Macon Music Ambassador Joey Stuckey Dies at 53

Joey Stuckey, a Macon, Georgia, musician, producer and disability advocate, died of a heart attack at 53 while performing and teaching in Madison, Wisconsin. Blind since childhood after a brain tumor affected his optic nerves, he built a decades-long career as a guitarist, songwriter, engineer and educator, and owned Macon’s Shadow Sound Studio. As the city’s music ambassador, he supported local artists, promoted accessible music education and helped bring the community together through the annual Joey Stuckey Alive Day. Friends and collaborators remembered his generosity, humor and commitment to encouraging other musicians. His six-song EP, “King of Strings,” recorded earlier this year, is scheduled for release Oct. 23; a funeral is planned for Oct. 27 in Georgia.