PORTLAND, Maine — David Mallett, one of Maine's finest folk musicians, has died. He was 73 years old.
Mallett's prolific career as a singer-songwriter spanned more than six decades.
Mallet was born and raised in Sebec. His music career began around the young age of 11, when he started performing with his brother, Neil. The duo even had their own show that ran on television in the '60s, during which they performed radio hits, and the show lasted for several seasons, according to the bio on his website.
Mallett studied at the University of Maine, where his passion grew as a singer-songwriter. According to a UMaine article, Mallett's career really took off around 1975, when he met Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul, and Mary.
"Stookey produced Mallett's first three albums in his Blue Hill recording studio," the article read. "He also brought David's tune 'The Garden Song' to the attention of Pete Seeger, who included it on his retrospective album, 'Circles and Seasons.'"
The song is considered an American folk classic.
Over the course of his career, Mallett has written songs for other artists and made a name for himself as a singer. Notable collaborations include Alison Krauss, John Denver, Emmylou Harris, and even the Muppets.
Despite traveling and touring, Mallett and his wife Jayne wanted to raise their three children in Maine, two of whom are the frontmen of The Mallett Brothers Band. Luke and Will created the rock-and-roll group that tours the country.
Mallett's sons and their sister, Molly, are all featured in their father's 17th studio album released in 2016 called "Celebration," keeping music a family affair.
Gov. Janet Mills extended her condolences to the Mallett family and friends through a post on social media.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Dave Mallett," the governor wrote. "Dave was an accomplished singer-songwriter who was once called the 'living embodiment' of Maine. On behalf of all Maine people, I extend my deepest condolences to his family."