Luke Bell’s 2016 Self-Titled Album Tops The Country Charts Just Days After His Tragic Passing

Since the news broke of Luke Bell’s death at age 32, the singer/songwriter has garnered national attention.

Uncharacteristic for a singer of his public stature, but perhaps a better testament to the impact he had on so many country music fans and fellow artists, alike, his tragic passing drew responses from artists like Jon Pardi, Charles Wesley Godwin, Mike & The Moonpies and more, as well as coverage in a number of major news publications.

His family released the following statement to TMZ:

“We have lost our beloved son, brother and friend and we are heartbroken. Luke had a gentle heart, a wanderer’s spirit and a musical gift that he was fortunate to share with us and the world. We are so grateful to his friends and fans for embracing Luke and his music. We would like to thank all of Luke’s fans, friends and family who have been sharing stories and photos of happy times with him.

Unfortunately Luke suffered from the disease of mental illness, which progressed after his father’s death in 2015. Luke was supported through his disease by a community of loving family and friends. Despite this, he was unable to receive the help he needed to ease his pain. Our hearts go out to the millions of people affected by mental illness who, like us, understand the devastating disappointment of a system that consistently fails to provide caring solutions to those who suffer.”

As we navigate our heartbreak we respectfully ask for privacy to allow us room to grieve and honor his memory. Our only comfort comes in the fact that our Luke is finally free and at peace.”

And subsequently, his 2016 self-titled album, Luke Bell, has shot to the top of the country music charts, ahead of Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Zach Bryan and more.

With his incredibly honest and vivid songwriting, and country/western style inspired by the number of places he’s traveled to over the years, like Kentucky, Wyoming, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee, it appeared that Bell truly had the talent and potential to rank right up there with the best of them.

Unfortunately, his passing brought on a ton of new fans who are just now discovering what an incredible talent Luke was, but his legacy will continue live on through the art he created.

One of the final videos he uploaded to YouTube was a cover of a song called “The Prodigal Son,” by California-based duo, Two Gallants.

And even though it’s just him picking a back porch cover of a song that he didn’t even write, he still manages to hit you like a ton of bricks.

RIP Luke… you will be greatly missed.