Nashville-Related Music Obituaries 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, MusicRow honors its annual tradition of saying final goodbyes to the members of our entertainment community we lost during the year.

We bid farewell to such recording artists as Toby Keith, Jo-El Sonnier, Margo Smith, Roni Stoneman, Kinky Friedman, Sandy Posey, the Oak Ridge Boys’ Joe Bonsall, Mandisa, Duane Eddy and Kris Kristofferson.

Kris is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, an institution that lost an extraordinary number of its members in 2024. Inductees Wayland Holyfield, Mark James, Dave Loggins, Will Jennings, Hugh Prestwood and Billy Edd Wheeler also passed away.

The bluegrass world lost such talents as Frank Wakefield, Bobby Hicks, Ben Eldridge, Len Holsclaw, Audie Blaylock, Jim Mills, Randall Collins and Cliff Waldron.

A number of Nashville music-industry contributors also left us this year. They include Buzz Cason, Jimmy Gilmer, Erv Woolsey, Pat Rolfe, Joe Scaife, Mary Martin, Martha Sharp, Mike Martinovich, Marty Gamblin, Sam Cerami and Randy Rayburn.

With warm memories and fond thoughts we salute them all.

MIKE POSTON, 75, died Jan. 3.
Nashville audio engineer. Founded Audio Services Group representing brands Sony Pro Audio, Brysyon, PMC Speakers, Merging Technologies, etc. in 1980s & 1990s. Introduced first Mitsubishi digital 32-track tape machine to Nashville. Engineered albums for Chet Atkins & duet partners Jerry Reed, Lenny Breau, Suzy Bogguss, Roger Whittaker, Mark Knopfler, Tommy Emmanuel. Formerly with Studio Supply Company. Prominent in Audio Engineering Society’s Nashville chapter.

LARRY COLLINS, 79, died Jan. 5.
Hit country songwriter noted for “Delta Dawn” (Tanya Tucker 1972, Helen Reddy 1973), “Pecos Promenade” (Tanya Tucker 1980), “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma” (David Frizzell & Shelly West 1981), “Any Which Way You Can” (Glen Campbell 1981). Songs also recorded by Mac Davis, Nancy Sinatra, Lou Rawls, Alex Harvey, Bette Midler, etc. Previously a child star in The Collins Kids with older sister Lorrie Collins (1942-2018). Regulars on TV’s Town Hall Party beginning 1954 when he was 10 & she was 12. Tutored as hotshot rockabilly electric guitarist by the show’s Joe Maphis (1921-1986), with whom he recorded an instrumental EP 1958. Collins Kids’ hopped-up hillbilly style showcased on Columbia Records 1955-59, including rockabilly classics “Beetle Bug Bop,” “Hoy Hoy,” “Rock and Roll Polka,” “Soda Poppin’ Around,” “Party,” “Hush Money,” “Mama Worries,” “Rockaway Rock.” He wrote duo’s “In My Teens,” “Hot Rod,” ”Whistle Bait,” ”Hop Skip and Jump” plus his instrumentals “T-Bone” and “Hurricane.” Collins Kids came to Nashville 1956 to perform on first television broadcast of Grand Ole Opry. Also guested on The Ozark Jubilee and on variety shows hosted by Steve Allen, Arthur Godfrey, Tony Bennett, Jack Carson. Duo appeared in 1956 movie Music Around the World. Siblings reunited for TV appearances in 1960s, Nevada casino shows in 1970s, rockabilly revival festivals in 1990s. Collins a mainstay of California country scene for decades. Also a golf pro.

EARL WEST, 79, died Jan. 10.
Bass player and harmony vocalist in Appalachian Express bluegrass band. Several albums for Rebel Records.

AUDIE BLAYLOCK, 62, died Jan. 10.
Bluegrass guitarist and tenor singer. Leader of band Redline for 20 years with 11 albums 2004-24. Also worked with Deadwood (1981-83), Jimmy Martin (1983-92), Bill Napier (1984), Lynn Morris (1988), Chris Warner (1989), Red Allen (1991-93), Harley Allen (1996-97), Rhonda Vincent (2000-04), Michael Cleveland (2006-08). Solo album Trains Are the Only Way to Fly (2001).

JO-EL SONNIER, 77, died Jan. 13.
Cajun country artist noted for “I’ve Been Around Enough to Know” (1975), “Come On Joe” (1987), “No More One More Time” (1988), “Tear Stained Letter” (1988), “If Your Heart Should Ever Roll This Way Again” (1989). Accordion player since age 3, on radio by age 6, first recordings at age 11. Recorded for Goldband, Mercury, RCA, Capitol, Green Hill, Rounder and several smaller labels in both English and Cajun French. Grammy for best regional roots album for The Legacy 2015. Albums Cajun Pride (1997) and Cajun Blood (2021) both Grammy nominated. Eight music videos. Inducted into Louisiana Music Hall of Fame 2009. Acting appearance in HBO series True Detective.

DON KOCH, 62, died Jan. 15.
Hit Christian-music songwriter, co-founder of Red Street Records with Jay DeMarcus. Won six GMA Dove Awards including Song Of The Year (1994, “In Christ Alone”), Inspirational Recorded Song Of The Year (1993 & 2006 for “In Christ Alone;” 1999 for “Adonai”), produced Inspirational Album Of The Year (1994’s The Season Of Love by 4Him plus 1993’s Generation To Generation by Benson Family of Artists). Had 38 No.1 hits as songwriter. Best known songs include “In Christ Alone,” “Mercy Said No,” “Adonai,” “Mercy Came Running,” “Jesus Saves,” “Land of Mercy.” Publisher & producer working with artists 4Him, Newsong, Avalon, Charles Billingsley, Al Denson, Dallas Holm, Matthew Ward, etc.

MARGO SMITH, 84, died Jan. 23.
Country hit maker of 1970s & 1980s. Came to Nashville 1975 to record self-penned “There I Said It,” “Paper Lovin’” for 20th Century Records. Signed by Warners, hit charts with self-written “Love’s Explosion,” “Take My Breath Away,” “My Weakness” 1976-77. Biggest hits via chart-topping revivals of pop oldies “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You,” “It Only Hurts for a Little While,” “Little Things Mean a Lot,” all 1978. Adopted sexy personna 1979-80 for “Still a Woman” & “He Gives Me Diamonds, You Give Me Chills.” Continued to make charts throughout 1980s with solo singles & duets with Rex Allen Jr. such as 1980’s “Cup of Tea.” On independent labels AMI, Moon Shine, Bermuda Dunes, Payback beginning 1982. Noted for yodel talent, marketing TV albums such as 1983’s The Best of the Tennessee Yodeler. Became Christian country music artist 1990s with daughter Holly on several hits on Homeland label. Named “Vocal Duo of the Year” by Christian Country Music Association 1994. Marketed yodel-instruction tapes in later years & recorded for Lamon Records. Released 18 albums, charted 27 singles during career. (real name: Betty Lou Miller).

TONY LAIOLO, 74, died Jan. 31.
Singer-songwriter. Organized Writers in the Round gigs at Douglas Corner, Radio Cafe, Norm’s River Roadhouse. Hosted weekly “Uncle Tony’s Roadhouse” at Brown’s Diner.

TOBY KEITH, 62, died Feb. 5.
Country Music Hall of Fame; Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame; national Songwriters Hall of Fame; CMA Male Vocalist of Year 2001; ACM Male Vocalist of Year 2000 & 2003; ACM Entertainer of Year 2002 & 2003. Had 40 top-10 hits, 20 No. 1 hits. BMI’s Country Songwriter of Year three times & Icon Award 2022. Highly successful businessman with own label, nightclub chain, foods etc. Iconic performances include “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” (1993), “I’m So Happy I Can’t Stop Crying” (with Sting, 1997), “How Do You Like Me Now?” (1999), “Courtesy of the Red White and Blue” (2002), “Beer for My Horses” (with Willie Nelson, 2002), “I Love This Bar” (2003), “As Good As I Once Was” (2005), “Red Solo Cup” (2011). Emotional end-of-life performance “Don’t Let the Old Man In” a 2023 viral sensation. Previously worked as oil-field roughneck, bricklayer, rodeo hand, semi-pro football player (defensive end Oklahoma City Drillers). Played bars with Easy Money band. Signed to Mercury/Polydor/A&M, scored with “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” most-played country single of 1990s. Top-10s continued with “He Ain’t Worth Missing,” “A Little Less Talk,” “Wish I Didn’t Know Now,” “Who’s That Man” (No. 1), “Upstairs Downtown,” “You Ain’t Much Fun” 1993-95. Big hits 1996-98: “Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine On You,” “A Woman’s Touch,” “Me Too” (No. 1), “We Were in Love,” “I’m So Happy I Can’t Stop Crying,” “Dream Walkin’.” Signed to DreamWorks & scored 1999-2005 No. 1 smashes: “How Do You Like Me Now,” “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This,” “I’m Just Talkin’ About Tonight,” “I Wanna Talk About Me,” “My List” (CMA 2001 Single of the Year), “Courtesy of the Red White & Blue,” “Beer for My Horses,” “Who’s Your Daddy?,” “I Love This Bar,” “American Soldier,” “Whiskey Girl,” “As Good As I Once Was,” plus top-10 hits “Country Comes to Town,” “Stays in Mexico,” “Honkytonk U,” “Big Blue Note.” Maverick persona meant remaining in Oklahoma rather than relocating to Music City and mistrusting Music Row machinery. Formed own record label, Show Dog. Successful businessman also with “I Love This Bar” restaurant chain, publishing company, Oklahoma real estate, etc. Top-10 hits 2006-2012: “Get Drunk and Be Somebody,” “A Little Too Late,” “High Maintenance Woman,” “Love Me If You Can” (No. 1), “She Never Cried in Front of Me” (No. 1), “God Love Her” (No. 1), “American Pride” (No. 1), “Cryin’ for Me,” “Made in America” (No. 1), “Red Solo Cup,” “Beers Ago.” Top-30 hit 2004 “Mockingbird” duet with daughter Krystal. Star-studded Nashville tribute concert 2024 drew high ratings.

