Gene Deer, hailed as the 'hardest working blues artist in Indianapolis,' dies at age 59

Gene Deer, a longtime local blues vocalist, guitarist and Indianapolis music icon, died Friday. He was 59.

News of Deer's passing spread quickly across Indiana's music scene. Friends, family and fellow musicians shared stories of Deer's talent for guitar as well as the kind of person he was: uncommonly friendly, humble, polite — a gentle artist who made a profound impact on the people around him.

Among those grieving Deer's loss include acclaimed singer-songwriter, and Indiana native, Otis Gibbs.

"I first met Gene in the late 80s," Gibbs said in a social media post on Facebook. "He hosted a few different blues jams around town and I think I met him at The Patio. He was a damn fine guitar player with a soulful voice and a warm spirit."

Deer, lamented his many fans online, was an east side Indianapolis celebrity who never acted like it; he stayed humble, always quick with a smile, a story, a joke or career advice.

His death was announced on a social media post Saturday by the Slippery Noodle, a venue Deer frequented and considered "home," his obituary reads.

"It is with heavy hearts that we have to share the news of the sudden passing of Gene Deer," said a spokesperson for the Slippery Noodle restaurant and bar on Facebook. "He was an icon in the Indy music scene and beyond. He was a beloved member of the Slippery Noodle family. His great smile and energy made everyone he touched a better person. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

At around 9 p.m. on Jan. 5, the Shelby County Coroner's Office arrived at Deer's home in Fairland, roughly 2 miles southeast of Indianapolis. The cause and manner of his death, according to Shelby County Coroner Bradley Rund, are under investigation by both his office and the Shelby County Sheriff's Department.

Deer: 'hardest-working blues artist in Indianapolis'

Deer began playing guitar at age 14, starting out at parties and clubs, and progressing to larger venues and festivals across Indiana. He made a mark on the Midwest music scene, according to an online biography, and beyond it, playing gigs across the country and in South Africa, which he toured in 2007.

Announcements for his shows appeared frequently in the Indianapolis Star, which called him "arguably the hardest-working blues artist in Indianapolis."

Deer released two albums in the 1990s: "Soul Tender" and "Livin' with the Blues" under the music label Slippery Noodle Sound. A longtime presence in the music scene, he performed more than 250 shows annually, according to Nuvo, in which Deer was voted "Best Local Blues Band" several years running by Nuvo's readership.

In 2002, Deer joined "Kenny Brack and The Subwoofers" after Brack, the 1999 Indy 500 Champion driver started a band in between racing events. The group released an album a year later in Nashville, according to Nuvo, featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Ed King.

"Gene’s passing certainly leaves a void in the hearts that experienced his gift," Deer's obituary reads. "His career came to a close with his final gig at the Rathskeller on Dec. 23, 2023. Although he left this world too soon, his impact is undeniable and his legacy will live on through his children, friends, fans, and his beloved music."

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A GoFundMe to assist Deer's funeral and memorial expenses has been set up by family for those who wish to make donations online.

The Blues House Party, a program on Indianapolis public radio station WFYI, announced it will air a special tribute for Deer at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, for listeners.

Other tributes include a jam session and fundraiser scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Slippery Noodle, 372 S Meridian St., as well as a memorial fundraiser at the Rathskeller Restaurant, 401 E. Michigan St., scheduled 5-8 p.m. Jan. 28.

Funeral visitation for Deer will be from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday at Flanner Buchanan — Washington Park East Community Life Center, 10612 E. Washington St., according to his obituary. Deer's funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. with final services to conclude at Washington Park East Cemetery.

John Tufts covers evening breaking and trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Gene Deer, Indianapolis blues musician and Slippery Noodle legend dies