Jay Weaver, co-founder and bassist for the Christian band Big Daddy Weave, died Sunday due to complications from COVID-19. He was 42.
Weaver’s brother and band frontman, Mike Weaver, announced his brother’s passing in a video posted Monday on Instagram.
“Thank you so much for all your prayers for my brother,” Mike said. “You have walked with him through a huge fight, and I’m so sorry to bring this news but I’m also excited to celebrate where he is right now.”
Mike added, “(T)he Lord used (Jay) in such a mighty way out on the road for so many years. And anybody who’s come into contact with him just knows how real his faith in Jesus was. And I believe that even though COVID may have taken his last breath, Jesus was right there to catch him.”
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The band’s label, Curb Records, also confirmed Weaver’s death and said in a statement: “We are devastated by this loss and are trusting the Lord to guide us through this difficult time. All of your thoughts, prayers, and support have been and continue to be deeply appreciated.”
Big Daddy Weave formed in 1998 in Alabama and has released nine studio albums to date. Several of the band’s singles have hit No. 1 on the contemporary Christian radio charts, including “My Story,” “Every Time I Breathe,” “Redeemed,” and “I Know.”
The group’s latest album, When the Light Comes, wrestled with the issues surrounding Jay Weaver’s health problems. Jay had diabetes, and in 2016 had both feet amputated following a massive infection.
The following year, Jay shared his testimony in an interview with his brother, which was posted to YouTube. In the video, Jay admits his path has been lonely. But he adds, “But the Lord is the best I know of anybody to come down and get in our junk with us. And that’s exactly what he did.”
Several top-name Christian artists gave glowing tributes of Jay Weaver, who clearly inspired many.
“So heartbroken over the loss of Jay Weaver . . . A man who’s smile, kindness, generosity and life reflected the light of Jesus in a beautiful way!” said well-known singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman. “So thankful that I got to know him this side of Heaven, and because the Gospel is true, thankful to know we will absolutely see him again.”
Similarly, Christian rock artist, Zach Wiliams, said, “I’ve been fortunate over the past few years to tour with Jay and the rest of the guys, and I can honestly say he was one in a million. He had a heart for God and a heart for people. He was the real deal on and off the stage.”
And Christian contemporary singer-songwriter Jason Gray remembered the kindness both Jay and Mike Weaver offered him after Gray’s divorce was finalized.
“I was dejected, depressed, and certain that my status as a divorcee would make me a pariah to both my industry and Christian music listeners . . .” Gray said.
Gray added that a “precious memory” he’ll never forget was when Jay approached him in a sanctuary before a show in Alabama.
“I was sitting in a pew, my head hung low, quietly praying through my tears when Jay walked over to me, put his hands on the sides of my head, and lifted my face to look me in the eye. . . . I tried to look anywhere else, but Jay held my face steady in his hands until I surrendered to the moment and met his gaze. Then he looked deep into my eyes, past them to my soul, and said, ‘I love you,’ and prayed for my restoration. It changed me.”
Jay Weaver is survived by his wife, Emily Weaver, and three children.
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2 Responses
So sad to hear this. Prayers for the family and the band.
This made me cry. I am so very sad to hear this news.