ALAN SHAPIRO, 76, died Feb. 11.
Longtime sales & marketing executive at Warners. General manager of Giant Records office in Nashville 1994-97, launching Clay Walker. Leadership Music class 1996.

LEN HOLSCLAW, 90, died Feb. 19.
Manager of The Country Gentlemen for 25 years. Founding member of International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Also managed singer-songwriter Randall Hylton.

RONI STONEMAN, 85, died Feb. 22.
Member CMA Award winning The Stonemans, longtime comedian & musician on Hee Haw. “The First Lady of the Banjo,” Youngest daughter of Country Music Hall of Famer Ernest V. “Pop” Stoneman (1893-1968). He and wife Hattie Frost Stoneman (1900-1976) had 23 children, 15 of whom survived to adulthood, seven of whom formed family band with him. She joined family act 1947. Perfected three-finger bluegrass banjo. Tapped to play on American Banjo: Tunes & Songs in Scruggs Style 1959, regarded as the first bluegrass album. Stonemans popular at folk & bluegrass festival stages 1960s. Group began recording for Starday 1962, relocated to Nashville 1965, produced by Jack Clement on LPs for MGM and RCA. Own syndicated TV series, Those Stonemans 1966-67. Long-running headline act Black Poodle in Printer’s Alley with Roni’s solo the comedic “Dirty Old Egg-Sucking Dog.” Stonemans won inaugural CMA Vocal Group of Year award 1967. After he died, 1969’s Pop Stoneman Memorial Album contained previously recorded Roni/Pop duet on “The Mountaineer’s Courtship.” Roni left group for solo career 1971, joined cast of Hee Haw 1973. Episodes showcased her banjo virtuosity, became even more beloved for braying, gap-teethed, ironing-board harpy “Ida Lee Nagger” character shrieking one liners at shiftless drunk husband, “LaVerne” (Gordie Tapp). Headlined as solo at Disneyworld, entertaining 250,000 there 1976. Appeared in 1975 film W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings starring Burt Reynolds. On Volunteer Jam 1976. Acclaimed 1981 double LP The First Family of Country Music showcased her + nine Stoneman siblings. Launched Roni Stoneman’s Music Park in Kentucky 1989, leading to bankruptcy when it failed. Hee Haw continued. In addition to “Ida Lee,” she was “Mophead” maid in “Empty Arms Hotel” skits. Also starred in Hee Haw Banjo Band. Hee Haw most successful and longest lived syndicated TV program in history. Solo singles on Chart, Dot, Playback, Spin Chek. With Hee Haw until 1991. In 1992, formed all-female band The Daisy Maes. Worked bluegrass-festival circuit with Formal Grass. Booked shows into early 2000s — country nightclubs, bluegrass festivals, college campuses. Solo CD, Bummin’ Around, with sister Donna on The Legend Continues, with sisters Patsy & Donna on The Stoneman Tradition. Autobiography, Pressing On, 2007. She and Stonemans into Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame 2021.

ARTHUR E. RICH, 58, died Feb. 24.
Touring professional. Stage manager for Keith Urban, production manager for The Judds. Toured with many other Nashville acts. Began as lighting designer, production crew member for Michael Jackson.

AL JONES, 92, died March 2.
Guitarist-singer who was 40-year bluegrass partner of Frank Necessary. Also played with Earl Taylor, Johnny Whisnant, own band Spruce Mountain Boys. Recorded for Rounder, Rebel, Webco, Old Homestead, Patuxent labels.

GENE ELDERS, 73, died March 3.
Fiddler in George Strait’s Ace in the Hole band for 40 years. Also 11 years in Lyle Lovett’s band. Bluegrass multi-instrumentalist who recorded with Lost & Found, Larry Sparks, Knoxville Grass, Jim Eanes, Northern Lights, McPeak Brothers, Claire Lynch, etc. Toured with Goose Creek Symphony, Southland Grass, Woodsmoke. Appeared in 1983 documentary film Southern Mountain Fiddlers.

BRIT TURNER, 57, died March 3.
Co-founder and drummer of southern rock band Blackberry Smoke. With Turner, Blackberry Smoke released seven studio albums including 2021’s You Hear Georgia, which celebrated their 20th anniversary as a band.

OZZY OSMENT, 71, died March 5.
Fiddler for Tom T. Hall in 1970s/80s. Also backed Faron Young, Brenda Lee, Ed Bruce, Kenny Chesney, Joe Rucker. Active in R.O.P.E. (Reunion of Professional Entertainers). (Full name: William Osment).

ANTHONY S. SCARLATI, 63, died March 8.
Photographer of Leiper’s Fork, TN with many music subjects — Dolly, Doobies, BB King, Billy Gibbons, Tom Petty, Marty Stuart, Keb Mo, Billy Bob Thornton, Jeffrey Steele, etc. Published in BMI Music World, Jazz Times, Bass Player, Country Music Weekly, Nashville Arts, Living Blues, Guitar Player, People.com. House photographer for Music City Roots, Franklin Theatre.

FRAN BOYD, 84, died March 9.
Executive Director for the Academy of Country Music. Was the organization’s first paid employee when she was hired as an executive secretary in 1968. Rose through the ranks and named Executive Director in 1995.

C.J. FLANIGAN, 76, died March 9.
Photographer chiefly noted as a presence at Jack Clement’s Cowboy Arms Hotel & Recording Spa, documenting Waylon, Cash, Pride, Bono, as well as “outlaw” figures such as Billy Joe Shaver, Tompall Glaser, Lee Clayton. Champion of iconoclastic, fantasy Nashville painter Werner Wilder. Also a song publisher. (Full name: Catherine J. Flanigan).

MALCOLM HOLCOMBE, 68, died March 9.
Americana singer-songwriter. Recorded 18 albums, 2022’s Bits & Pieces was most recent; 1999’s A Hundred Lies and 2008’s Gamblin’ House were most acclaimed. Intense, fiery live performer. North Carolina native served stint in Nashville 1990-99 writing for Bug Music. Worked in kitchen at Douglas Corner Cafe. Shared stages with Shelby Lynne, Merle Haggard, Leon Russell, John Hammond, Cat Power, Wilco, Richard Thompson, Tony Arata, others. Studio collaborators included Maura O’Connell, Ray Kennedy, Tony Joe White, Darrell Scott.

STEVE LOWRY, 63, died March 10.
Photographer who covered the Nashville music industry extensively. Omnipresent at awards shows, celebrations, showcases and Music Row events. Formerly on staff at Nashville Banner and TNN. In-house photographer at Ryman Auditorium for 14 years. Photos published in Billboard, Rolling Stone, MusicRow, American Songwriter, Tennessean and many more periodicals.

ERV WOOLSEY, 80, died March 20.
Manager of George Strait for 45 years. At various times, also guided careers of Lee Ann Womack, Ronnie Milsap, Dierks Bentley, Clay Walker. Formerly in radio promotion at Decca, ABC, MCA. Owned Prairie Rose nightclub in San Marcos, Texas, plus Nashville hotspots Losers, The Dog House, Winners, The Trap. Recent management clients included Ian Munsick, Davisson Brothers, Kylie Frey, Triston Marez, Nick Davisson, Zach Neil, Stone Senate, Vince Herman.

JUDY LEE, 89, died March 20.
Guitarist-singer-yodeler in all-female country band The Rhythm Queens. Fronted by Betty Amos (1934-2021), act signed with Starday Records 1963. Billed as Betty Amos With Judy & Jean, trio issued 10 singles with her on lead guitar, Betty Amos on banjo, sister Jean Amos on bass. Notable for bluegrass-trucker tune “18 Wheels A’Rolling,” mountaineer ditty “Franklin County Moonshine,” yodel showcase “Second Fiddle (To an Old Guitar),” a hit for Jean Shepard. Many appearances on Grand Ole Opry, Wheeling Jamboree, Louisiana Hayride, USO tours. (Real name: Alice Schreiber).

NORAH LEE ALLEN, 76, died March 31.
Longtime member of Grand Ole Opry band in enduring harmonizing quartet of backup vocalists. Member Kentucky Music Hall of Fame (2022). In childhood, idolized pop/country superstar Patti Page, whom she later sang with. Began career in family gospel group The Stuart Sisters Trio 1960s. Hired as vocalist by The Chuck Wagon Gang 1968. Hired by Benson Company in Nashville 1970s, serving both office and recording-studio functions. Graduated to steady session work, backing gospel, bluegrass, country artists (Conway Twitty, Jerome Hines, etc.). Began Opry career 1975, hired full-time 1980 for Carol Lee Singers then Opry Staff Singers. For more than 50 years, backed Nashville superstars Urban, Vince, Dolly, Cash, Carrie, Garth, Martina, Olivia, Loretta, hundreds of others. Wife of Oak Ridge Boys lead singer Duane Allen (m. 1969).

