It is with profound sadness that we announce that Joey Stuckey, a talented and beloved husband, son, songwriter, musician, producer, podcast host, and Music Ambassador for the city of Macon, passed away suddenly on October 17, 2026, in Madison, WI, at the age of 53.

An inspirational award-winning artist whose multifaceted career transcended the boundaries of sight, sound, and genre, Stuckey, blind since age two, blazed a trail for three decades, from sharing stages with the likes of James Brown, the B-52s, and Bad Company to excelling at production work at his Shadow Sound Studio, which just celebrated its 30th Anniversary in September with a ribbon-cutting with the Macon Chamber of Commerce.

For 30 years, Stuckey worked with countless musicians, from artists just getting their start to all-time greats like Chuck Leavell (Allman Brothers), Ed Roland (Collective Soul), Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Paul “Mad Dog” McGuinness (The Pogues), Chris Hicks (Marshall Tucker Band) and Alan Parsons, who dubbed him “the best ears in the business.”

As a songwriter/composer, Joey released a half-dozen highly acclaimed albums, with his upcoming seventh, one of his best. In June of this year, Stuckey became the first artist to record at the Les Paul Recording Studio in Hollywood, California. The resulting 6-song ‘King of Strings’ EP, featuring lead single “Temple in the Wind,” will be released October 23, 2026 via his Senate Records imprint.

Locally, Stuckey took immense pride in supporting the music community while honoring its storied history. In addition to being anointed a Music Ambassador for the city, Stuckey received a proclamation from the mayor in 2017, dubbing September 29 “Joey Stuckey Alive Day,” which led to the creation of a free, annual, family-friendly music festival celebrating life. This year’s 8th annual “Joey Stuckey Alive Day” took place September 30 at his Shadow Sound Studio.

Education and giving back were at the core of everything he did. From Professor of Music Technology at Mercer University to music technology consultant for Middle Georgia State University to Dream Ambassador for the Atlanta Chapter of The Recording Academy to traveling the country to speak passionately on ADA topics and Accessibility for All, Joey was well regarded by colleagues and industry professionals.

His wife, Jennifer, stated, “Joey was my person and the best man I’ve ever known. He is still here in my heart and the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He would want us to smile, tell a bad joke, and laugh. I am grateful for the love and support that the family has received, and his music, his smile, and his intentionally joyful life will continue to inspire me every day.”

A public visitation will be held at The Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, on Monday, October 26, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Rhine Baptist Church, 92 East Street, Rhine, Georgia, on Tuesday, October 27. Visitation will be from 12-1 p.m., followed by the funeral service.