Dan Hicks, eclectic folkie who influenced S.F. music scene, dies

Dan Hicks, the Arkansas-born musician known for his wide-ranging musical and personal style, the wit and outright humor of his songwriting, and his role in the San Francisco folk and ’60s rock scene, died Saturday in Mill Valley after a long battle with throat and liver cancer.

News of his death was posted on his website and on social media by his wife, Clare “CT” Wasserman.

Mr. Hicks emerged in the San Francisco folk scene in the late ’50s and in 1965 became the drummer for the Charlatans, an early folk rock band.

The Charlatans never achieved the success of other bands of the era, but as time went on, their significance as an influential part of the scene in the mid-’60s was widely acknowledged.

Former Chronicle pop music critic Joel Selvin summarized the group’s status in a 2015 article for the paper:

When the five-man band of Edwardian dandies in immaculate vintage wear returned from playing all summer 1965 at the Red Dog Saloon in Virginia City, the Charlatans were the headline attraction at A Tribute to Dr. Strange, the Longshoreman’s Hall dance/concert that was ground zero for the ’60s San Francisco rock scene. ...

After moving to a different label, though, the band scored critical success with the albums “Where’s the Money?,” “Striking It Rich” and “Last Train to Hicksville.”

Mr. Hicks’ celebrated his 70th birthday in 2011 with an all-star concert at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, and two years later, released a recording of the evening, “Live at Davies,” with guests Rickie Lee Jones, Tuck and Patti, Van Dyke Parks, David Grisman and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott.

In 2014, despite undergoing cancer treatment, Mr. Hicks performed a tribute to Fats Waller at SFJazz Center, telling music writer Jesse Hamlin, You do it, you get through it, especially when you have an obligation, when you made a deal.