The COVID-19 virus has been ravaging the world, showing no interest in the wealth or popularity of victims. This was evident today (3/29) with the death of country singer Joe Diffie.
Diffie announced on Friday (3/27) that he had been diagnosed with the virus and was "under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment." Other than the request for "privacy for my family," there was no indication how serious his condition was.
Joe Diffie was born in Tulsa in 1958. He went to Nashville in the mid-80s, taking a job at Gibson Guitars and pitching songs he was writing. His break came when Hank Thompson recorded one of his songs, followed soon by Holly Dunn scoring a hit with Diffie's "There Goes My Heart Again."
Diffie began recording on his own, and the hits came quickly. Thanks to his traditional-sounding voice that impressed fans and fellow performers alike, the "neo-traditional" fans embraced him as well as the "new country" lovers. His debut single, "Home," topped the charts; in fact, his first four singles (the aforementioned hit, "If You Want Me To," "If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)," and "New Way (To Light Up an Old Flame)") were top two hits.
Although his popularity weaned Diffie was still popular among his fans and the Grand Ole Opry, where he was a member for 25 years.
This is the second Opry loss in a day: "Grand Lady of the Grand Ole Opry" Jan Howard passed away on March 28th.
Joe Diffie was just 61.
Artist reflections on Joe Diffie:
"What a sad weekend for our country music and Grand Ole Opry families with the passing of Jan Howard and now Joe Diffie. Joe was a great singer...his record of "Ships That Don't Come In" is one of my all-time favorite performances. I always knew when I introduced him at the Opry that the fans were about to be well entertained. Joe will certainly be missed."
–Bill Anderson
"Beyond sadness. Beyond a loss for words. My thoughts and prayers for his family and fans."
–Billy Ray Cyrus
"We are devastated to hear about the passing of Joe Diffie today. We met Joe and became friends with him right after his first hits in the early 1990s. We will miss him so much and are sending our prayers to his family."
–David Bellamy, Bellamy Brothers
"I'm heartbroken to hear that my friend, Joe Diffie, has passed at just 61. I had so much admiration for Joe. He was a wonderful friend and a super talented singer and songwriter. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked to name some of my favorite younger country singers and over the years, Joe Diffie was always one on the top of the list. Whenever we worked a show together, I always wanted to stand on the side and listen. We have lost one of the best country singers that ever lived."
–Gene Watson
“The minute I heard “Pickup Man,” I thought, what a perfect song for him! He was a good ole boy’, all around kinda guy. He was like tv’s Tim Allen from ‘Home Improvement.’ Relatable and kind. Country music lost one of the good guys today.”
–Naomi Judd
“We just lost one of the best singers this town has ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with Joe Diffie’s family.”
–Phil Vassar
"Sometimes I hear bad news, and over and over again in that cold empty space, I think if I wait a minute or two, the news will change, but it's final. Joe Diffie, one of our best singers and my buddy, is gone. We are the same age, so it's very scary. I will miss his voice, his laughter, his songs. My thoughts go out to his entire family. I'll love you always Joe and am so grateful you were in my life."
–Tanya Tucker
"I’m heartbroken and in shock just like all of you over this awful news. Joe Diffie possessed one of the most incredible pure country voices on the planet, and he was always so much fun to be around. My prayers are with his family at this sad time. Rest In Peace ol’ pal."
–Steve Wariner
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