Obituary: Raul Malo, Grammy-Winning Frontman of The Mavericks, 1965–2025

Raul Malo, the unmistakable voice and visionary frontman of The Mavericks, passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 60. His bandmates shared the news with “the deepest grief,” honoring not only a musical giant but a friend, brother, and creative force whose impact transcended genres, cultures, and generations.

Born with a voice that could fill any room—and a spirit that could lift one—Raul was a force of human nature. Anyone fortunate enough to share space with him felt it instantly: an infectious energy, a boundless curiosity, and a generosity of heart that matched his artistic ambition. Over more than three decades, he entertained millions around the world, redefining American music along the way. His towering creative contributions helped shape a sound that blended country, rock, Latin rhythms, vintage pop, and global influences into something unmistakably Mavericks—music that felt like America in all its multilingual, multicultural richness.

Across his remarkable career, Raul helped craft a timeless catalog that cemented The Mavericks as one of the most distinctive bands of their generation. His soaring vocals powered hits such as “Dance the Night Away,” “Here Comes the Rain,” “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” “O What a Thrill,” and “Back in Your Arms Again”—songs that became staples not just of their genre, but of American music itself. Whether delivering a heart-wrenching ballad or a jubilant, horn-soaked anthem, Raul infused every performance with emotional depth and musical daring. His ability to blend country storytelling with Cuban influences, rock-and-roll swagger, and genre-defying arrangements shaped a legacy that future artists will study and admire for decades to come.

His spirited, magnetic performances earned The Mavericks a massive and loyal following, while Raul’s remarkable songwriting and musicianship propelled the band to multiple Grammy, ACM, and CMA Awards. Yet the accolades he cherished most stemmed from his lifelong commitment to preserving and elevating the multi-lingual American musical repertoire. In 2020, he made history with the first album ever to debut at No. 1 on both the Latin Pop and Folk-Americana charts—a milestone that embodied everything he believed music could and should be: borderless, timeless, and unifying.

This devotion to cultural preservation was matched only by Raul’s passion for inspiring the next generation. A steadfast champion of music education, he worked tirelessly to ensure that every child—regardless of background—had the chance to discover the joy, confidence, and connection that music brings. For these contributions, he was honored with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Music Council of the United States’ American Eagle Award.

Though his earthly body has passed, Raul’s spirit will continue to resonate—in heaven, as his bandmates wrote, and here on earth in the music, joy, and light he poured into the world. His voice, warm and mighty; his songs, heartfelt and enduring; and his vision, bold and border-crossing, will echo for generations. Fans, fellow musicians, and the countless individuals he touched will carry his legacy forward each time they hear the opening swell of a beloved Mavericks tune or the soaring notes of his unmistakable tenor.

Raul is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Betty; their sons Dino, Victor, and Max; his mother, Norma; his sister, Carol; and his Mavericks brothers—Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden—who stood beside him on stages across the world for decades.

He leaves behind not just a catalog of extraordinary music, but a blueprint for what American artistry can be: fearless, inclusive, and brimming with heart.

The Legendary Kris Kristofferson Passes Away At 88

Artist, singer, songwriter, actor and activist Kris Kristofferson passed away peacefully in his home in Maui, Hawaii Saturday, September 28, surrounded by family. He was 88 years old.

Born Kristoffer Kristofferson in the border town of Brownsville, Texas on June 22, 1936, Kristofferson changed the language of country music, with extraordinary internal rhymes, Shakespearean iambic pentameter, and socially progressive subject matter that found the personal within the political.

He was a Rhodes Scholar in Oxford, a defensive back, a bartender, a Golden Gloves boxer, a gandy dancer, a forest firefighter, a road crew member, and an Army Ranger who flew helicopters. He was a peacenik, a revolutionary, an actor, a superstar, a sex symbol, and a family man. He was commissioned to teach English at West Point, though he gave that up to become a Nashville songwriting bum.

Sam Peckinpah cast him as Billy the Kid. Willie Nelson recorded an entire album of his songs, then joined him in supergroup The Highwaymen, with Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. Muhammad Ali sat side-stage at his concerts. Mama Cass Elliot called him “No Eyes.” Atlantic Monthly published his short stories.

He believed that songwriting is a spiritual communion of mind, body, and soul, and he believed that William Blake was correct in asserting that anyone divinely ordered for spiritual communion but buries his talent will be pursued by sorrow and desperation through life and by shame and confusion for eternity.

“(Blake) is telling you that you’ll be miserable if you don’t do what you’re supposed to do,” Kristofferson said in the Ken Burns’ documentary Country Music.

Kristofferson’s devotion to spiritual communion brought much in the way of sorrow, desperation, and misery, but it led to triumph.

His work ethic was evident from an early age, celebrated by his parents and, when he was a teenager, a construction supervisor on Wake Island said he was the best worker on the construction crew.

“I took pride in being the best laborer, the guy that could dig the ditches the fastest,” he said. “Something inside me made me want to do the tough stuff . . . Part of it was that I wanted to be a writer, and I figured that I had to get out and live. I know that’s why I ran in front of the bulls in Pamplona.”

The son of a major general and a philanthropic mother, Kristofferson spent his childhood learning lessons in honor and civility, though he arrived at different notions of these things than did his parents. He graduated high school in San Mateo, California, in 1954, then attended Pomona College, where he played football (“I was pretty slow, but I was small,” he said) and studied writing under Dr. Frederick Sontag, who pushed him to apply for a Rhodes scholarship. At Oxford, he wrote stories and examined the works of William Blake.

Kristofferson earned his master’s from Oxford in 1960, then returned to California, married his high school sweetheart, joined the Army, and learned to fly helicopters. In the Army, he wrote funny songs inspired by Hank Williams, until he fell under the sway of folk maestro Bob Dylan.

“The direction Dylan was pointing in made it a respectable ambition, a respectable thing to do,” Kristofferson said.

The Army assigned Kristofferson to teach literature at West Point, a duty that frightened him once he found that he’d have to turn in lesson plans, explaining to superiors exactly what he’d be teaching in class. He said, “It sounded like hell to me.”

And so, in 1965, he came to Nashville to visit with Marijohn Wilkin, the songwriter of “Long Black Veil” and a relation of Kristofferson’s Army platoon leader. On Kristofferson’s first Nashville night, he met Cowboy Jack Clement, a renegade creative who would become a lifelong friend. Soon after that, Wilkin helped Kristofferson get a backstage pass to the Grand Ole Opry, where he met a pacing panther named Johnny Cash. In less than two Music City weeks, Kristofferson decided to resign his Army post and move to Nashville to write songs. Soon after, he met successful songwriter Tom T. Hall in a Nashville bar. Kristofferson introduced himself to Hall, who said “Good to see you . . . It’s a hairy-legged town.”

Kristofferson scuffled for more than four years in Nashville, entering his 30s as what his parents considered a ne’er do well who was dragging down the family name. He worked as a janitor at CBS’s Nashville studio, happy to empty trash cans and make coffee in exchange for access to recording sessions by Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and others. He rode around on a well-bruised Honda motorcycle, and neglected family matters in ways that came to haunt him and that doomed his first marriage. He was heartened by praise from the people whom he hoped would become peers. When his “From the Bottle to the Bottom” was recorded by Grand Ole Opry star Billy Walker in 1969, Tom T. Hall said, “God, that’s a great song” and quoted lines back to the fledgling talent.

“That kind of thing was enough to keep me going back then,” Kristofferson said.

After more than four years in songwriting purgatory, things began to roll Kristofferson’s way. Ray Stevens recorded his “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” and Johnny Cash recorded the same song and took it to the top of the country charts. Cash performed “Sunday Mornin’” on his ABC television show, and, despite the cries of network censors, refused to change Kristofferson’s line “Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned” to “Wishing, Lord, that I was home.” That song was voted the Country Music Association’s song of the year in 1970.

Roger Miller, one of Kristofferson’s songwriting heroes, recorded “Me and Bobby McGee,” a song inspired by publisher and Monument Records boss Fred Foster’s suggestion that a song should be written about Foster’s secretary, Bobby McKee. And Kristofferson’s “For the Good Times” was recorded by the great Ray Price and became a No. 1 country hit.

After arguing with Foster about his validity as a recording artist (Kristofferson said, “I sing like a fucking frog,” to which Foster replied, “Yes, but like a frog that can communicate.”), Kristofferson’s first solo album came out in April of 1970. It contained now-classics including “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “To Beat the Devil,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Just the Other Side of Nowhere,” “Darby’s Castle,” and “Best of All Possible Worlds.” It began with “Blame It On the Stones,” a song that opened with the decidedly non-traditional line, “Mr. Marvin Middle Class is really in a stew/ Wonderin’ what the younger generation’s coming to.”