BUCKY WILKIN, 77, died April 6.
Nashville singer-songwriter famed for writing and performing 1964 pop smash “G.T.O.” as “Ronny Dayton,” leader of Ronny & The Daytonas. Also wrote or cowrote group’s five charting follow-ups “California Bound,” “Sandy,” “Somebody to Love Me,” “Dianne Dianne,” “I’ll Think of Summer” 1964-67. Also recorded pop songs as “Buzz & Bucky” duo with Buzz Carson, notably 1965’s “Tiger-A-Go-Go” which they cowrote. Wilkin also co-wrote with former roommate Kris Kristofferson (“Blame It On the Stones,” “Apocalypse 1969,” “Screaming Metaphysical Blues,” etc.). Began career age 8 as child performer on Ozark Jubilee & Junior Jubilee TV shows alongside Brenda Lee. Following teenage Ronny & The Daytonas breakthrough, recorded solo LPs for Liberty (1970’s In Search of Food, Clothing, Shelter and Sex) and United Artists (1971’s Buck Wilkin). Songs recorded by Ray Charles, Bobby Vee, Southern Pacific, Beach Boys, Hondells, Bobbie Gentry, Wayne Newton, Alex Chilton, Odetta, Bobby Goldsboro, Robert Knight, Swinging Blue Jeans, Dickey Lee, Chordettes, Frankie Laine. Session guitarist on records by Waylon, Baez, Kinky, Jessi Colter, Kristofferson, John Stewart, Steve Goodman, Bob Lind, Hedge & Donna, Dory Previn. Son of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Marijohn Wilkin (1920-2006). (Full name: John William Wilkin).

GABE PATILLO, 42, died April 12.
TobyMac Diverse City member, contributing background vocals and choreography and co-producing tours. Son of Gospel Music Association President Jackie Patillo.

JOHN EARL HARTRIDGE, 78, died April 13.
Entrepreneur in Nashville music businesses Bullseye Marketing & Research and The Nashville Country Club. Formerly in radio at WDEN (Macon), WXTU (Philadelphia), WUSY (Chattanooga), Colonial Broadcasting.

BEN ELDRIDGE, 85, died April 14.
Bluegrass banjo legend. Co-founded The Seldom Scene & remained a member for 44 years. Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductee 2014. Authored book On Banjo — Recollections, Licks and Solos.

CARL SCOTT, 85, died April 17.
Senior Vice President of Artist Relations & Development at Warners in L.A. 1971-2003, creating template for entire industry. Huge influence on early career of k.d.lang, champion of Brenda Lee during her 1980s tenure at label.

DICKEY BETTS, 80, died April 18.
Founding member of Southern rock group Allman Brothers Band. Writer of its hits “Ramblin’ Man,” “Jessica,” “Crazy Love,” “Revival,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” “Whipping Post,” others. (Full name: Forrest Richard Betts).

MANDISA, 47, died April 18.
Nashville gospel great. Competed on American Idol 2006. Five Grammy Award nominations. Three million-selling singles. Five albums. Grammy win for 2014 CD Overcomer. Christian chart-topping hits included “Stronger,” “Waiting for Tomorrow.” Many Dove Awards. Formerly in Fisk Jubilee Singers. Memoir/autobiography: Out of the Dark 2022. (Full name: Mandisa Lynn Hundley).

BEV PAUL, 76, died April 19.
Marketing, sales, promotion and publicity maven at Sugar Hill Records 1991-2007. Guided releases by Nickel Creek, Dolly Parton, Gibson Brothers, Jim Mills, etc. In early career, manager of Gaslight club in Fayetteville, NC, program director at WQDR in Raleigh, buyer at Record Bar retailer. Former board member of International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Boosted creation of Americana Music Association. Consultant for Merlefest roots-music festival.

BETTY MULLICAN ORR, 87, died April 25.
Former National Life and WSM employee in payroll, as well as an executive assistant at the Nashville Banner and a vocalist in a 1970s touring gospel quartet. Daughter of 1940s & 1950s country star Moon Mullican (1909-1967) (“I’ll Sail My Ship Alone,” “Sweeter Than the Flowers” “New Jole Blon,” etc.)

CHUCK WENTWORTH, 72, died April 25.
Roots-music program director at WRIU-FM in Kingston, RI. Organized Winterhawk bluegrass festival, coordinated early Fan Fest events for IBMA, advisory board for Bluegrass Museum in Owensboro, KY. Former IBMA board member.

FRANK WAKEFIELD, 89, died April 26.
Innovative bluegrass mandolinist. Stints in Blue Ridge Mountain Boys, Chain Mountain Boys, Franklin County Boys, Jimmy Martin, Stanley Brothers, Greenbriar Boys in 1950s & 1960s. Solo from 1968 on with 10 LPs. Recorded for Rounder, Rebel, Starday, Vanguard, United Artists, Patuxent. Appeared with Leonard Bernstein & New York Philharmonic (1967), Boston Pops Orchestra (1968). Also noted for collaborations with Red Allen, Good Old Boys, Leon Morris. Mentor to David Grisman, Kathy Kallick.

ROY CARTER, 68, died April 29.
Co-founder of High Sierra Music Festival and DelFest. Known for booking bands very early in their careers such as Billy Strings, the Revivalists, Avett Brothers and the Lumineers.

TOM FOOTE, 71, died April 29.
Longtime road manager for George Strait. As the former drummer for Strait’s Ace In The Hole Band, Foote transitioned to his tour manager in 1983.

DUANE EDDY, 86, died April 30.
Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame member famed for series of reverb-heavy, twang-drenched recordings of 1950s & 1960s. The most successful solo rock instrumentalist in history, influenced George Harrison, Ventures, Shadows, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Bruce Springsteen, Ry Cooder, hundreds more. Born in New York State, moved to Arizona 1955 & began working with producer Lee Hazelwood (1929-2007). They crafted 1958’s “Movin’ N Groovin,” “Rebel Rouser,” “Ramrod” and “Cannonball,” followed by 1959’s “The Lonely Ones,” “Yep,” “Peter Gunn Theme,” “Forty Miles of Bad Road,” “The Quiet Three,” “Some Kind-a Earthquake” and “First Love, First Tears.” Other early singles “Bonnie Came Back,” “Kommotion,” “Shazam!,” “Because They’re Young,” “Theme From Dixie,” “Drivin’ Home” and “My Blue Heaven,” all on Jamie label. Signed with RCA & had hits with The Rebelettes (Darlene Love & The Blossoms) on 1962-63 singles “Dance With the Guitar Man,” “Boss Guitar,” “Lonely Boy, Lonely Guitar” and “Your Baby’s Gone Surfin.’” One of the few teen idols to emphasize albums — Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel (1958), Especially For You (1959), The Twang’s the Thang (1960), Songs of Our Heritage (1960), $1,000,000 Worth of Twang (1960), Because They’re Young (1960), Girls! Girls! Girls! (1961), Twistin’ and Twangin’ (1962), Twangy Guitar Silky Strings (1962), $1,000,000 Worth of Twang Vol. 2 (1962), Twistin’ With Duane Eddy (1962), In Person (1963), Twangin’ Up a Storm (1963), Surfin’ With Duane Eddy (1963), Twang a Country Song (1963), Lonely Guitar (1964), Water Skiing (1964) Twangin’ the Golden Hits (1964), Duane A Go Go Go (1965), Duane Eddy Does Bob Dylan (1965) and The Roaring Twangies (1967). Appeared on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand TV show more than any other artist. By the close of the 1960s, Eddy had placed 30 titles on pop charts & had sold 100 million records worldwide. His band The Rebels featured Al Casey, Steve Douglas, Jim Horn, Larry Knechtel, Plas Johnson, pioneering female instrumentalist Corky Casey, all of whom later became top L.A. session musicians. Shy demeanor and striking good looks made him a teen heartthrob. Featured in movies Because They’re Young (1960), A Thunder of Drums (1961), The Wild Westerners (1962), The Savage Seven (1968), The Kona Coast (1968), Sing a Country Song (1973). Also appeared in two episodes of TV series Have Gun Will Travel. Scored 1961 movie Ring of Fire. Moved to Los Angeles. Hits drawn from film or TV soundtracks Peter Gunn, Pepe, Gidget Goes Hawaiian and The Ballad of Palladin (Have Gun Will Travel). In 1972, joined B.J. Thomas & The Blossoms on hit single “Rock and Roll Lullaby.” In 1973, produced Phil Everly album Star Spangled Springer, which contained the future Hollies hit “The Air That I Breathe.” In 1975, had huge international hit “Play Me Like You Play Your Guitar.” In 1977, appeared on country charts with “You Are My Sunshine,” with vocals by Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings. Moved to Nashville. Grammy Award for collaboration with Art of Noise on new version of “Peter Gunn” 1986. Comeback album 1987 included Ry Cooder, Paul McCartney, Jeff Lynne, John Fogerty, George Harrison, James Burton, David Lindley, Steve Cropper. Music included in soundtracks of such 1990s films as Forrest Gump, Natural Born Killers, Broken Arrow, Milk Money and Scream 2. Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame induction 1994. Gretsch Guitar Company Duane Eddy 6120 Signature Model 1998. The Paul Revera Company Duane Eddy Model amplifier 1999. Guitar Player magazine Legend Award 2004. Musicians Hall of Fame induction 2008. Stagecoach festival concert appearance 2014. On Dan Auerbach album Waiting on a Song 2017. Formerly married to singer Miriam Johnson/Jessi Colter 1962-68.

