AUSTIN, Texas — With a voice larger than life but an even bigger heart, the sudden death of Austin musician Nathan Olivarez a little over a week ago left a large hole in his family’s lives.
Nathan moved by himself to Austin when he was just 16, and for the next 40 years, was instrumental in building up Austin’s live music scene.
“He was my best friend,” said Cantar Olivarez, Nathan's youngest daughter. Nathan's grandson, Everett, added, "He was really part of my life. I couldn't really do anything without him."
But his family said it’s also the live music scene that will feel that loss.
"He just embodied love," said Cadence Olivarez, Nathan's oldest daughter. "He was the biggest supporter for musicians and their journeys and encouraged them."
His family said you could see his passion for music through every performance he gave.
"My husband played every stage in the city, every single stage," said Deanna Olivarez, Nathan's widow.
"He was always barefoot, and he did shatter his heel at one point from stomping so passionately," Cadence added. “I mean, he would get up there and he put on a show.”
Not only did he make a name for himself through his music, but also through his compassion for helping other musicians.
"He literally fed off how much it made him, how good it made him feel to help someone," Deanna said.
His youngest daughter said it was his small actions that supported the live music scene. Nathan also dedicated a lot of his time to the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM).
"I watched how he interacted with people and the gift that he had to make people feel seen and loved," Cadence Olivarez said.
His family said he always wanted to be a rock star, but he became much more than that because of his character.
"He rose to the level of legend," Deanna Olivarez said.
His family said because of his impact, they want to honor his legacy in a meaningful way. His photo is in a rotating project of pictures of musicians at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, but they want it to be a permanent display.
"He would be the perfect ambassador to greet people from all over the country to our beautiful little city, that you're about to get a healthy dose of love and passion," Deanna Olivarez said.
Since the petition to make his photo a permanent display was posted just five days ago, it has already surpassed 800 signatures.