With that debut album, Kristofferson emerged as a luminous figure whose fame expanded far beyond country music. Janis Joplin recorded “Me and Bobby McGee,” which became her signature hit. And Kristofferson became a counter-culture darling, beloved by artists and listeners who had never before paid attention to country music.

“You can look at Nashville pre-Kris and post-Kris, because he changed everything,” said Bob Dylan.

Kristofferson’s second album, The Silver Tongued Devil and I, came out on Monument Records in 1971 and contained “The Pilgrim – Chapter 33,” a song he claimed to write about friends Cash, Chris Gantry, Funky Donnie Fritts, and others but later admitted was mostly about himself. “He’s a walkin’ contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction,” he sang. “Taking every wrong direction on his lonely way back home.”

All those wrong directions led to some spectacular locales. In 1971, Kristofferson began a side career as an actor. He would go on to win a Golden Globe award for his role in A Star Is Born, and to act in numerous films including Semi-Tough, Songwriter, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea, Lone Star, and Blade. He toured the world with his band and with Rita Coolidge, his wife from 1973 until 1980. He moved from Nashville to California. And he released seven solo albums between 1972 and 1979.

This flurry of activity and the accompanying celebrity did not ease Kristofferson’s mind, which was prone to depression, or his problematic drinking habit. The heady years of grand success proved to be some of the most difficult of his life.

“The darkness is driving me farther away from the shore/ Throw me a rhyme or a reason to try to go on,” he wrote and sang in “Shipwrecked in the 80s.” He found rhyme and reason in the graceful form of Lisa Meyers, who married Kristofferson in 1983 and helped him get his life under control. The couple would have five children together.

In 1985, Kristofferson joined Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson to form the supergroup now called The Highwaymen. The group returned Kristofferson’s voice to radio, provided a larger audience for him to relay his critical and sometimes controversial views on American foreign policy, and offered him great joy.

“Every time I look at a picture of Willie and me and John and Waylon, I find it amazing that they let the janitor in there,” he told journalist Mikal Gilmore.

After two roundly ignored solo albums for Mercury Records, Repossessed and Third World Warrior, Kristofferson began working with producer Don Was in 1995. Their creative partnership proved fruitful, with Was’ restrained production allowing the gristly character in Kristofferson’s voice to be heard to full effect, and with Kristofferson writing pensive, eloquent songs that rank with his finest works. “It’s about making sense of life at this end of the game,” Kristofferson said about his 2009 Closer to the Bone album, and that comment also applies to Was-produced works A Moment of Forever (2006), This Old Road (2009), and Feeling Mortal (2013). On his 80th birthday in 2016, Kris released The Cedar Creek Sessions, which was nominated for a Grammy for best Americana Album six months later.

Until the pandemic in 2020, Kristofferson toured incessantly in the 21st century, a quiet man in worn brown boots, commanding stages with only his guitar and harmonica for accompaniment. His Gibson acoustic might go out of tune . . . no matter. In his final years he performed with Merle Haggard's band, The Strangers.

In 2003, Kristofferson received the Free Speech Award from the Americana Music Association and in 2004 he became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Since then, he received lifetime achievement honors from BMI, The Recording Academy, the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, among many others.

“When I got started, I was one of the people hoping to bring respect to country music,” he said. “Some of the songs I had that got to be hits did that. I imagine that’s why somebody might vote me into a Hall of Fame. I know it’s not because of my golden throat.”

On the back cover of The Silver-Tongued Devil and I, Kristofferson advised that his songs were “Echoes of the going ups and coming downs, walking pneumonia and run-of-the-mill madness, colored with guilt, pride, and a vague sense of despair.”

Sometimes divine communion, then, is holy hell. Kristofferson brought some of that hell on himself, and he lived through times when guilt and despair were anything but vague, and when pride was hard to conjure. Asked about regrets, he said, “Listen, I have those. But my life has turned out so well for me that I would be afraid to change anything.”

Kristofferson's survived by his wife, Lisa; eight children, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly, and Blake; and seven grandchildren, who offer the following consolatory statement:

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28 at home. We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.” – The Family of Kris Kristofferson

Country Music Legend Toby Keith Passes Away At The Age Of 62

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Toby Keith, the legendary country music singer, songwriter, and record producer. He left us on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62, after a valiant and dignified battle with stomach cancer. His departure marks the end of an era in country music, leaving behind a legacy that will forever echo through the hearts of fans and the annals of music history.

Born on July 8, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma, Toby's passion for music was evident from a young age. His grandmother owned a supper club where he first encountered the musicians that would inspire his journey into the world of country music. Toby's early life was marked by a blend of hard work, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of his musical dreams, which he balanced with his love for rodeo and football.

Toby Keith burst onto the country music scene in the early 1990s, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. His debut single, "Should've Been a Cowboy," catapulted to the top of the charts, becoming the most-played country song of the 1990s. This was only the beginning of what would become a storied career, spanning over three decades, during which he released numerous albums, chart-topping singles, and garnered a plethora of awards and accolades.

Known for his deep, resonant voice, and patriotic anthems, Toby's music resonated with fans across the globe. Songs like "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" and "Beer for My Horses" became anthems of American resilience and spirit. Yet, it was not just his music that endeared him to millions; Toby's unwavering support for the troops and his philanthropic efforts, particularly his work with the Toby Keith Foundation and the OK Kids Korral, a home for children battling cancer, showcased the depth of his character and his commitment to giving back.

Toby's influence extended beyond music. He was a savvy businessman, with ventures including his record label, Show Dog Nashville, and the I Love This Bar & Grill restaurant chain, further cementing his legacy as an icon of the American spirit.

Keith had made numerous trips to the Middle East, starting in 2002, to perform for those serving in the U.S. military. “My father was a soldier. He taught his kids to respect veterans,” said Keith. “It's that respect and the thank-you that we have a military that's in place and ready to defend our nation; our freedom."

He leaves behind his loving wife, Tricia Lucus, and their children, Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen, along with grandchildren, who, along with his legions of fans, will miss him dearly. Toby's music and the memories he created will continue to inspire and uplift, serving as a testament to a life lived with passion, dedication, and an unwavering love for country music.

Today, we say goodbye to a country music legend, a patriot, a philanthropist, and a beloved husband and father. Toby Keith's songs will forever remain a part of our lives, reminding us of the power of music to unite, inspire, and heal. Rest in peace, Toby. Your music will play on, a lasting tribute to your incredible journey and the indelible mark you've left on the world.

Songwriter Larry Collins ("Delta Dawn" & "You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma") Passes Away At 79

Larry Collins, who penned a couple of country music's most memorable all-time hits, passed away at the age of 79. 

Larry and his sister Lorrie, known as the Collins Kids, soared to rockabilly fame after they joined the cast of “Town Hall Party,” a popular TV show in Los Angeles back in '54. Larry was just a whipper-snapper at 10, and Lorrie was 12. They quickly became the talk of the town in the country music world and the budding rock-and-roll scene.

The show, hosted by cowboy singer Tex Ritter, had them rubbing elbows with big names like Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and others, plus upcoming rockers like Gene Vincent. In '56, they even popped up on the first TV broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry.

Larry got some cool mentoring from Joe Maphis on the show and ended up playing this wicked double-neck Mosrite guitar that Maphis gave him for life. They even cut an album together in '58. And guess what? Surf-guitar legend Dick Dale picked up a thing or two from Larry's finger-picking style.

The Collins Kids’ records from the '50s, like “Hop, Skip and Jump,” are straight-up rockabilly treasures. They even caught the ears of folks like Bob Dylan and Lemmy Kilmister.

The duo hit the stage again for a rockabilly festival in Britain in '93 and kept playing until Lorrie hung up her guitar in 2012. She passed away in 2018 and got a spot in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame the next year.

Larry was born on October 4, 1944. The Collins family shifted from Tulsa to Southern California in '53, after Lorrie won a talent contest. Leon McAuliffe, a steel player for Bob Wills' band, suggested they move.

Post-Collins Kids, Larry penned some big hits like Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn” and the 1981 hit “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma,” which was a nod to his home turf. He also wrote tunes for the likes of Mac Davis, Nancy Sinatra, and Lou Rawls.

Larry left behind his daughter Larissa, two grandkids, and his sister Nicki.

In Memoriam: Mike Henderson, the Original Architect of The Steeldrivers, Passes Away at 69

It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of Mike Henderson, an extraordinary musician, songwriter, and original member of The Steeldrivers, who left us earlier today at the age of 69. His indelible influence on bluegrass, country, and roots music cannot be overstated.

Born with a gift for music, Henderson became a multi-instrumentalist with a knack for the mandolin, resophonic guitar, and harmonica. But it was not just his musicianship that set him apart; it was also his talent for songwriting that made him a legend. He co-wrote most of The Steeldrivers' original songs, setting the tone for a new era of bluegrass that was as authentic as it was innovative.

