The curtain has closed on Oliver Tree's life, but the show goes on – courtesy of a remarkable bequest that will keep his creative spirit alive. The American singer-songwriter, who died in a helicopter crash in Brazil on June 14, had grand plans to give back to the artistic community he loved.
In April, Tree revealed his philosophy on wealth generated from his hit songs like 'Life Goes On' and 'Miss You', stating that it wasn't his to keep. He detailed a will structured to ensure his family wouldn't inherit directly, instead covering their college education. But that was only the starting line – his real goal was to create a foundation to fuel new talent.
The proposed 'Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants For Baby Geniuses' would have channelled his earnings into supporting up-and-coming artists, a move that shines a light on his generous spirit. The question remains whether this foundation was formally established before his untimely death – but one thing's for sure: it's a testament to his desire to leave a lasting legacy.
Poignantly, Tree also reflected on how his passing would change the perception of his music. "When I die, my art will continue to have residuals and probably be worth more than it is now," he said with characteristic humility. It was as if he knew that, only when he was gone, people would truly appreciate the impact of his work.
The industry's tributes are flooding in – artists like Melanie Martinez, Kid Cudi, and KSI are reeling from his loss. Martinez shared on Instagram that she's "an absolute wreck" and remembered Tree as a "true artist" with a "soft heart." It's clear: Oliver Tree left an indelible mark on the music world.
His unique sound, which blended pop, electronic, and rock elements with a distinctive visual style, won over fans globally. His tracks are out now on major UK streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music – so it's time to rediscover his artistry and appreciate the enduring impact of this remarkable talent.