Jason Simpson, Colter Wall’s Longtime Bassist and Scary Prairie Boy, Dies at 51
Jason Simpson, the bassist for Colter Wall & The Scary Prairie Boys for over a decade, passed away on March 23, 2026, at the age of 51. The news was announced by Colter Wall and La Honda Records.
Simpson was a foundational member of Wall’s band, joining in July 2015, and played a crucial role in building Wall’s career. Colter Wall stated on social media, “Stood beside me for 10 years, on stage and off. Rest in peace my good friend. You are missed,” as posted on Instagram.
A Kentucky Native with a Rich Musical History
Born on October 19, 1974, in Kentucky, Simpson began playing bass in bars in Lexington and Louisville before the age of 18. He was a 1993 graduate of Western Hills High School in Frankfort. Simpson co-founded the alt-country band The Mertons with his brother Steve in 1996, releasing the album Girandole on Blackdog Records in 1999. Prior to joining Colter Wall, Simpson played with John King and the Mud Revival.
Contributions to Colter Wall’s Music
Simpson played bass on several of Colter Wall’s albums, including Songs of the Plains (2018), Western Swing & Waltzes (2020), Little Songs (2023), and Memories and Empties (2025). He also performed with Alyssa & Wayne Brewer since 2023.
A Valued Member of the Music Community
Simpson was recently honored as a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Andy Beshear, recognizing his contributions to the state’s music scene. La Honda Records released a statement saying, “Jason Simpson was local to us at La Honda Records. A fellow Kentuckian with a bass guitar and long hair who we knew from around the way. For the last decade he was a part of our crew. We swapped stories, travelled the world together, and saw him keep rhythm on both small and grand stages all over this country. We are deeply saddened to have lost him. Our hearts are with the community of people who lost him too.” as posted on Facebook.
Simpson is remembered as a selfless musician and a loving friend.
No cause of death has been revealed.
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