Over the years, Henderson's songs have been recorded by an array of country music luminaries, including the Dixie Chicks, Trisha Yearwood, Gary Allan, and Patty Loveless. Beyond The Steeldrivers, Henderson found work in Nashville as a sought-after slide guitarist, adding his unique touch to albums by artists like Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Joy Lynn White, and Kelly Willis.

Tammy Rogers, a fellow band member, remembers Henderson as the "original architect" of The Steeldrivers. "What started as a casual jam changed the course of my life," Rogers says, recalling how Henderson's vision for a bluegrass group that played once a month at the Station Inn in Nashville came to be. His collaboration with Chris Stapleton and other band members created a unique blend of soul, roots, and bluegrass that captivated audiences and set the stage for a remarkable journey in music.

Henderson leaves behind his wife, Janet, and daughters Lauren and Shannon. The loss is felt deeply within the close-knit community of musicians and fans that he helped build. In the words of Tammy Rogers, "Hendo, we will see you again where rainbows never die."

As the world mourns the loss of this extraordinary talent, Mike Henderson's legacy lives on through the music he left behind and the countless lives he touched. His contributions to the genre, the musicians he inspired, and the community he fostered are his lasting gift to the world.

To his family, friends, and the entire music community, we extend our deepest condolences. In the words of The Steeldrivers, past and present, "it was all Hendo's fault" that they found a purpose and a family in the world of music. And for that, he will always be remembered, celebrated, and dearly missed.

Rest in peace, Mike Henderson. Your music and spirit will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved you.

Texas Music Royalty Charlie Robison Passes Away (1964-2023)

Charlie Robison, a linchpin of the First Family of Texas Music, has died at the age of 59. This seminal figure, whose musical journey spanned nearly three decades, passed away from cardiac arrest at a San Antonio hospital on Sunday, September 10th. His profound influence on the Texas music landscape, coupled with his iconic voice and prolific songwriting, ensured that he will forever be remembered as one of the greats.

Born in 1964, Charlie Robison began his illustrious music career in Bandera, Texas, a town known for its cowboy lore. From there, he would go on to play a pivotal role in the 1990s Texas music movement, bridging the gap between traditional country, folk, and rock and roll.

Over his career, Robison released a string of major song releases and albums that showcased his unique blend of country, folk, and rock. Notable albums included Bandera, Life of the Party, and Good Times. His storytelling prowess was evident in songs like "My Hometown", which resonated with many for its evocative portrayal of small-town life. "Barlight", with its rollicking tune and catchy lyrics, became an anthem at Texas dance halls. Another major hit, "El Cerrito Place", is a testament to Robison's ability to touch the soul, reflecting a melancholy yearning that many could identify with.

Charlie's collaborations over the years painted a picture of a musician with an insatiable thirst for experimentation. He worked with a range of artists from different genres, from traditional country stars to the avant-garde of Texas music. Notably, his collaboration with his brother, Bruce Robison, and sister, Robyn Ludwick, showcased the musical talent running deep in the Robison family, further cementing their reputation as the First Family of Texas Music.

His marriage to Emily Erwin of The Dixie Chicks, though it ended in 2008, resulted in some unforgettable musical partnerships, blending the best of both their worlds.

Beyond his music, Charlie Robison was known for his vivacious spirit and unyielding commitment to the authentic Texas sound. His live performances were stuff of legends – filled with energy, passion, and the kind of authenticity that’s become increasingly rare in modern music. Attendees often left feeling they'd shared something special, a genuine connection with the artist and his music.

Robison's influence on the Texas music scene is immeasurable. He's been credited with paving the way for countless other musicians, inspiring a new generation with his unique blend of country, rock, and folk. His commitment to musical integrity over commercial success became a guiding star for many emerging artists.

Charlie Robison's untimely passing has left a void in the world of Texas music. However, his legacy is cemented in the tracks he’s left behind, the artists he’s inspired, and the countless fans who've been moved by his music. He will be remembered not just as a member of the First Family of Texas Music, but as a legend in his own right.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Robison family and all those touched by his music and spirit. Charlie Robison may have left us, but his music will live on, continuing to inspire and touch hearts for generations to come.

Remembering Jimmy Buffett: The Island Soul of Country Music

It's with heavy hearts and margaritas raised to the sky that we bid adieu to the legendary Jimmy Buffett. On September 1, 2023, surrounded by family, friends, and the gentle hum of the ocean he loved so much, Buffett left this world for the ultimate paradise. His legacy, however, remains etched in the notes of country music, the sandy beaches, and in the hearts of Parrotheads around the world.

Born on Christmas Day, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Buffett's destiny seemed to have been written in the stars. From his humble beginnings, he would go on to change the landscape of country music, infusing it with the spirit of the islands, bringing a splash of the tropics to a genre steeped in American tradition.

Jimmy's hits like "Margaritaville", "Come Monday", and "Cheeseburger in Paradise" weren't just songs; they were an invitation. An invitation to escape the daily grind, to find solace by the beach, to understand that it's always five o'clock somewhere. His music was an ethos, an island-lifestyle brand that transcended genres and age groups.

Though undoubtedly country at its core, Jimmy's music resonated with listeners of rock, pop, and folk alike. This is because Buffett was not just selling songs, he was selling a dream—a dream of sandy shores, relaxed afternoons, and simple pleasures. It was a dream so many wanted to be part of, and Jimmy's influence led to a surge of "trop rock" or "gulf & western" music, merging country narratives with coastal vibes.

Jimmy's influence on country wasn't limited to the music alone. He represented a lifestyle many aspired to. His business ventures, from the Margaritaville restaurants to his line of merchandise, further cemented his brand in popular culture. These establishments and products allowed fans to step into Jimmy's world, even if just for a few hours.

This movement, with its unique blend of country's storytelling and coastal relaxation, resonated deeply within the industry, particularly with today's country music juggernauts. The echoes of Buffett's style and ethos are palpable in the careers of stars like Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, and Zac Brown.

Kenny Chesney, with his beach-infused ballads and island escapism, is undeniably a spiritual successor to Buffett. Songs like "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems" and "When the Sun Goes Down" might as well have been crafted with Buffett's spirit whispering in the background. The beach-bum lifestyle, the yearning for tropical escapes, and the relaxed vibe all trace back to the Parrothead king.

Alan Jackson, another country giant, joined forces with Buffett for the hit "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere", a song that epitomized the very essence of both artists. The collaboration showcased how effortlessly Buffett's island philosophy blended with mainstream country, and the song's success is a testament to his lasting influence.

Then there's Zac Brown, whose laid-back vibes and emphasis on the simpler things in life echo Buffett's teachings. Tracks like "Toes" and "Knee Deep" feel like pages borrowed from Jimmy's songbook, replete with sun, sand, and soul.

But beyond the music and the brand was the man—a man with an uncanny ability to connect with people. His concerts were more than just performances; they were gatherings of the Parrothead community, a term affectionately coined for his die-hard fans. Adorned in Hawaiian shirts, with parrot hats and coconut bras, they turned every Jimmy Buffett concert into a beach party.

His passing leaves a void that is impossible to fill. Yet, his impact on country music remains indelible. By blending island themes with country storytelling, he showed that country isn't just about the heartland; it's about heart, wherever you find it—even if that's on a beach, sipping margaritas.

As we remember Jimmy Buffett, let's not mourn the silence but celebrate the music, the laughter, the dreams, and the countless memories he's left behind. Somewhere, in a paradise beyond the horizon, you can bet Jimmy's strumming his six-string, his feet in the sand, forever reminding us that life is for living and every moment is a chance for a new adventure.

Farewell, Jimmy. Your journey might have ended, but the party you started will never stop. Rest in the eternal sands of Margaritaville. 🌴🍹🎸

In Memoriam: Randy Meisner - Founding Eagles Band Member (1946-2023)

We bid farewell to a true legend of the music industry, Randy Meisner, founding member of the iconic rock band, the Eagles. On Wednesday night, in Los Angeles, Randy passed away at the age of 77 due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, leaving behind a legacy that will forever echo through the annals of rock 'n' roll history.

Born on March 8, 1946, Randy Meisner's journey in music began in the vibrant streets of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where his innate talent and passion for the art of music started to bloom. As destiny would have it, Randy's extraordinary abilities on the bass guitar and his smooth, velvety voice soon caught the attention of other aspiring musicians, leading him on a path that would change the course of popular music forever.

In 1971, along with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner played an instrumental role in forming the Eagles, a band that would go on to become one of the most influential and successful acts in the history of rock music. With his distinct harmonies and exceptional bass playing, Randy's contributions to the Eagles' sound were immeasurable, helping to shape the band's unique blend of country, rock, and folk into a captivating symphony that touched the hearts of millions.