JIM MILLS, 57, died May 3.
Award-winning banjo player. Longtime member of Ricky Skaggs band Kentucky Thunder. Also gigs with Summer Wages, Bass Mountain Boys, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Sideman on records by Vince, Dolly, etc. Solo albums on Sugar Hill. International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) banjo Player of Year honoree six times. IBMA Instrumental Album of the Year for Bound To Ride. Six Grammy Awards. Banjo historian with 2009 book on Gibson pre-war banjos. Retired from the road 2010 & became rare-instrument dealer.

WAYLAND HOLYFIELD, 82, died May 6.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member with five-decade career on Music Row, 40+ top-10 hits, 14 No.1’s, dozens of classics. Arkansas native moved to Nashville 1972. First hit Johnny Russell’s 1973 “Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer.” Wrote first No. 1 record 1975 Don Williams hit “You’re My Best Friend.” Williams also sang his “She Never Knew Me” & their cowritten “Til the Rivers All Run Dry” 1976. Also 1976: Crystal Gayle “I’ll Do It All Over Again” (Holyfield/Bob McDill). Hits continued with Charley Pride 1977 “I’ll Be Leaving Alone” (Holyfield/Dickey Lee), plus Don Williams “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend.”  In 1978, Mel Street “If I Had a Cheating Heart,” 1979 Ronnie Milsap No.1 “Nobody Likes Sad Songs.” 
Anne Murray 1980 Grammy winner “Could I Have This Dance” love theme for the hit movie Urban Cowboy remains a popular wedding anthem. Songwriting hits continued via “I’ll Need Someone to Hold Me (When I Cry)”(Janie Fricke 1981), “Never Been So Loved in My Life” (Charley Pride 1981), “You’ll Be Back (Every Night)” (Statler Brothers 1981), “You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had” (Ed Bruce 1981), “Put Your Dreams Away” (Mickey Gilley 1982), “Tears of the Lonely (Gilley 1982), “Don’t Count the Rainy Days” (Michael Martin Murphey 1983), “Your Love Shines Through” (Gilley 1983), “You’re Going Out of My Mind” (T.G. Sheppard 1985), “Break Away” (Gail Davies 1985), “(I Wish I Had) A Heart of Stone” (Bailiie & The Boys 1989), “Only Here For a Little While” (Billy Dean 1990), “Down in Tennessee” (John Anderson 1990).Holyfield named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year 1982. A 1992 inductee into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, he collaborated with fellow Hall of Fame members Gary Nicholson, Norro Wilson, Richard Leigh, plus McDill, Williams, Russell, Lee. Wrote “Arkansas You Run Deep in Me” 1986. selected as the state song 1987, performed it at Clinton presidential inauguration 1993. Forceful advocate on behalf of songwriting community. First Nashville songwriter elected to national ASCAP Board of Directors. Served as president of NSAI, Chairman of Nashville Songwriters Foundation, boards of Recording Academy, Nashville Entertainment Association. Testified before Congress on songwriter issues.

LARRY GARRIS, 75, died May 11.
Founder/owner of Corner Music, supplying Nashvillians with instruments and gear since 1976.

BUD LOGAN, 83, died May 13.
Hit country producer noted for string of 23 top-10 hits by John Conlee (“Rose Colored Glasses,” etc.), career launching hits by T. Graham Brown (“I Tell It Like It Used to Be,” etc.). Also produced Roy Head, Jeff Knight, B.J. Thomas, Shane Barnby, Johnny Lee, Dana McVicker. Began career as bass player & lead singer in Jim Reeves band The Blue Boys. Recorded with band (1968’s “I’m Not Ready Yet,” etc.), plus as solo for RCA (1968-69), Mercury (1970-71). Duet partner with Wilma Burgess (1974’s “Wake Me Into Love,” etc.). Songwriter with recordings by Ernest Tubb (1966’s “Till My Getup Has Gotup and Gone”), Charlie Rich, Jean Shepard, Billy Large, etc. (full name: Ira Robert Logan).

CLAUDIA PERRY, 64, died May 16.
Music journalist for Richmond Times-Dispatch, Houston Post, Star-Ledger (Jersey City, NJ), Chicago Tribune, etc. Grammy nominee with others for liner notes to 1998’s landmark From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music boxed set. Four-day winner on TV’s Jeopardy. Member of Rock ’n’ Roll nominating committee. Also: president of Society for American Baseball Research.

PAT ROLFE, 77, died May 24.
Music publisher, ASCAP exec, SOURCE co-founder. Began career at Hill & Range, working with Elvis, Cash, Bill Monroe, Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow, Marty Robbins, etc. Became G.M. 1972, then rose to V.P. at Chappell. Pitched many hits. Firm named ASCAP Publisher of Year seven times during her tenure. Hired by ASCAP 1987-2010, where she also became a V.P. Among those she brought to ASCAP Tony Mullins, Deryl Dodd, Trevor Rosen, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Kear, Michael Knox, Chris Tompkins, Gerry House, Tim Ryan, Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Wynonna Judd. Co-founded SOURCE 1991 with Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris to champion women in music biz. Group’s banquet a cornerstone annual Music Row event. Also co-founded Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament. (Full name: Linda Patterson Rolfe).

MICHAEL PENNINGTON, 77, died May 27.
Former royalty accountant for gospel’s The Benson Company. Then created own Publishing Administrative Services Inc. on Music Row, handling financial matters for many top gospel acts. Also managed Barry Sadler’s catalog, including 1966 big hit “Ballad of the Green Berets.”

JOHN SCHWEERS, 78, died May 28.
Country songwriting great. Wrote such iconic songs as Pride’s “Amazing Love,” Milsap’s “Daydreams About Night Things,” Dave & Sugar’s “Golden Tears” and Trace Adkins’ “I Left Something Turned on at Home.” Career tally of 12 top-10 hits, 29 charted titles and seven No. 1 successes. Songs recorded by Sylvia, Barbara Mandrell (“No One Mends a Broken Heart Like You”), Eddy Arnold, Tammy, Loretta, David Wills, Johnny Russell, Mel Street, Susan Raye, Jim Ed Brown, Pruett, Wariner (“Your Memory”), Janie Fricke (“Do Me With Love”), R.C. Bannon, Butch Baker, Frizzell & West (“It’s a Be Together Night”), Louise Mandrell, Tom T. Hall. Oaks, Tanya, Kendalls, Don Williams, Osmonds, Waylon, Conway, Jeannie C. Riley, Charlie Louvin, Alabama (“Born Country”), George Jones, Mel McDaniel, Roy Clark, Daron Norwood & Travis Tritt (“Phantom of the Opry”), Larry Stewart, Neal McCoy, Rodriguez, Mark Wiils, Strait, Mississippi Mass Choir, Marty Raybon, Con Hunley, Don Everly, Brother Slade, Buck, Joe Nichols, etc. On 1978 album Nashville’s Master Songwriters Sing Their Hits. Career endured 1970s-2010s. Six time nominee for Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

WAYNE BLEDSOE, 83, died June 2.
Radio broadcaster on Missouri’s KUMR-FM with long-running “Bluegrass for a Saturday Night” show. Founder of magazine Bluegrass Now (1991-2011). IBMA Print/Media Person of the Year 1996. Former IBMA board member. Authored 20+ album liner-note essays. Sponsor of recurring bluegrass show at Silver Dollar City in Branson. Emcee of Fan Fest events during IBMA conventions in Owensboro, KY.

GERRIE LYNN, 86, died June 5.
Chicago-bred country singer who recorded for Starday/Nashville 1964-65. Presenting Gerrie Lynn album on Columbia. 1966. Best known single 1967’s “I’ll Pick Up the Pieces” answer song to Patsy’s “I Fall to Pieces.” Performed on Opry & Ralph Emery Show. Entertained troops in Vietnam 1968-69. (Real name: Geraldine C. Ballad)

MARY SACK, 55, died June 6.
Created Mary Sack Management 2002. Clients included Dave Olney, Scott Miller, Irene Kelley. Concert director for Nashville Shakespeare Festival, organizer of annual (18+ years) Second Harvest Food Bank benefit concerts saluting Tom Waits. Ubiquitous in Americana & Folk scenes. Began career at labels Naxos, Gold, Relentless Nashville, Rising Tide, Capricorn.

