Will Cullen Hart, Co-Founder of Elephant 6, Passes Away at Age 53

Will Cullen Hart, a beloved musician and founding member of the indie-rock collective Elephant 6 from Athens, Georgia, tragically passed away on November 29. The news of his sudden death due to a heart attack was shared on the Elephant 6 website. Robert Schneider, one of Hart’s co-founders, revealed that Hart was in a happy mood around the release of the new Olivia Tremor Control singles “The Same Place” and “Garden of Light.” At 53 years old, Hart leaves behind a legacy of creativity and artistry.

Hart, who was born in Athens in 1971, spent his formative years in Ruston, Louisiana, alongside fellow musicians Schneider, Bill Doss, and Jeff Mangum. In their teenage years, the four friends started creating music under the Elephant 6 name. After finishing high school, Doss, Hart, and Mangum relocated to Athens and formed the Olivia Tremor Control, while Schneider established the Elephant 6 Recording Company label in Denver, Colorado. Hart, known for his visual artistry, contributed his talents to creating artwork for his band and other artists within the collective.

The Olivia Tremor Control released their debut album in 1996 and continued to produce music until their disbandment in 2000. Hart went on to form Circulatory System, releasing their debut album in 2001. Both of Hart’s bands experienced a revival in 2009 when the Olivia Tremor Control reunited and Circulatory System released their second album, Signal Morning. Tragically, the Olivia Tremor Control’s reunion was marred by the passing of Bill Doss in 2012.

Hart’s final album with Circulatory System, Mosaics Within Mosaics, was released in 2014. In the same year, an Elephant 6 documentary titled A Future History Of: The Elephant 6 Recording Co. was announced, shedding light on the collective’s history and impact.

In a heartfelt eulogy, Robert Schneider described Hart as a chatty, funny, and highly creative individual who was dearly loved by his bandmates, the Elephant 6 community, and the Athens music scene. Will Cullen Hart’s legacy will continue to inspire and resonate within the indie-rock world.



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