Throughout his tenure with the Eagles, Randy Meisner's talents shone brightly, enriching the band's sound on hits such as "Take It Easy," "Peaceful Easy Feeling," "Take It to the Limit," and many others. His performances brought a sense of warmth and depth to the group's music, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans across the globe.

As with any great journey, Randy's time with the Eagles eventually took its own course, and he pursued a solo career in the late '70s, releasing albums that continued to showcase his incredible artistry. Despite the ups and downs life threw at him, Randy's dedication to his craft and his love for music remained steadfast, earning him admiration and respect from fellow musicians and fans alike.

Beyond the stage, Randy Meisner was known for his humble nature, gentle spirit, and his genuine kindness towards others. He cherished every moment shared with his family, friends, and fans, always grateful for the love and support he received throughout his illustrious career.

As the Eagles stated in their heartfelt tribute, Randy Meisner's passing is a profound loss to the world of music. His legacy will endure, inspiring countless musicians and fans to follow their dreams and to seek the magic of music within their hearts.

Today, as we mourn the departure of a cherished musician and cherished soul, we celebrate Randy Meisner's remarkable journey. Though he may have taken his final bow, his music will forever soar, resonating in the hearts of those who found solace and joy in his extraordinary talents.

Rest in peace, Randy Meisner. Your memory will forever remain a precious melody that lingers on, forever entwined with the sound of the Eagles' timeless music.

Country Music Hall of Famer Jerry Bradley Passes Away At 83

The world of country music mourns the loss of one of its most influential figures, Jerry Bradley, a true titan of the genre whose impact reverberated throughout the industry. He passed away peacefully earlier this week, leaving a legacy that will be celebrated for generations to come.

Jerry Bradley was born into a family that was woven into the fabric of country music. His father, Owen Bradley, was a legendary record producer, and his uncle, Harold Bradley, was a celebrated studio guitarist. With this lineage, Jerry's path into the industry seemed destined.

His career began in the mid-1960s when he joined his father's company, Owen Bradley Productions. With a natural talent for spotting potential in artists and a keen business acumen, he quickly moved up the ranks, carving out a significant role for himself in the company.

In 1973, he ascended to the role of head of RCA Records' Nashville division, a position that allowed him to guide the careers of countless country music luminaries. This era is now known as the 'Nashville Sound,' and much of that sound can be attributed to Bradley's leadership and innovative approach to music production.

Under Bradley's guidance, RCA Nashville flourished, and he was instrumental in signing and developing artists who would go on to become country music legends. These included Alabama, Dolly Parton, Ronnie Milsap, and Charley Pride among others. Bradley's keen ear and sharp business sense allowed him to shape the careers of these artists and solidify their places in the annals of country music history.

Bradley was also a key figure in the creation of the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, the genre's most prestigious event. His leadership and vision for the awards set the tone for what it has become today - a platform that recognizes and celebrates the best that country music has to offer.

In 2019, Jerry Bradley was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, an honor that underscored his pivotal role in the industry. In his acceptance speech, Bradley humbly said, "I've been very fortunate. This business has been very good to me, and I have always tried to be good to it." This sentiment encapsulated his commitment to the growth and longevity of country music.

His colleagues and those he mentored remember him as a man of principle and integrity, who treated artists with respect and always saw the potential in them. His infectious enthusiasm for the genre was evident in every facet of his work, and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the music he helped bring to life.

Jerry Bradley's passing marks the end of an era in country music. His contributions to the industry, his championing of artists, and his unwavering love for the genre left an indelible mark on country music. His absence will be deeply felt, but his influence will continue to resonate.

As we remember and celebrate his life, we find comfort in the knowledge that Bradley's work shaped the soundtrack of many lives, spreading the soulful charm of country music across the globe. The songs he helped craft and the artists he nurtured will ensure that his legacy lives on for generations to come.

Today, we say farewell to Jerry Bradley, a true country music pioneer. His life and work will forever be a testament to his love for music and his dedication to the country genre. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his extraordinary life. Rest in peace, Jerry Bradley. Your music lives on.

Claude Gray Passes Away - It Was His Recording of Willie Nelson's "Family Bible" That Led Nelson To Nashville

Claude Gray, a beloved country music singer and former Decca Records recording artist, passed away on April 28, 2023, at the age of 91.

Born on January 26, 1932, in Henderson, Texas, Gray began his music career in the 1950s, performing at local venues and radio stations in Texas. He eventually caught the attention of Decca Records, who signed him to a recording contract in 1958.

Over the course of his career, Gray released numerous hits, including "My Ears Should Burn (When Fools Are Talked About)," "I'll Just Have Another Cup of Coffee," and "Family Bible." His smooth, melodic voice and heartfelt lyrics earned him a loyal following and cemented his place in country music history.

Gray's debut album, "Claude Gray Sings," was released in 1961 and featured hits such as "My Ears Should Burn (When Fools Are Talked About)" and "I'll Just Have Another Cup of Coffee." These songs were indicative of Gray's signature sound, which was characterized by its traditional country instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics. Gray's debut album was met with critical acclaim, and he quickly became a rising star in the country music world.

Over the course of his career, Gray released several more albums, including "Claude Gray Sings More" (1963), "Meet Claude Gray" (1966), and "My Ears Should Burn (When Fools Are Talked About)" (1970). These albums featured hits such as "Family Bible," "My World Is Over," and "Daddy Stopped in (To Get a Pack of Cigarettes)," all of which showcased Gray's talent for storytelling and his ability to connect with audiences through his music.

"Family Bible" was written by country music singer-songwriter Willie Nelson. Nelson began writing the song in 1957, while he enjoyed success as a disc jockey in KVAN, in Vancouver, Washington. After being denied a raise by the station, he moved to Houston, Texas. Due to financial issues he sold the song to Paul Buskirk.

Upon purchasing the song, Buskirk took it to singer Gray. Gray's recording of the song reached number seven on Billboard's Hot Country Singles. Fueled by the success of the record, Nelson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he enjoyed recognition for writing the song. It became part of Nelson's live performance set, and he recorded it for the first time himself for his 1971 album Yesterday's Wine.

Gray was also a skilled songwriter, and many of his hits were written or co-written by him. He collaborated with other songwriters, including Bobby George and Marijohn Wilkin, to create memorable tracks that would stand the test of time. One of his most famous songs, "The Family Bible," was written by George and Wilkin and became a country music standard that has been covered by numerous artists over the years.

Gray's music was known for its traditional country sound, and he was often compared to legends such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell. He was also a skilled songwriter, penning many of his own hits and collaborating with other songwriters to create memorable tracks.

In addition to his music career, Gray was also a dedicated family man and a proud Texan. He was known for his humble demeanor and kind heart, and he remained active in the music industry until his passing.

Claude Gray's contributions to country music will not be forgotten. He will be remembered as a talented singer and songwriter, a pioneer of traditional country music, and a true legend in the industry. He is survived by his loving family, friends, and countless fans who will miss him dearly.

Grand Ole Opry Member Ray Pillow Passes Away At Age Of 85

Ray Pillow, a beloved country music singer and Grand Ole Opry star for 56 years, passed away this past weekend at the age of 85.

Ray came to Nashville in 1961 as a regional winner in the Pet Milk Talent Contest. He came in second in the national finals, but his performance landed him a guest spot on the Grand Ole Opry. That just fueled his desire for a country music career.

He released his first two singles, “Take Your Hands Off My Heart” and “Thank You Ma’am,” in 1965. Capitol released his first album Presenting Ray Pillow and by late 1966 he was a star. That was the year he teamed with Opry star Jean Shepard on a pair of hits, the Top 10 “I’ll Take the Dog” and “Mr. Do-It-Yourself.” Between those two singles, he became an Opry member himself.

Thirty-five years after joining the Opry, Ray got to introduce his uncle onstage one Saturday night. “I told the people my uncle is the person that believed in me and wanted me to come to Nashville and be part of this business,” Ray says. Ray’s 85-year-old uncle took a bow to a nice round of applause. “And when he raised up, I handed him a guitar and said 'Uncle Roger, you and me are going to sing.' And we brought the house down.”

Ray’s other hits include “Volkswagen,” “Common Colds and Broken Hearts” and “Reconsider Me.” In 1994, the state of Virginia added him to its Country Music Hall of Fame.

In addition to his own performing career, Ray has helped shape the professional paths of others, including Lee Greenwood. His publishing company published many of Lee’s hits, including the 1985 Country Music Association Song of the Year, “God Bless the USA.” Ray is well known on Music Row as a publisher who can match the right artist with the right song and recording company.

Although he knew he was country, Ray has never been a “rhinestone cowboy.” In fact, several record producers told him that he should be a pop singer, because he looked like one. “But I didn’t want to be a pop singer,” Ray says. “A country singer is all I’m ever going to be. I sing what I like to sing.”