MARK JAMES, 83, died June 8.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member. Wrote enduring hits “Suspicious Minds,” “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Always On My Mind,” more. Began career in Houston hometown with several pop singles. Vietnam service. Moved to Memphis via Houston friend B.J. Thomas, who recorded “Eyes of a New York Woman” (1968), “Hooked on a Feeling” (1969) “It’s Only Love” (1969). Recorded “Suspicious Minds” for Scepter 1968, copied by Elvis 1969 as final No. 1 hit. Elvis also recorded James’s. “Raised on Rock” (1973), “Moody Blue” (1976).Issued self-titled debut LP on Bell Records. Label mates Partridge Family recorded several songs. Teamed with Johnny Christopher & Wayne Carson for “Always on My Mind:” Brenda (1972), Elvis (1973), John Wesley Ryles (1979), Willie (1982). Grammys as Song of Year & Country Song of Year plus CMA Song of the Year. Revived by Pet Shop Boys as dance-club smash (1988). Others hits “Sunday Sunrise” Brenda (1973) then Anne Murray (1973), “One Hell of a Woman” Mac Davis (1975), “Everybody Loves a Rain Song” B.J. Thomas (1978). Blue Swede revived “Hooked on a Feeling” as international smash 1974. Waylon & Jessi revived “Suspicious Minds” as country hit 1976.Songs recorded by Fine Young Cannibals, Persuasions, Dwight Yoakam, Roger Whittaker, Dee Dee Warwick, Helen Reddy, Johnny Winter, Del Reeves & Billie Jo Spears, B.B. King, Eddy Arnold, Englebert Humperdinck, Cissy Houston, Floyd Cramer, Little Milton, Stylistics, Charlie McCoy, Vicki Carr, Ray Peterson, Ronnie Milsap, Jose Feliciano, Sweet Inspirations, Percy Sledge, Lou Rawls, Box Tops, Millie Jackson, Al Hirt etc. Named one of BMI top songwriters of the 20th century in 2000. Inductee into national Songwriters Hall of Fame in NY 2014. (Real name: Francis Rodney Zambon)

WAYNE HOBBS, 72, died June 10.
Steel guitarist for Connie Smith, Barbara Mandrell, Don Ho, Forester Sisters, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill Anderson, Marty Robbins, etc. Appeared on Hee Haw & Grand Ole Opry. Solo single: “Time Piece on the Wall”/“Desert of Love” in 1963. (Full name: George Wayne Hobbs).

JOE SCAIFE, 68, died June 12.
Noted engineer, producer. Attended Belmont University, then began career as audio engineer. Worked Opry’s last Ryman performance & debut Opry House show 1974. Early audio engineering clients Dr. Hook, Oak Ridge Boys, Vince Gill. Highly successful in 1980s, engineering records by John Anderson, Tom Jones, Kathy Mattea, Reba, Alabama, Glen Campbell, Lionel Richie, Emmylou, Sawyer Brown, etc. Formed partnership with engineer Jim Cotton (1947-2003) at Music Mill recording studio, working with producer Harold Shedd. Billed “associate producers” on Shedd’s ‘80s Ladies by K.T. Oslin (1988), then full producers on Oslin’s later “Come Next Monday.”Scaife & Cotton produced Some Gave All, (1992) Billy Ray Cyrus including “Achy Breaky Heart” CMA Single of the Year. Continued as recording-studio engineer in 1990s for George Jones, Anne Murray, Waylon, Crystal, Shania, Toby, Sammy. Produced Montgomery Gentry hits “Lonely and Gone” (1999), “She Couldn’t Change Me” (2001), more. Produced Gretchen Wilson 2004, including “Redneck Woman,” “Here for the Party,” “When I Think About Cheatin,’” “Homewrecker,” “All Jacked Up,” etc. Also produced Ty Herndon, Jeff Foxworthy, Van Zant, others. Scaife also active in studio as session singer, percussionist. Formed song-publishing companies with hits “She Got the Best of Me” (2017, Luke Combs), “You Broke Up With Me” (2017 Walker Hayes). Son of Gospel Music Hall of Fame co-founder Cecil Scaife (1927-2009) & created Belmont scholarship in his name.

JEREMY TEPPER, 60, died June 14.
Program director of Sirius/XM Satellite Radio’s “Outlaw Country” and “Willie’s Roadhouse” country channels. Owner of Diesel Only Records, specializing in 45 rpm trucker tunes. Former frontman of the band The World Famous Blue Jays. Music journalist for Pulse, The Journal of Country Music, Street Beat, others. Husband of country singer Laura Cantrell.

BUZZ CASON, 84, died June 16.
Nashville pop-music pioneer, active as song publisher, artist, studio owner, ad-jingles vocalist, songwriter, producer, backup singer. Joined The Casuals 1956 while in high school, Nashville’s first rock & roll band. Wrote group’s 1957 “My Love Song for You.” Became Brenda Lee’s backup band. Also in doo-wop group The Statues with “Blue Velvet” 1960. Solo pop hit 1960’s “Look For a Star” as “Garry Miles.” Produced and joined The Crickets 1964. Joined Ronny & The Daytonas, wrote group’s 1965 hit “Sandy.” Recorded as “Buzz & Bucky” with Bucky Wilkin. Solo artist for Caprice, Janus, DJM, Mega, Warners, Capricorn, etc. Co-wrote “Tennessee” (1962, Jan & Dean), “Soldier of Love” (1963, Beatles), “Popsicle” (1966, Jan & Dean), “Rainbow Valley” (1968, Love Affair), “Ann Don’t Go Runnin’” (1972, Tommy Overstreet), “Love on a Mountaintop” (1973, Robert Knight), “Another Woman” (1975, T.G. Sheppard), “Bar Wars” (1978, Freddy Weller), “Fantasy Island” (1979, Freddy Weller), “A Million Old Goodbyes” (1981, Mel Tillis), “Timeless and True Love” (McCarter Sisters, Jeannie Kendall & Alan Jackson), “Love’s the Only House” (2000 Martina McBride). His co-written “Everlasting Love” (1967, Robert Knight), (1974 Carl Carlton), (1981 Rex Smith & Rachel Sweet), (1995 Gloria Estefan), many others. Songs also recorded by Charley Pride, Arthur Alexander, Marshall Crenshaw, U2, Pearl Jam, Oaks, Jerry Lee, Jerry Reed, Dolly, Rick Nelson, Bobby Vee, Gene Watson, Fleetwoods, Freddy Cannon, Placido Domingo, Derailers, Tommy Roe, Hanson, Dirt Band, David Essex, more. Music businessman who formed song-publishing company with Bobby Russell 1966. Published hits “Honey” (Bobby Goldsboro), “The Joker Went Wild” (Bryan Hyland), “Little Green Apples” (Roger Miller, O.C. Smith), “Sure Gonna Miss Her” (Gary Lewis & Playboys), “Bluer Than Blue” (Michael Johnson), “She Believes in Me” (Kenny Rogers). Co-wrote with Jimmy Buffett and administered his hit Coral Reefer catalog. Created own record labels Rising Sons & Elf. Built Creative Workshop studio, first music biz in Berry Hill. Olivia, Judds, Emmylou, Haggard, Doobie Brothers, Leon Russell, Melanie, Dolly, Faces/Rod Stewart recorded there. Record producer for Freddy Weller, Dickey Lee, Glaser Brothers, Buddy Knox, Mac Garden, Clifford Curry (“She Shot a Hole in My Soul” 1967). Sang ad jingles for R.C. Cola, Schlitz, Ford, Tab, Pabst, Burger King, Mountain Dew, HBO, 7-Up. Backup singer for Elvis, Tom Jones, John Denver, Kenny Rogers, Kristofferson, Orbison, Janie Fricke, B.W. Stevenson, Donna Fargo, Willie, Conway, etc. The voice of “Alvin” on several Chipmunks records. Solo albums included Buzz (1977), Caught Up in a Dream (1979), Hats Off to Hank (2008), Busload of Love (2009), Surf and Turf (2012), Troubadour Heart (2014), Record Machine (2015), Passion (2017), Billy & Buzz Sing Buddy (2018 with Billy Swan), Buzz Cason & Sons 2020, plus as leader of B.C. & The Dartz. Race-car driver via International Motor Sports Association, Music City Racing. Author of 2019 memoir, Living the Rock-n-Roll Dream. Producer of 2014 documentary Berry Hill: From Creative Workshop and Beyond. (Full name: James E. Cason).

DAVID EZELL, 85, died June 16.
Former record-promotion executive at Columbia, Stax, A&M, Dark Horse, Capricorn, Winter Harvest labels. Husband of Tennessee State Museum executive Lois Riggins Ezell.

JOE ELMORE, 80, died June 17.
Host of NPT’s Tennessee Crossroads show for 37 years, a fixture of Nashville public television. Previously did programming for TNN. Began career in Memphis as bass guitarist in high-school and college rock bands, then recorded and toured in Bill Black Combo 1960s-1980s. Also solo with “Ride on Rock and Roll” 1973 on Mega Records. Former news anchor/reporter and PM Magazine host at WHBQ-TV in Memphis.

RANDALL COLLINS, 84, died June 27.
Bluegrass fiddler with stints in Dixie Bluegrass Boys, Pinnacle Boys, Bill & Wilma Millsaps, Earl Taylor & Jim McCall, Carolina Buddies, Jim & Jesse, Boys From Indiana, James Monroe’s Midnight Ramblers, Dixie Grass, The Hoyles, Carl Story. Also occasional solo LPs. Appeared on Rounder, CMH, Rally, County, Atteiram labels. Bluegrass festival & concert promoter in Georgia.

