New Hampshire lost a local folk icon over the weekend when singer-songwriter Bill Morrissey passed away. The Lakes Region resident died in a hotel room in Georgia on July 23 at the age of 59.

Morrissey was a revered folk musician known for his stirring melodies and sad lyrics, which often told hard-luck stories of blue collar life but also showcased his wry sense of humor. He released 10 albums between 1984 and 2007, two of which earned Grammy Award nominations. His work received glowing reviews in Rolling Stone magazine and many other publications.

The long-time New Hampshire resident performed at theaters, concert halls and coffee houses around the world, often mixing humorous stories and monologues into his sets. He has produced work by several other musicians and started his own label, Turn and Spin Media. Morrissey also authored two novels, “Edson” and “Imaginary Runner.”

His final album, “Come Running,” was co-produced with former Morphine drummer Billy Conway. Conway and fellow Morphine member saxophonist Dana Colley both performed on the album, as did guitarist Dave Alvin.

At the time of his death, Morrissey was on his way to visit his mother in Philadelphia. A message posted on his website says he was “happy and upbeat” during the final days of his life. He had just been visiting singer-songwriter Fred Koller and his wife in Tennessee and had played several concerts in July.