Ray will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans. His contributions to country music will be remembered for generations to come, and his legacy will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.

The Curtain Falls On Many Country Music Voices In 2022

Peter Cooper

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She lists some of the musicians and singers we lost along the way in country music this year. 

Here are the people from the world of country music who took their final bows in 2022.

Andrew “Drew” Alexander (December 31, 2021, short illness, age 52): the son of former Tennessee governor Lamar Alexander served as the head of Nashville Curb Records’ publishing arm.

Jerry Allison (August 22, cancer, age 82): the final original Cricket (Buddy Holly’s backing band), he played drums and co-wrote two of Holly’s classic songs, “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue.”

Slim Andrews (January 15, cancer, age 90): Maine-based country music singer who was popular and active onstage and off, founding the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame.

Steve Arlin (August 24, cerebral aneurysm, age 78): banjo player for Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in the early 60s and member of the New York Ramblers and Trouble Creek String Band.

Jerry Paul Arnold (July 31, Alzheimer’s, age 86): music teacher who also served in the house bands for Pop! Goes the Country and Nashville Now.

Bobby Lee Atkins (March 27, unknown cause age 88): second cousin of Chet Atkins was a banjo player for the Blue Grass Boy and later became the Old Dominion Barn Dance’s house band leader, the Dixie Mountaineers.

Randy Bailey (August 16, infection/COVID-19, age 68): bluegrass musician and longtime host of WBJB’s Bluegrass Jam in New Jersey.

Luke Bell (August 29, fentanyl overdose, age 32): up-and-coming alt-country neotraditionalist who’d had a single in 2021 with “Jealous Guy.”

Jerry Bentley (August 28, unknown cause, age 79): Lee Greenwood’s manager for 30 years.

Bayron Binkley (April 25, unknown cause, age 89): longtime Nashville country music TV show producer and director who worked on Ralph Emery’s local program as well as syndicated shows by Flatt & Scruggs, Jim Ed Brown, and others.  He also worked as a producer for several early Nashville Network shows and specials.

Baxter Black (June 10, leukemia, age 77): “America’s poet lariat,” a Western poet and writer who worked on NPR and wrote over 30 books related to Western poetry and life.

Thom Bresh (May 23, esophageal cancer, age 74): the son of the legendary Merle Travis had his own hit in 1976 with “Home Made Love.”

Bruce Burch (March 12, leukemia, age 69): songwriter behind hits such as Reba’s songs “It’s Your Call” and “Rumor Has It,” among many others.

Bob Burrell (August 13, unknown cause, age 71): co-founder of the Warner Western record label as well as managing the likes of Lee Roy Parnell and Michael Martin Murphy.

Hal Bynum (June 2, complications from a stroke, age 87): country songwriter whose career went from George Jones’ “The Old, Old House” to Jim Reeves’ Nobody’s Fool” to the monster crossover hit “Lucille” by Kenny Rogers.

Jeff Carson (March 26, heart attack, age 58): 1990s/early 2000s country singer with hits such as “Not on Your Love” and “Holding Onto Somethin’.”  He later left country music to become a Franklin, Tennessee policeman.

Joe Chambers (September 28, illness, age 80): the founder of the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, as well as a songwriter (“Somebody Lied,” “Old 8x10”).

Kerry Chater (February 4, unknown cause, age 76): the co-founder of Gary Puckett & the Union Gap moved to country music, writing such hits as “I Know a Heartache When I See One,” “You’re the First Time I’ve Thought About Leaving,” and “You Look So Good in Love.”

Terry Choate (September 14, complications from diabetes, age 68): industry board member for the AFM union and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, producer of many albums including the first release by the Time Jumpers, and music supervisor for TV programs.

Jeff Cook (November 2, complications from Parkinson’s disease, age 73): Country Music and Musicians Hall of Fame member for his work on lead guitar and fiddle in the band Alabama.

Al Cooley (ne Al Bianculli) (June 9, cancer, age 75): longtime music executive in Nashville who worked for Combine Music Publishing.  He also co-founded MusicRow, the Nashville music publication. 

Peter Cooper (December 6, fall, age 52): one of the most loved and respected journalists in Nashville was also a record producer, songwriter, and bass player.

Tommy Cordell (October 30, unknown cause, age 65): well-known bluegrass fiddler and multiple Florida State Fiddle Champion winner who worked with the likes of Dave Evans & River Bend and Larry Sparks.

Jerry Crutchfield (January 11, unknown cause, age 87): songwriter (Barbara Fairchild's "Kid Stuff"), producer, and industry executive who spent more than 50 years in the industry.

Billie Burton Daniel (October 1, natural causes, age 98): the singer and last surviving member of Charlotte, North Carolina’s string band the Briarhoppers, who began performing in 1936.

Mike Dekle (February 24, lung cancer, age 77): successful songwriter whose hits include “don’t Love Make a Diamond Shine” and “Country Must Be Country Wide.”

Heather Dunbar (February 7, unknown cause, age 71): longtime host of the country/bluegrass program The Salt Creek Show on Ithaca, New York’s WVBR-FM.

Ray Edenton (September 22, unknown cause, age 95): Musicians Hall of Fame inductee and one of Nashville’s “A Team” session men, he played on over 12,000 recordings in his long career.

Don Edwards (October 23, unknown cause, age 86): Western Music Hall of Fame inductee with a long career as a poet, historian, and Grammy-nominated performer.

Eddie Edwards (June 19, unknown cause, age 75): 2013 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee who was a two-time award winner for his radio work (1986 ACM, 1987 CMA).

Dan Einstein (January 15, long illness, age 61): co-founder, with John Prine, of Prine's Oh Boy record label.

Ward Eller (September 20, natural causes, age 92): IBMA “Pioneer of Bluegrass” recipient who was a founding member of the 1940s bluegrass band the Church Brothers.

Ralph Emery (January 15, unknown cause, age 88): Country Music Hall of Fame DJ who kept the WSM overnight country music shift for decades, then later hosted country TV shows such as Nashville Now and Pop! Goes the Country.

Ernest Tubb Record Shop (May 3, changing times, 75th birthday): the first, the longest lasting, and the most iconic of the star-owned record stores in Nashville.  Started by Ernest Tubb in 1947 in response to fan complaints that they couldn't find his records, the store was a mainstay on Nashville's Lower Broadway and hosted the second-longest running radio show, The Midnight Jamboree.

Niko Everette (July 9, car wreck, age 32): drummer who worked with Luke Bryan before moving to rock bands.

Dewey Farmer (July 12, illness, age 79): mandolin player who worked with the likes of Carl Story’s Rambling Mountaineers, Chubby Wise, and Mac Wiseman.

Ben Farrell (August 10, unknown cause, age 76): the president of Varnell Enterprises, a concert promotion company, where he worked promoting everyone from Elvis to Alan Jackson to Garth Brooks.

Jake Flint (November 26, unknown cause, age 37): up-and-coming “red dirt” artist with two albums to his credit.  He died a few hours after his wedding.

Dallas Frazier (January 14, complications of a stroke, age 82): Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member with a long list of songwriting credits from the pop song “Alley-Oop” to the first CMA song of the year “There Goes My Everything.”

Jane Frost (February 27, cancer, age 74): country music scholar who co-authored Byron Berline’s autobiography.

Fred Geiger (January 12, house fire, age 82): bluegrass banjo player and longtime journalist for Bluegrass Unlimited and The Banjo Newsletter.

Joe Gilchrist (May 25, unknown cause, age 80): a schoolteacher who bought a little nightclub called the Flora-Bama Lounge, Package, and Oyster Bar, which became a hub for upcoming and well-known songwriters.

Mickey Gilley (May 7, bone cancer, age 86): country singer with his own list of hits, cousin of Jerry Lee Lewis (who also died this year), and owner of Gilley’s, the Houston nightclub featured in the country-themed movie Urban Cowboy. 

Doc Gonzales (April 15, unknown cause, age 59): owner of the talent agency Triple Crown Management, whose clients included Lonestar, Billy Dean, and Little Texas.

Jane Dowden Grams (March 24, unknown cause, age 90): president of Show Biz, Inc, the syndication company behind countless country TV shows including The Porter Wagoner Show, The Wilburn Brothers Show, and Pop! Goes the Country.

Patrick Haggerty (October 31, complications from a stroke, age 78): the founder, lead singer, and songwriter for what is considered the first openly-gay country band in history, Lavender Country.

Ed Hardy (July 31, unknown cause, age 73): former president of the Great American Country (GAC) network from 2004 to 2012.  He also served as the interim president of the CMA in 2013.

Clay Hart (July 28, unknown cause, age 86): singer who was known as the primary country music singer on The Lawrence Welk Show in the late 60s and early 70s.

