John Nova Lomax, a renowned writer and journalist who documented Houston and Texas stories for decades, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023. He was 53 years old. His death has left a void in the literary world and a profound sense of loss among his friends, colleagues, and admirers. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of John Nova Lomax, as well as the possible cause of his death.
Contents
A Family of Folklorists and Musicologists
John Nova Lomax was born into a family of folklorists, musicologists, and writers. He was a seventh-generation Texan and a fourth-generation documentarian. His great-grandfather was John Avery Lomax, a pioneer of American folk music who collected thousands of songs from across the country. His grandfather was Alan Lomax, a legendary musicologist who recorded and preserved the music of various cultures around the world. His father was John Lomax III, a music journalist and author who wrote biographies of Willie Nelson and Townes Van Zandt.
John Nova Lomax inherited his family’s passion for music and culture. He grew up listening to various genres of music, from country to rap, from blues to rock. He also developed a keen interest in history, politics, and sociology. He graduated from Rice University with a degree in English literature and history in 1992.
A Gifted Storyteller and a Curious Investigator
John Nova Lomax began his career as a writer and journalist in 2000, when he joined the Houston Press as a staff writer. He quickly established himself as one of the most talented and versatile writers in the city, covering topics ranging from crime to culture, from streets to songs. He wrote with flair, humor, and insight, capturing the essence of Houston and its people.
He also ventured beyond Houston, exploring other parts of Texas and the country. He wrote books on dive bars and crime in Houston. He traveled to Lincoln Center to receive a prestigious Deems Taylor ASCAP Award for his profile of troubled country star Doug Supernaw. He worked for several publications in Texas, including Texas Monthly, Houstonia, and Texas Highways. He became a mentor and a friend to many other writers and editors.
He was not afraid to tackle difficult or controversial subjects. He wrote about his own personal struggles with alcoholism and depression. He wrote about the tragic life and death of his mother, who was addicted to drugs and killed in a car accident when he was 12 years old. He wrote about the suffering caused by Hurricane Katrina and urged people to help the victims. He wrote about the challenges and opportunities facing Houston as a diverse and dynamic city.
He was also curious and adventurous. He walked hundreds of miles across Houston with musician David Beebe for his Sole of Houston series, discovering hidden gems and stories along the way. He interviewed celebrities and ordinary people alike, listening to their stories with empathy and respect. He chronicled the music scene in Houston and beyond, highlighting both established and emerging artists.
A Cause of Death Shrouded in Mystery
The exact cause of John Nova Lomax’s death has not been publicly disclosed by his family or his doctors. However, some sources have suggested that alcohol-related issues may have been a contributing factor to his passing. According to Houston Press, Lomax had been hospitalized for several weeks before his death due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver. He reportedly asked one of his doctors what would be listed as the cause of death, and the doctor told him cirrhosis. Lomax then asked if they could change it to something more glamorous or heroic.
Lomax’s death came as a shock to many who knew him or admired his work. He had been working on several projects before he fell ill, including a book on Texas barbecue culture. He had also been active on social media, sharing his opinions and observations on various topics. He had expressed his gratitude for the support he received from his friends and fans during his hospitalization.
He is survived by his son John Henry, his daughter Harriet Rose, his father John Lomax III, his brother Hudson Lomax, his sister Anna Lomax Wood, his former wife Margaret Downing, and many other relatives and friends.
A Legacy That Lives On
John Nova Lomax left behind a rich legacy of writing that will continue to inspire and inform readers for years to come. His stories captured the spirit of Houston and Texas, as well as the human condition in general. His voice was unique and authentic, blending wit and wisdom, humor and heart. His work reflected his love for music and culture, as well as his compassion for people.
He was a brilliant writer and a compassionate human being. He will be dearly missed by many, but his words will live on. As he wrote in his farewell message on Facebook: “I love you all. Thanks for everything. See you on the other side.”