KINKY FRIEDMAN, 79, died June 27.
Sold American (Vanguard, 1973), Kinky Friedman (ABC, 1974), Lasso From El Paso (Epic, 1976), Under the Double Ego (Sunrise, 1983). More than a dozen others. Toured with Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue 1975-76. Weekly residency at Lone Star Cafe in NY 1980s. Toured with Billy Joe Shaver. All-star tribute records Pearls In the Snow: The Songs of Kinky Friedman (1998), Why the Hell Not: The Songs of Kinky Friedman (2006). Began publishing 18 successful mystery novels 1986. Long-running column in Texas Monthly. Ran for office in Texas as Justice of the Peace, State Agricultural Commissioner, Governor. Known as “The Kinkster,” prominent fixture of alt-country scene in Austin. (Real name: Richard Samet Friedman).

ARTIE ROSE, 93, died June 28.
Multi-instrumentalist and record-label exec. Backed Harry & Jeanie West on Dobro for three albums on Prestige Records 1956-62. Formed Old Reliable String Band for one LP on Folkways 1962. Joined Dave Van Ronk’s Ragime Jug Stompers on Mercury 1963 and True Endeavor Jug Band on Prestige 1963. Photographer for Muleskinner News 1970s. Backed Red & Rusty Pine Hill Ramblers on Revonah 1976. Collaborator with mandolin master David Grisman on 1980 Sugar Hill LP Early Dawg. Founded Acoustic Disc Records with Grisman 1989.

HERB APPLIN, 86, died June 29.
Bluegrass singer-guitarist in New England. Noted for work with Joe Val, Don Stover, Lilly Brothers, Jim Rooney & Bill Keith, Berkshire Mountain Boys. Recordings for Rounder, Prestige.

RUSTY GOLDEN, 65, died July 1.
Singer-songwriter in The Boys Band 1981-84 on Elektra/Asylum. Band’s pop/rock clip “Runner” the first Nashville video on MTV. Charted with “Don’t Stop Me Baby” 1982. Self titled band LP 1982. In Golden Speer/The Goldens 1985-91 on Epic & Capitol. Three charting country singles/videos: “Take Me Back to The Country,” “Keep The Faith,” “Long Gone.” Goldens LP Rush For Gold 1990. Switched to gospel music, co-writing several No.1 Southern Gospel songs & two Song of Year award winners “What Salvation’s Done for Me” (Booth Brothers), “I Want to Thank You” (Karen Peck & New River). In 2020 formed William Lee Golden & The Goldens with father & brothers Chris & Craig Golden, nieces Elizabeth & Rebeka, nephew Elijah. Family group released 34 songs 2020-21. Albums included Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics, Old Country Church Gospel & Southern Accents. Act performed several times on Opry. Previously keyboard player for Larry Gatlin, Marty Stuart. Songs recorded by Barry White, Oak Ridge Boys, others. Son of Oak Ridge Boys baritone William Lee Golden. Brother of musicians Chris Golden, Craig Golden. (Full name: William Lee Golden Jr.)

CLIFF WALDRON, 83, died July 1.
Bluegrass singer-guitarist noted for 1967-70 partnership with Bill Emerson in Lee Highway Boys with three albums on Rebel. Originated “Fox on the Run” as a bluegrass/country standard. Leader of own group New Shades of Grass with seven albums on Rebel 1970s. Two solo gospel albums.

MARK GERMINO, 73, died July 3.
Folk-pop artist with six albums. First Nashville artist to have an album issued on compact disc, as well as vinyl & cassette. Moved to Nashville 1974, signed by Combine Music 1981, on RCA roster 1985. Debut album London Moon and Barnyard Remedies (1986), followed by European release Caught In the Act of Being Ourselves (1987). Teamed with Nashville rock band The Sluggers for Radartown (1991), followed by folk effort Rank and File (1995) on Winter Harvest label. Paused music career to write three novels. Returned with Atomic Candlestick (2006), billed as Mark Germino & The Grenade Angels. Then Midnight Carnival (2021). Songs recorded by Paul Craft (“Lean on Jesus” 1977), Loretta Lynn (“Breakin’ It” 1983), Johnny Cash (“God Ain’t No Stained Glass Window” 1986), Confederate Railroad (“Bill’s Laudromat, Bar and Grill” 1995), Kenny Chesney (“I Will Stand” 1998), Burrito Deluxe (“Rex Bob Lowenstein” 2004), Vince Gill (“Ace Up Your Pretty Sleeve” 2006), Emmylou Harris (“Broken Man’s Lament” 2008). Songs also recorded by Kathy Mattea, Joe Sun, Sylvia, Bobby Bare, Claire Lynch, John Anderson, Seldom Scene, Mel McDaniel, Kevin Welch, Buddy Mondlock, Barbara Mandrell, Mindy McCready, others.

MARY MARTIN, 85, died July 4.
Legendary manager, A&R executive. Canadian began career in New York 1962 as assistant to Albert Grossman, who managed Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Peter, Paul & Mary, Gordon Lightfoot, Ian &. Sylvia, Odetta, etc. Teamed Dylan with The Band. Own management company 1966 guiding Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison. Joined Warners 1972, signing Emmylou Harris, Leon Redbone, Marshall Tucker Band, etc. Moved to L.A. & managed Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill. Production assistant to Crowell for LPs by Rosanne Cash, Sissy Spacek, Guy Clark, Albert Lee. Moved to Nashville 1985 as v.p. at RCA, working with Gill, Clint Black, Paul Overstreet, Aaron Tippin, Lorrie Morgan. Executive Director of ECO (Earth Communications Office) 1991. Consultant for Asylum Records 1994-96. Joined Mercury as v.p. 1999. SOURCE Hall of Fame 2007. Honored via Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum 2009 at Country Music Hall of Fame.

JOE BONSALL, 76, died July 9.
Country Music Hall of Fame member as tenor singer of Oak Ridge Bous. Key vocalist on such Oak Ridge Boys hits as “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” “American Made.” Joined group 1973. Quartet moved from straight gospel to broader themes with 1984’s “Rhythm Guitar’ (“Nobody wants to play rhythm guitar behind Jesus”) plus Grammy winning version of Johnny Russell’s country hit “The Baptism of Jesse Taylor.” Oaks toured Soviet Union with Roy Clark 1976. Two more gospel Grammys for “Where the Soul Never Dies” and “Just a Little Taik With Jesus” 1977-78. Sang with Paul Simon on 1977 pop hit “Slip Slidin’ Away.” Moved into country music with 1977’s “Y’All Come Back Saloon” 1977. Group had 34 top-10 hits 1977-1991, including 17 No. 1’s. Oaks first country act with lighting effects, innovative concert staging; and 1979 dates with Kenny Rogers and Dottie Wast considered country’s first arena tour. Oaks CMA & ACM Vocal Group of the Year 1978. Moved to MCA Records for 1980’s chart-topping “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight.” Oak Ridge Boys top-10 pop stars with Platinum-selling “Elvira” 1981 CMA and ACM Single of the Year and Grammy winner. Additional No. 1 country hits “Fancy Free” (1981), “Bobbie Sue” (1982), “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes” (1984), “Touch a Hand Make a Friend” (1985), Grammy-nominated “Gonna Take a Lot of River” (1988). “American Made” (1983) a Miller Beer commercial jingle. “When You Get to the Heart” 1986) a collaboration with Barbara Mandrell. On “Broken Trust” (1980) Oaks harmonized behind Brenda Lee. “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” (1990) included on movie soundtrack My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys. Shooter Jennings produced comeback album The Boys Are Back 2009 including Oaks version of White Stripes rock favorite “Seven Nation Army.” Group celebrated 40th anniversary of modern lineup with 2013 special tour, commemorative CD, Oaks-themed cruise & TV special. Oaks inducted into Grand Ole Opry cast 2011, elected to Country Music Hall of Fame 2015, Gospel Music Hall of Fame 2000. Bonsall prolific author with 11 books including 2024 memoir I See Myself.

HARVEY MAGEE, 78, died July 9.
Nashville media figure and music entrepreneur. Noted as television personality on WLAC-TV, WZTV, WSM-TV. On radio via WKDF, WSM. Voice of the Nashville Sounds baseball games. Partner in establishing Exit/In nightclub 1971. Co-founded Hank music magazine 1975. (Full name: Stuart Harvey Magee Jr.)