Robert Hicks (February 25, cancer, age 71): country music publisher, co-owner of blues nightclubs with B.B. King, and author of Civil War books and country music history (Guitar and Pen: Short Stories and Story Songs by Nashville Songwriters).

Jimbeau Hinson (March 4, complications of a stroke, age 70): longtime successful country songwriter whose list of credits include “(I’m Sittin’) Fancy Free” by the Oak Ridge Boys, “angel With a Broken Wing” by Mel Street, and “Hillbilly Highway” by Steve Earle.

Jerry Ray Johnston (January 9, COVID-19, age 65): one-time drummer in the staff band of the Grand Ole Opry.

Leslie Jordan (October 24, car wreck, age 67): Emmy-winning Will & Grace actor who also recorded country music and had a radio show called Hunker Down Radio during the COVID pandemic.

Naomi Judd (April 30, suicide [gunshot], age 76): the elder of the mother/daughter duo the Judds.  She died one day before the Judds’ formal induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Anita Kerr (October 10, natural causes, age 94): the head of the Anita Kerr Singers, one of the premiere vocal backing groups during the Nashville Sound era.

Jerry Lee Lewis (October 28, pneumonia, age 87): the Killer, who rebounded from a rock scandal in the early 60s to have a country career more successful in terms of number of hits than his rock days.  Lewis died 12 days after his formal induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Lewis’ musical cousin, Mickey Gilley, also passed away in 2022.

Loretta Lynn (October 4, natural causes, age 90): a woman who needs NO introduction, because no words will suffice to explain her brilliance, longevity, or importance.  Country icon who kicked down doors for female songwriters, rising to worldwide fame in the process.  In addition to her countless country awards she was also given the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.

Warner Mack (March 1, long illness, age 86): country singer with a string of hits in the 60s, best remembered for "The Bridge Washed Out."

Ken Mansfield (November 17, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, age 85): first noticed as the man in the white coat on the roof with the Beatles at their impromptu concert, he went on to produce countless country records, including many from the “Outlaw” era.

Brad Martin (March 11, unknown cause, age 48): traditional country singer who had charted hits in the early 2000s, including “One of Those Days” and “Before I Knew Better.”

Judy Massey (September 25, unknown cause, age 81): producer of several ShowBiz, Inc. television programs.

C.W. McCall (ne William D. Fries Jr.) (April 1, lung cancer, age 93): William Fries was an ad agency executive who created the “C.W. McCall” character for ads.  That morphed into a country music career hat included “Old Home Filler-Up and Keep on a-Truckin’ Cafe,” “There Won’t Be No Country Music,” “Wolf Creek Pass,” and, of course, the 1975 #1 crossover hit “Convoy.” 

Mary McCaslin (October 2, progressive supranuclear palsy, age 75): folk singer who primarily focused her tunes on the old west. 

Glenn Meadows (July 7, short illness, age 68): Grammy-winning record mastering engineer whose list of credits run from rock’s Steely Dan to country’s Merle Haggard.

Blake Mevis (February 9, COVID-19, age 73): songwriter (“Fool Hearted Memory”) and record producer (George Strait, Keith Whitley, Vern Gosdin).

Jody Miller (October 6, complications of Parkinson’s disease, age 80): Grammy-winner for her “answer song” to the Roger Miller (no relation) megahit “King of the Road,” “Queen of the House,” as well as a string of hits in the 60s and 70s including “Let’s All Go Down to the River” and “Good News.”

Charlie Monk (December 19, unknown cause, age 84): the “Mayor of Music Row” was a music publisher and a Country DJ Hall of Fame radio voice that began on his hometown station WGEA and ended with his death on Sirius/XM’s “Willie’s Roadhouse” station.

Tommy Neal (January 11, long illness, age 73): much-loved bluegrass banjo player who got his start playing bass on Del McCoury’s first album.

Bobbie Nelson (March 10, unknown cause, age 91): the sister of Willie Nelson and the pianist in his band for over 50 years.

Dame Olivia Newton-John (August 8, cancer, age 73): the iconic pop singer and actress (Grease) had her first success in country music in the early 70s, with songs like “If You Love Me (Let Me Know)” and “Let Me Be There,” winning the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year award in 1974.

Dave Osborne (June 8, complications from a stroke, age 75): North Carolina-based banjo player who toured with the likes of Faron Young before becoming a member of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance band in the 1990s.  He also founded the Fiddlers’ Cove nightclub in Greensboro, NC.

Martha Owen (June 2, unknown cause, age 90): the mother of Alabama’s front man Randy Owen.  Randy Owen’s cousin and bandmate, Jeff Cook, also passed this year.

Jim Owens (March 4, unknown cause, age 84): the husband of Lorianne Crook was one of the most important television producers and syndicators in Nashville throughout the 70s and 80s.  He also owned the TNN trademark, which houses over 10,000 hours of video footage.

Jo Carol Pierce (December 2, cancer, age 78): Jimmie Dale Gilmore’s former wife was a folk singer on her own.

James Price (May 23, unknown cause, age 57): fiddler who began his career with the Goins Brothers and Ralph Stanley, later playing with Little Jimmy Dickens and Johnny Paycheck.

Jack Pruett Jr. (February 1, illness, age 65): the son of Opry singer Jeanne Pruett ad Marty Robbins’ guitarist Jack Pruett Sr. was also a musician, playing bass for the likes of Johnny Russell and Jim Glaser.

Charles Quillen (August 19, unknown cause, age 84): country songwriter with a long list of hits to his credit, including “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It for the World” (Ronnie Milsap), “They Never Lost You” (Con Hunley), and “Why Don’t That Telephone Ring” (Tracy Byrd).

Penny Ragsdale (December 31, 2021, cancer, age 78): the wife of Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Stevens.  They were married for over 60 years.

Chick Rains (January 21, unknown cause, age 83): hit songwriter whose long list of credits include “A Headache Tomorrow (Or a Heartache Tonight)” by Mickey Gilley, “Down to My Last Broken Heart” by Janie Fricke, and “Somebody Should Leave” by Reba McEntire. 

James Reams (June 17, cancer, age 66): leader of James Reams & the Barnstormers, president of the Arizona Bluegrass Association, and IBMA award nominee.

Pete Reiniger (May 13, unknown cause, age 73): Grammy award-winning (1987) recording engineer for the Smithsonian/Folkways recordings.

Hargus "Pig" Robbins (January 30, multiple illnesses, age 84): the Country Music Hall of Fame piano player who backed countless musicians in country and rock.

Art Rosenbaum (September 4, cancer, age 83): music historian and banjo player whose Art of Field Recording box set of old-time music won him a Grammy for Best Historical Album.

Eloise Wyatt Russo (October 7, natural causes, age 98): longtime hostess at the Grand Ole Opry who worked there until retiring at 93.

Jim Seals (June 6, chronic illness, age 79): half of the soft rock/folk duo Seals and Crofts was also the brother of the late country singer/songwriter Dan Seals.

Lois Curtis Shepherd (October 18, illness, age 98): longtime Lower Broadway performer in Nashville and co-founder of the Broadway Revitalization Committee in the 1980s to save the Lower Broadway area from demolition.

Herschel Sizemore (September 9, unknown cause, age 87): a member of the Bluegrass Cardinals as well as mandolin player with the likes of Del McCoury and Jimmy Martin.

Billy Smith (February 11, unknown cause, age 84): the drummer for the band the Casuals, who backed Brenda Lee in concert during the 60s.

Buddy Spurlock (September 21, unknown cause, age 81): banjo player who founded the groundbreaking “modern bluegrass” band the Bluegrass Alliance. 

Tim Stacy (January 15, unknown cause, age 68): bass player who worked and toured with the likes of Charlie Louvin and Hank Williams Jr. 

Bobbi Staff (Barbara Grindstaff Whitehurst) (November 2, dementia, age 77): mid-60s country singer with a contract to RCA, produced by Chet Atkins, with one hit, 1966’s “Chicken Feed.”  Her former husband, Jerry Whitehurst, also passed this year.

Saundra Steele (May 30, ovarian cancer, age 72): a Nashville demo singer who later went on to tour as a backup singer for the likes of Johnny Rodriguez, Ronnie Milsap, and George Jones.

Ed Stone (February 11, unknown cause, age 81): former Vice President of marketing and PR at the old Opryland USA theme park.

Carolyn Tate (March 3, unknown cause, age 65): former Vice President of the Country Music Hall of Fame from 2001 (the year of the new Hall of Fame’s opening) to 2018.

Big John Trimble (July 24, unknown cause, age 84): Country DJ Hall of Fame member who started his “All-Night Trucker Show” in Spokane, Washington before moving it to Shreveport, Richmond, and finally online.  His final broadcast was two days before his death.

