound Studio, he supported other musicians, while his teaching helped students develop practical skills in music technology. His advocacy also drew attention to the barriers people with disabilities can face in the music industry.
For Macon, his contribution included promoting the city’s music scene and helping other artists pursue their ambitions.
Stuckey is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and his parents, Reva and Talmadge Stuckey.
Although his death at 53 has ended his career, his recordings, production work and contributions to the music community remain part of his legacy.