DAVE LOGGINS, 76, died July 10.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, CMA Award winner, four-time Grammy nominee. Arrived Nashville 1970. Debut LP Personal Belongings (1972) contained “Pieces of April,” which became top-10 A/C hit, top-20 pop success for Three Dog Night. Second LP Apprentice (1974) contained “Please Come to Boston,” a No. 1 A/C & No. 5 pop hit. Performance earned Loggins a Grammy nomination. Song since recorded by more than dozen others, including Glen Campbell, Kenny Chesney, Babyface. Three Dog Night had 1975 pop hit with Loggins song “’Til the World Ends.” His third LP Country Suite contained “Lovin’ Somebody on a Rainy Night” and “You’re Got Me to Hold on To.” Former recorded by England Dan & John Ford Coley, LaCosta. Latter recorded by Tanya Tucker as 1976 top-10 country hit. Final LPs One Way Ticket to Paradise (1978), David Loggins (1979). Loggins songs recorded by Andy Williams, B.W. Stevenson, Joan Baez, Paul Anka, Lynn Anderson, John Conlee, Twiggy, Dan Seals, Johnny Mathis encouraged him to pursue songwriting full time after 1980. Wrote “Augusta” 1981. Became CBS anthem for annual Masters Golf Tournament telecasts 1982, the longest-lasting sports theme in broadcasting history. “Everyday” sung by Oak Ridge Boys 1984. Loggins first No. 1 country hit. Songwriter topped country charts again with “Roll On 18 Wheeler” (Alabama, 1984), “I’ll Never Stop Loving You” (Gary Morris, 1985), “You Make Me Want to Make You Mine” (Juice Newton, 1985), the Grammy nominated “Forty Hour Week” (Alabama, 1985), “Makin’ Up for Lost Time” (Crystal Gayle & Gary Morris, 1985), “Morning Desire” (Kenny Rogers, 1985). Sang “Nobody Loves Me Like You Do” with Anne Murray as Grammy-nominated No. 1 hit 1984. CMA Award for Vocal Duo of Year 1985. This made Loggins the only artist to win a CMA Award without a recording contract. “Just as Long as I Have You” duet with Gus Hardin 1985. Songwriting success continued with No. 1 hits “Don’t Underestimate My Love for You” (Lee Greenwood, 1986), “One Promise Too Late” (Reba McEntire, 1987), “Wheels” (Restless Heart, 1987) and “Love Will Find Its Way to You” (Reba, 1988). Loggins named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of Year 1987. Songs recorded by Buffett, Dirt Band, Dave Grusin, Tammy, Vince, Loretta, Rita Coolidge, Rick Nelson, Marie Osmond, Billy Joe Royal, Sonny James, Nicolette Larson, Cash, etc. Returned to No. 1 with Wynonna’s 1992 version of “She Is His Only Need” resulting in fourth Grammy nomination. In 1990s-2010 his songs recorded by Hank Jr., Doug Stone, Billy Ray Cyrus, Rick Trevino, Jo Dee Messina, Steve Wariner, Smokey Robinson, Lacy J. Dalton, Toby, Willie, Lee Ann Womack, Aaron Tippin, Sawyer Brown, more. Career total of 25 ASCAP Awards. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee 1995.

RANDY DAVIDSON, 86, died July 12.
Co-founder/CEO/President of the Nashville-based music wholesale distribution firm Central South Music Sales, begun 1970. Central South sold music to 1,000+ independent record retailers & supplied 10,000+ jukeboxes nationwide. Company branched out into retail with 85 Sound Shop record stores and Music 4 Less factory-outlet music stores. Company awarded 350+ Gold and Platinum record plaques over the years. Also founded 92Q WQQK-FM radio station. In 2002, he became CEO of Central South Distribution, specializing in gospel.

HAPPY TRAUM, 86, died July 17.
Folk star specializing in finger-picked acoustic guitar. Mainstay of Greenwich Village scene 1960s. The first to record Bob Dylan songs. Albums for Folkways, Atlantic, Capitol, Rounder, etc., as solo, in New World Singers, in sibling folk duo Happy & Artie Traum. Founded Homespun Tapes 1967 with wife Jane, firm eventually taught thousands to play guitar, banjo, mandolin, etc. with lessons featuring Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe, Tony Rice, Sam Bush, Bill Keith. Marketed more than 500 lessons via audio tapes, cassettes, videotapes, DVDs and digital downloads. International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Distinguished Achievement award 2007. (Full name: Harry Peter “Happy” Traum).

ANNIE LAURA CARMICHAEL SMITH, 90, died July 18.
Radio gospel singer in Alabama sibling group The Kings Chapel Five. Formerly married to gospel star Wally Fowler, with whom she performed on TV and radio in Nashville. Gospel songwriter with several published and recorded compositions.

JERRY FULLER, 85, died July 18.
Songwriter/producer/singer. Wrote top-40 country hits for Ray Price (“Feet” 1979, “That’s All She Wrote” 1976), Reba (“Now and Then” 1980, “That Makes Two of Us” 1979), Tom Jones (“A Woman’s Touch” 1982), Dobie Gray (“That’s One to Grow On” 1986), Jacky Ward (“Travelin’ Man” 1982), Tommy Overstreet (“Young Girl” 1976), John Anderson (“Eye of a Hurricane” 1985), John Conlee (“Way Back” 1984). Also cuts by Dottie, Skeeter, Mandrell, Wariner, Greenwood, Marty Robbins, Glen Campbell, Johnny Lee, Lynn Anderson, T. Graham Brown, Slim Whitman, Eddy Arnold, Ronnie McDowell, Dave Dudley, T.G. Sheppard, Dickey Lee, Con Hunley, Hank Snow, John Wesley Ryles, Roy Clark, etc. Best known for pop hits sung by Rick Nelson (“It’s Up to You,” “Travelin’ Man,” “Young World,” “A Wonder Like You”), Al Wilson (“Show and Tell,” “Touch and Go”), Gary Puckett (“Young Girl,” “Over You,” “Lady Willpower”). As an artist, charted with rockabilly version of “Tennessee Waltz” 1959, toured as singer with The Champs. Produced Puckett, Wilson, Knickerbockers, O.C. Smith, Glen Campbell, Andy Williams, Collin Raye, Mac Davis, Roger Miller, Mark Lindsey, Peanut Butter Conspiracy, others. Discovered Campbell, Puckett and Raye.

J. REMINGTON WILDE, 72, died July 20.
Former staff writer at ATV Music (1979-84), with songs recorded by Gary Allan, Ray Charles, Conway Twitty, Randy Travis, Juice Newton, Clint Eastwood (duet w/ Travis), Tommy Overstreet, others.

SANDY POSEY, 80, died July 20.
Memphis and Music City vocalist, famed for the 1966 pop hits “Born a Woman” and “Single Girl,” both written by Music Row songwriter Martha Sharp. Follow-up singles included 1967’s “What a Woman in Love Won’t Do” and “I Take It Back.” Shifted to country music with the charted tunes “Bring Him Safely Home to Me” (1971), “Why Don’t We Go Somewhere and Love” (1972), “Happy Happy Birthday Baby” (1972), “Don’t” (1973), “Trying to Live Without You Kind of Days” (1976), “It’s Midnight (Do You Know Where Your Baby Is)” (1976), “Born to Be With You” (1978), “Love, Love, Love & Chapel of Love” (1978), “Love Is Sometimes Easy” (1979), “Try Home” (1979), “Can’t Get Used to Sleeping Without You” (1983). Recorded for Bell, MGM, Columbia, Monument, Warner Bros, King, Crosswinds, Audiograph, WorldStar, etc. Backup vocalist for Percy Sledge (“When a Man Loves a Woman”), Joe Tex, Bobby Goldsboro, Elvis, Tommy Roe, Skeeter Davis, others. Formerly married to Presley impersonator and evangelist “Elvis Wade.”

FRANCES ANNE VARALLO, 78, died July 22.
Nashville television producer. Co-produced many shows for Statler Brothers. Production assistant on Johnny Cash, Bob Hope, Ann-Margret, CMA Awards TV specials. Associate producer of Dove Awards. Music coordinator for Opry 65th anniversary TV special. Many other credits. Formerly owned Bella Regalli gift shop at White Bridge Auto Wash. Co-owner of West Meade Wine & Liquor Mart in Belle Meade. Daughter of Nashville restaurateur Nick Varallo (Nick & Domenick’s). Granddaughter of classical violinist Frank Varallo of Varallo’s Chili fame, also 1907 founder of Varallo’s, Tennessee’s oldest operating restaurant.

ADELE AKIN ANDERSON, 70, died July 24.
Nashville-area actor active in Circle Players, Pull Tight Players, Tennessee Women’s Project, Groundworks, Poverty Playhouse, Street Theater, Act 1, etc. in venues Nashville Dinner Theater, Lakewood Theater, World’s End, Boiler Room/Mockingbird Theater in The Factory, Towne Center, Jewish Community Center, Looby Center, etc. Formerly lead singer in country band The Southern Tier Express.

RANDY RAYBURN, 74, died July 25.
Godfather of the modern Nashville restaurant/hospitality scene. Widely beloved host to hundreds of Music Row executives, songwriters and recording stars at his eateries Midtown Cafe, Sunset Grill, Cabana. Helped to revive/restore/renovate photogenic, vintage Elliston Place Soda Shop. Namesake & founder of culinary program at Nashville State. Co-chaired mayor’s Task Force that led to construction of Music City Center. On a first-name basis with hundreds. One of Nashville’s greatest people connectors and an unflagging cheerleader for the city. Also had early culinary stops at F. Scott’s, Opryland Hotel, Third Coast.

KELLY NELON CLARK, 64, died July 26.
Leader and alto singer of Atlanta gospel quartet The Nelons. Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees 2016. Three Grammy nominations, 10 Dove Awards. Noted for “Come Morning,” “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “We Shall Behold the King.” Solo albums in 1982, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1992. Also actress in ABC fantasy drama Resurrection & other productions. Died in plane crash with fellow Nelons members Jason Clark, Amber Nelon Kistler. (Daughter & surviving group member Autumn Nelon Streetman not on board.) Nelons founded as Rex Nelon Singers 1977 by bass singer father Rex Nelon (1932-2000).

JASON CLARK, 49, died July 26.
Singer, songwriter, musician, producer, arranger in Atlanta gospel quartet The Nelons. Husband of group leader Kelly Nelon Clark. Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees 2016. Died in plane crash.