Bil VornDick (July 5, cancer, age 72): a Belmont University school of music business graduate who went from recording demos for Loretta Lynn to being chief engineer at Marty Robbins’ studio.  His work as a producer and engineer with country, bluegrass, and roots musicians earned him nine Grammy awards.

Bill Walker (May 26, natural causes, age 96): “Good night, Bill Walker!” was how Johnny Cash ended his ABC show every week in tribute to his music arranger, who also worked for a who’s who of country greats from Reeves to Arnold to Robbins.

Janice Walker Wendell (January 13, cancer, age 79): the wife of E.W. “Bud” Wendell was a longtime board member of the CMA and marketing employee for Showbiz, the company behind the syndicated country TV shows in the 60s.

Sonny West (September 8, unknown cause, age 85): a member of Buddy Holly’s Crickets and co-writer of “Rave On” and Oh Boy.”

 

Joel Whitburn (June 14, illness, age 82): the guru of the music geeks, he turned a passion into the bible of reference books, the Billboard chart books.  He was so synonymous with the works that they are simply referred to as “Whitburns.”

Roland White (April 1, heart attack, age 83): Bluegrass Hall of Fame member who worked in the Kentucky Colonels, the Nashville Bluegrass Band, and countless bluegrass and country performers.  He frequently held court at the Station Inn in Sunday night bluegrass jams as well.

Jerry Whitehurst (October 30, unknown cause, age 84): longtime session piano player in Nashville who also worked on Hee Haw and wrote the theme song to Nashville Now. His ex-wife, Bobbi Staff, also died in 2022.

Tom Wilkerson (April 7, unknown cause, age 86): longtime drummer who worked with the Opry Staff Band, played with Sonny James, Marty Robbins, and many others, and was the first country drummer to get an endorsement deal with Ludwig Drums.

Mary Jane Thomas Williams (March 22, complications from surgery, age 58): the wife of Hank Williams Jr.

George Winn (January 23, unknown cause, age 88): bluegrass mandolin player and leader of the Virginia Partners.

Frank Woodard (January 29, unknown cause, age 76): longtime director of security for the Grand Ole Opry House.

Scotty Wray (February 18, heart issues, age 64): the brother of country singer Collin Raye was also a member of The Wrays, who had charted singles in the 80s before Collin became a star on his own.  He later became Miranda Lambert’s guitarist.

Gregory Brian Wright (April 5, unknown cause, age 60): Sammy Keyshawn’s tour manager and sound engineer for 30 years.

George Yanok (April 29, lung cancer, age 83): Emmy-winning television writer whose credits included work on Hee Haw and The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour.

Shane Yellowbird (May 2, unknown cause, age 42): one of the few indigenous country singers, he had a top 5 country hit in Canada with “Pickup Truck.”

Leonard “L.T.” Zinn (February 3, natural causes, age 97): 2005 inductee into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame who recorded as part of the 101 Ranch Boys in the 30s and 40s.

Alabama's Jeff Cook Passes Away At Age Of 73

For the third time in five weeks we have to say goodbye to a Country Music Hall of Fame member.  This time, it’s Jeff Cook.

Cook, the fiddler/lead guitarist in the band Alabama, died Monday (11/7) at his home in Destin, Florida.  He had been battling Parkinson’s disease for years, which had forced him to retire from touring with the band in 2017. 

One of three cousins from the Sand Mountain region of northeastern Alabama (the same area that gave us other Hall of Famers Ira and Charlie Louvin and Alton and Rabon Delmore), Jeff Cook was born in Fort Payne on August 27, 1949.  The cousins began under the name Wild Country in 1969, playing throughout the southeast (with a special affection for Myrtle Beach) before changing their name to match their home state. 

With the breakup of the Eagles in 1980, Alabama stepped in to fill the shoes for fans of country-rock with tight harmonies.  They had crossover appeal (with “Love in the First Degree,” “Feels So Right,” and “The Closer You Get” making the Billboard pop top 40), but they owned country music in the 80s.  They had an unbelievable 21 consecutive #1 hits, a string that began with “Tennessee River” in 1980 and ended when 1987’s “Tar Top” “only” made it to #7.  (Don’t feel too bad, though, because nine of their next ten singles hit the top spot, too.) 

According to the Whitburn, their biggest hit was 1990’s “Jukebox in My Mind,” which contained that subtle nod to Ernest Tubb’s signature guitar riff after the line “It’s playing all my favorite memories.”  

Alabama was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006, and Cook received the honor of induction into the Musicians’ Hall of Fame in 2019.  

Jeff Cook was 73.

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She's ever so gracious to provide wonderful tributes to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.

Country Music Hall of Famer Jerry Lee Lewis Passes Away at 89

Country Music Hall of Fame's newest inductee and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Jerry Lee Lewis has passed away at age 87. Lewis, also known as "The Killer" a rock and country music pioneer died Friday, October 28, at his home near Memphis, Tennessee.

A trailblazing pianist, Lewis helped popularize rockabilly and rock and roll with a run of hits in 1957 and ’58 starting with crossover hit “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” and followed with “Breathless,” “High School Confidential,” and especially “Great Balls of Fire” which made him as important of a member of the famed Sun Studios sound as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins (together known as the Million Dollar Quartet). "You Win Again" helped give Lewis four Top 5 country songs (and two No. 1 hits) in a row. He was a true superstar.

"Jerry Lee doesn't walk on stage and politely thank an audience for being there," Hank Williams Jr. stated at the 2022 Medallion Ceremony. "Jerry Lee doesn't ask for your attention. He demands it. He doesn't take a stage, he commands it."

By 1968, Lewis had stormed back with 11 straight Top 10 records that would carry him into the mid-70s. "Chantilly Lace," "There Must Be More to Love Than This" and "What Made Milwaukee Famous" were three of his No. 1 songs, and he'd continue to chart into the early '80s.

Lewis would go on to record dozens of subsequent albums, and in 1986 he became one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Following the ceremony, he is credited with starting impromptu jam sessions, which has become a Hall tradition.

Lewis is also a recipient of the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lewis is survived by his wife Judith and four surviving children, plus extended family. Services will be announced in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in Lewis' honor to the Arthritis Foundation or MusiCares.

  

Country Music Star and ACM Award-Winner Mickey Gilley Passes Away at Age Of 86

Country music hitmaker and Academy of Country Music award-winner Mickey Gilley died at the age of 86 in Branson, Missouri from complications due to a recent hospitalization.

Born in Natchez, Mississippi, Gilley was exposed to music at an early age and chased a career in music following in the footsteps of his older cousin, Jerry Lee Lewis. After deciding to pursue music full time, Gilley cut his first single in New Orleans under producer Huey Meaux. In 1970, he opened Gilley’s, his first nightclub in Pasadena, Texas. 

Later, in 1980, Gilley’s was featured in the movie Urban Cowboy starring John Travolta and Debra Winger. He went on to star in numerous popular television series including ‘Murder She Wrote,’ ‘The Fall Guy,’ ‘Fantasy Island’ and ‘Dukes of Hazzard.’ Throughout the course of his career, Gilley scored 17 #1 hits including “Room Full Of Roses,” “City Lights,” “Window Up Above,” “Don’t The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time,” “Bring It On Home To Me,” “Stand By Me,” “Lonely Nights” and more.

Gilley earned numerous accolades including six ACM Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. He was one of only a handful of artists to receive the Academy of Country Music's Triple Crown Awards.

Naomi Judd of The Judds Passes Away At 76 - Mental Illness To Blame

May 1, 2022 was supposed to be special day for Naomi and Wynonna Judd, as the formal induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame for the “class of 2021” was scheduled. 

Instead, it’s a day of deep sorrow. 

Naomi Judd, the mother of Wynonna (and actress Ashley Judd), died today (4/30).

In their statement to the Associated Press, the sisters wrote:

Today we sisters experienced a tragedy.  We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness.  We are shattered.  We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public.  We are in unknown territory.

The wording does imply that Naomi may have taken her own life; however, no explicit details were released.

The Judds’ Hall of Fame career began with “Mama, He’s Crazy” in 1984.  After follow-up hits like “Why Not Me,” “Give a Little Love,” and the Grammy-winning “Love Can Build a Bridge” brought them to superstardom, Naomi, who had started singing with daughter Wynonna (who took her stage name from the song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66”: “Flagstaff, Arizona, don’t forget Winona”) while working as a nurse, stopped performing in 1991 because of a diagnosis of hepatitis C.  Wynonna continued on her own with a successful solo career. 

Mother and daughter were hoping to do a reunion tour in 2020 before COVID hit.  The plans were rescheduled for last year, and had finally been set for later this year.  

Naomi, however, had a long history of battling severe depression.  She was quite open about the sexual abuse she endured as a youngster and her prolonged panic attacks that kept her locked away in her home for months at a time.

Deepest condolences to Wynonna, Ashley, and a world of fans who are shocked and stunned by this tragic news the day before what was to be the crowning achievement in the Judds’ wonderful career.

Naomi Judd was 76.

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She's ever so gracious to provide wonderful tributes to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.

"Convoy" Country Artist C.W. McCall Passes Away At Age Of 93

C.W. McCall (the pseudonym of William Dale Fries), born in Audubon, Iowa, passed away at the age of 93 after battling cancer. He was best known as performer who wrote truck-themed outlaw country songs in the 70's and early 80's. 

McCall is remembered probably best for the 1975 #1 hit song "Convoy", which came at the peak of the citizens band radio fad in the United States. 

The name, or “handle,” of the song’s central character is Rubber Duck, and he chats with another driver, Pig Pen, hauling a load of foul-smelling hogs, which becomes a running joke throughout the song. They join up with a driver in a “cab-over Pete with a reefer on” — a refrigerated Peterbilt truck with the cab above the engine — headed east out of Shaky Town, or Los Angeles, and “Mercy sakes alive, looks like we got us a convoy.”

“I’m about to put the hammer down,” Rubber Duck says, meaning he’s going to drive as fast as he can, while keeping an eye out for “smokies,” or highway patrol officers in flat-brimmed hats like the ones worn by Smokey Bear. As more trucks follow along, McCall chants, “We gonna roll this truckin’ convoy ’cross the USA.”

“It was timely,” Mr. Fries told the Associated Press in 1990. “Back in 1975-76, that craze was sweeping the country. The jargon was colorful, and the American public liked that, too. It was laced with humor, but it had a rebellious feeling about it and people responded to it.”

Far from a one-hit wonder, McCall continued to chart with songs such as "Wolf Creek Pass", which hit #40 on the U.S. pop top 40 in 1975, and at least two other songs hit Billboard's pop Hot 100, including "Old Home Filler-Up an' Keep on a-Truckin' Cafe", as well as the environmentally-oriented "There Won't Be No Country Music (There Won't Be No Rock 'n' Roll)". A dozen McCall songs hit Billboard's country singles chart, including the sentimental "Roses For Mama" (1977).

In 1978, the movie Convoy was released, based on the C.W. McCall song and starring Kris Kristofferson.

In addition to the "original six" McCall albums released between 1975 and 1979, two rare singles exist. "Kidnap America" was a politically/socially-conscious track, while "Pine Tar Wars" referred to an event that actually happened in a New York Yankees-Kansas City Royals baseball game in 1983.

In 1982, McCall was elected mayor of the town of Ouray, Colorado, ultimately serving three terms.

In 1990, American Gramaphone Records issued a CD containing a number of old McCall tracks re-recorded for the digital CD age, plus a new song, "Comin' Back For More", which was inspired by Alferd Packer, an alleged cannibal from the 19th century.

In 2014, Rolling Stone ranked "Convoy" No. 98 on their list of 100 Greatest Country Songs.

Country Hitmaker & ACM Winner Jeff Carson Passes At Age Of 58

Academy of Country Music award-winner Jeff Carson died of a heart attack at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee at the age of 58.

Jeffrey Lee Herndon, known musically by Jeff Carson, was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on December 16, 1963, and began his musical career early on singing in church. After forming a band in Rogers, Arkansas, Carson eventually moved to Branson, Missouri where he wrote songs and played around locally before moving to Nashville where he began recording demos, including Tracy Byrd (“Walkin’ To Jerusalem”), Tracy Lawrence (“I See it Now”), Reba McEntire (“The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter”), Tim McGraw (“I Wouldn’t Want It Any Other Way”), Faith Hill (“It Matters To Me”), Mark Wills (“Places I’ve Never Been”), Diamond Rio (“Mirror Mirror”) among others. In 1995, Chuck Howard was instrumental in getting Carson his recording contract at Curb Records, and soon a single, “Yeah Buddy,” was released to radio. This was his first charting single and was followed up with ‘Not On Your Love,’ which went number one. The following single, ‘The Car,’ became a top-five hit, topping out at number two and won Carson his first Academy of Country Music award for “Video of the Year.” Carson had several other singles, including “Real Life (Was Never The Same Again)” from his album “Real Life.” In total, Carson’s career achieved 14 charted singles on the Billboard chart.

In 2009, Carson retired from music to become a law enforcement officer with Franklin Police Department in Williamson County, Tennessee, where he currently remained on the police force.

Carson returned to music in 2019 signing a singles deal with MC1 Nashville to recut and release a previously recorded song “God Save The World,” which charted on the Music Row Top 40 chart. Most recently Carson signed with Encore Music Group and has been in the studio with Buddy Hyatt recording a specialty album to be released later this year that included duets with Michael Ray, Darryl Worley, Mark Wills, and Craig Morgan.

Jeff Carson is survived by his wife Kim Cooper Carson, son Dayton Grei Herndon Carson, mother Virginia Norton, brother Steve Herndon, sister Karen Spurlock, as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Country Music Hall of Famer Hargus "Pig" Robbins Passes Away at 84

Again we have to pause and say farewell to a Country Music Hall of Fame member.  This time, it's Hargus "Pig" Robbins, who died this morning (January 30).

Robbins' daughter broke the news on Facebook on Robbins' page.  "Dad has been hospitalized twice in the last two months.  He suffered from a bacterial infection in his bloodstream, kidney disease, heart disease, etc.  It all became too much for his body to handle."

Blinded at age three in a knife accident, Hargus Melvin Robbins began playing piano at the age of seven.  While classically trained through the Tennessee School for the Blind, Robbins picked up the pop and jazz sounds in the 40s and early 50s.  He got his nickname "Pig" from, as he told the Country Music Hall of Fame, from sneaking out of class to play and would get "dirty as a pig."

Robbins' style was anything and everything.  He did the rollicking piano on "White Lightnin'" by George Jones, the subtle performance on Roger Miller's "Dang Me," and the Floyd Cramer-like soulfulness on Charlie Rich's "Behind Closed Doors."  

In addition to his country accolades, Robbins played on albums by acts as diverse as Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Leon Russell, Rosemary Clooney, Aaron Neville, and Neil Young.  He toured as part of Young's band the "International Harvesters" in support of Young's 1985 country album Old Ways.

Dolly Parton told Rolling Stone that she wanted to use Robbins as the piano player on her upcoming album, but his health would not permit it.

Robbins' endless contributions to the sound of country music earned him his spot in the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Farewell to Pig Robbins, who was 84.

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She's ever so gracious to provide wonderful tributes to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.

WSM Legend and Country Music Hall of Famer Ralph Emery Passes Away At 88

For the third time this week, following the passing of songwriter Jerry Crutchfield and legendary tunesmith Dallas Frazier, we pause to say goodbye to one of country's greats.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Ralph Emery passed away this morning (January 15) at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville with his family at his side. 

What did Walter Ralph Emery do that was so great in country music?  He just talked.  And talked.  And talked.  His resonating voice boomed out of the 50,000 watt clear channel signal of WSM to much of the country in the 1960s and 70s, giving country music what was more or less its first "national network."  Yes, WSM was just a "local" station, but people all over the country could hear it.

And, in the process, they could hear Emery interviewing the newcomers in country music who became legends.  He played their records, often before anyone else in the country could (or would).  A play on Emery's overnight radio show was massive exposure in those days.  (In his first memoir, Memories, Emery claimed that he used that clout to make then-wife Skeeter Davis' song "The End of the World" into the massive country and pop crossover hit that it was in 1962.)

Emery's popularity with and brilliance at interviewing country stars was so good that, later in the 60s, he had an hour-long Monday-through-Thursday night (taped) program where he would interview the superstars and the up-and-comers. 

Emery took his talents to television, hosting the widely-syndicated program Pop! Goes the Country (with its theme song by the Statler Brothers).  And, when the Nashville Network decided to start a nightly country music talk show, it was Ralph Emery who sat behind the desk at Nashville Now.

Emery's popularity made him one of the preeminent authorities on the "Nashville Sound" era of country music.  His books (including Memories, More Memories, 50 Years Down a Country Road, and The View From Nashville) sold well and contained a treasure trove of stories about the stars, the city, and the industry as it evolved through the decades.

He was also in songs, whether it was humorous (check out his "interview" with Lester "Roadhog" Moran sometime), a tribute (the Statlers' "How to Be a Country Star" included the advice to "talk plain like Ralph Emery"), or even an unflattering attack (the Byrds's song "Drug Store Truck Drivin' Man" was Gram Parson's scathing rebuttal after Emery didn't appreciate the Byrds' appearance on the Opry in their Sweetheart of the Rodeo days).

He was rightfully inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame as well as the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Country DJ Hall of Fame.

That voice entertained and educated country music fans for two generations.  And now it's sadly silent.

Ralph Emery was 88.

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She's ever so gracious to provide wonderful tributes to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.