AMBER NELON KISTLER, 35, died July 26.
Soprano singer in Atlanta gospel quartet The Nelons. Daughter of group leader Kelly Nelon Clark. Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees 2016. Died in plane crash.

KATIE LAUR, 80, died Aug. 3.
Cincinnati bluegrass leader and radio mainstay. Among the first women to front an all-male bluegrass band. Joined Vernon McIntyre & Appalachian Grass & appeared on group’s 1973 LP. Formed witty, innovative, entertaining Katie Laur Band & recorded three LPs for Vetco Records 1975-80 (Good Time Girl, Cookin’ With Katie, MsBehavin’). Act became favorites at festivals & on NPR’s “A Prairie Home Companion.” Worked as successful local jazz singer in city’s nightclubs, wrote for Cincinnati Magazine 1980s. Host of weekly radio institution “Music From the Hills of Home” 1989-2017. Following 27-year run on WNKU, moved to WVXU-FM. Taught bluegrass at Northern Kentucky University. Author Red Dirt Girl: Essays & Stories (2022).

RAY KIRKLAND, 83, died Aug. 5.
Singer & multi-instrumentalist noted for stints with Opry stars Jim & Jesse (1964-69), Osborne Brothers (1970-71), Jimmy C. Newman (1978-85), Grandpa Jones (1980s), Kitty Wells (1990s). Also many credits as solo performer/bandleader, including Wheeling Jamboree, Opry guest appearances. Folkie duo Ray Kirkland & Dave Smith 1973-74. Co-wrote with Carl Jackson 2000s. Songs recorded by Alecia Nugent. (Full name: Lurie Ray Kirkland)

BOBBY HICKS, 91, died Aug. 16.
All-time great bluegrass fiddler. Stints with Jim Eanes (1953) then Bill Monroe (1954-59), with whom he recorded landmark instrumentals “Wheel Hoss,” “Roanoke,” “Scotland,” etc. Tenures with Porter Wagoner in Nashville (1959-63), Judy Lynn in Las Vegas (1963-70). Solo albums 1970s County Records, Texas Crapshooter, Darkness on the Delta (with Kenny Baker). Joined Ricky Skaggs for 22 years, beginning 1981. In all-star group The Bluegrass Album Band. Won IBMA award for 1997 Rounder solo CD Fiddle Patch. Other solo albums on Rebel Records Forever & A Day 2017, Down Memory Lane 2015 (with Mark Kuykendall). Formed band Asheville 2015. Bluegrass Hall of Fame 2017. North Carolina Music Hall of Fame 2024. Three solo Grammy Awards, plus others as band member.

DONNIE WINTERS, 73, died Aug. 18.
Singer, songwriter, lead guitarist in Southern rock group Winters Brothers Band, formed with sibling Dennis. Group recorded six albums, toured with Marshall Tucker Band, appeared at seven Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam all-star concerts, featured on several of event’s commemorative LPs. Son of Don Winters (1929-2002), singer-songwriter of double-sided country hit “Too Many Times”/“Shake Hands With a Loser” 1961; Decca, RCA recording artist & member of Marty Robbins road show for 30+ years. Superstar Robbins recorded 10 Donnie/Dennis songs. Brothers’ self-titled debut LP 1976 yielded regional airplay with “Sang Her Love Songs” & “Smokey Mountain Log Cabin Jones.” Follow-up albums Coast to Coast (1977), Keep on Running (1982), Southern Rockers (2000), Southeast Stampede (2004). Also 1984 LP The Yodeling King with Don, Donnie, Dennis together. Made career transition became nightclub soundman for Sutler Saloon, Douglas Corner, Commodore Grille, Millennium Maxwell House Hotel. Hosted writers nights, backed hopefuls on guitar, held Summer Jam music festivals at family farm for 25+ years, co-hosted cable-access TV series with Dennis.

KEN BIDDY, 84, died Aug. 21.
Co-founder of Copperfield Music Group, label home of multiple gospel award winning Chuck Wagon Gang. Publishing catalog includes cuts by Montgomery Gentry, Lee Ann Womack, LeAnn Rimes, Jeff Carson, Kenny Rogers, others. Leadership Music class 1998. Husband of Music Row executive Shelia Shipley Biddy. (Full name: Herbert Kenneth Biddy).

PETE WADE, 89, died Aug. 27.
Nashville guitar great. Played on hundreds of Nashville hits — Ray Price’s “Crazy Arms,” George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” Loretta’s “Fist City,” Sonny James’ “Young Love,” Tanya’s “Delta Dawn,” etc. First-call session musician for 60+ years. Former member of Opry house band. Toured & recorded with Price, Kitty, Roger Miller, Jean Shepard, Ferlin, Faron. On records by Hall of Famers Kenny Rogers, Oaks, Merle, Dottie, Cash, Charlie Louvin, Statlers, Willie, Porter, Charlie McCoy, Roy Clark, Conway, Everlys, Bill Anderson, Jerry Lee, Marty Robbins, Brenda, Waylon, Tubb, Connie, Jerry Reed, Eddy Arnold, Bare, Reba, Patsy, plus Crystal’s “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” Pruett’s “Satin Sheets,” Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden,” John Anderson’s “Swingin,’” Jeannie C. Riley’s “Harper Valley PTA” & discs by Fargo, Whitley, Rodriguez, Fricke, B.J., Bandy, Craddock, Dudley, Charlie Rich, Paycheck, Earl Thomas Conley, Greenwood, Gene Watson, Sammy, Rabbitt, Lacy J., Billie Jo, Vern, Chesney, Dailey & Vincent, Junior Brown, Jerry Jeff Walker, Dale Watson, Highwaymen and Opry stars Mandy Barnett, Charlie Walker, Whites, Justin Tubb, Gatlins, Billy Walker, Lonzo & Oscar, Locklin, Jan, Pillow, Stonewall, Boxcar, Carl Perkins, Bobby Helms. Also played on discs by visiting artists Ronstadt, Dylan, Manhattan Transfer, Baez, Ian & Sylvia, Leon Russell, Wayne Newton, Chubby Checker, k.d., Mancini, George Burns. Honored with Nashville Cats program at the Country Music Hall of Fame 2016. Autobiography 2021 My Life, My Guitar, My God’s Plan.

STEVE KASPAR, 71, died Sept. 4.
Former Owner and CEO of MusicRow station KFAV-FM, KWRE-AM and Kaspar Broadcasting of Missouri.

PAUL LOVELACE, 81, died Sept. 5.
A longtime national record promotion veteran who spent eight years as VP/Promotion at Capitol Records Nashville. He was also the co-founder of CDX Nashville.

MARK MOFFATT, 74, died Sept. 6.
Australian uber producer, relocated to Nashville 1996. Worked with numerous Australian artists including Keith Urban, Tim Finn, Yothu Yindi. Three term Board President of Americana Music Association. Founding AMA board member. APRA’s Nashville Ambassador for 10 years. CMA Global Achievement Award. Prior career in Australia, producing more tracks on APRA “Top 30 Songs of All Time” list than anyone and working with 15 ARIA Hall of Fame inductees. Ten-year tenure as in-house producer at Festival Records in Sydney 1980-90, working with Australia’s biggest. Production stints with EMI and TCS Studios in Melbourne. Aussie hit “I’m Stranded” (The Saints) recorded in Brisbane 1976. Also worked in London for a time. Leadership Music class 2001.

WILL JENNINGS, 80, died Sept. 6.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame 2013. Lyricist noted for “Please Remember Me” (Tim McGraw), “What Kind of Love” (Rodney Crowell), “Where Are You Christmas” (Faith Hill, Mariah Carey), “Feelin’s” (Twitty & Lynn), “If the Phone Doesn’t Ring It’s Me” (Buffett), “Many a Long and Lonesome Highway” (Crowell), “I’m So Glad I’m Standing Here Today” (Oaks, B.J. Thomas), “Keep on Lovin’ Me” (Paycheck), “Old Time Feeling” (Cash). Also cuts by Emmylou, Bellamys, Amy Grant, Brady Seals, Clint Black, etc. Renowned for iconic pop hits “My Heart Will Go On” (Oscar for Titanic theme, Grammy Song of Year), “Up Where We Belong” (Oscar for An Officer and a Gentleman theme), “Tears In Heaven” (Grammy Song of Year). Big hits for Winwood’s “Higher Love,” Manilow’s “Looks Like We Made It,” Crusaders’ “Street Life,” Warwick’s “I Know I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” Winwood’s “Back in the High Life Again,” Whitney’s “Didn’t We Almost Have It All,” Inducted into national Songwriters Hall of Fame 2006.

VICKI CHAFFIN RHODES, 70, died Sept. 6.
Hospitality exec. Charter employee of Opryland amusement park, then in guest relations at Opryland Hotel. Formed own meetings-planning business Vicki Rhodes Leisure Activities Consultants working on entertainment activities for conventions. Co-founded Nashville chapter of Meeting Professionals International. Formerly made radio commercials, competed in beauty pageants, taught drama and portrayed costumed character Miss Pocahontas as traveling promotional model for Pocahontas Foods.

JEFFREY BUNTIN, 83, died Sept. 7.
Founded Buntin Advertising/The Buntin Group 1972, largest ad agency in Tennessee. Founded award-winning Buntin Out of Home Media for outdoor advertising 1990. Former president of Nashville Advertising Federation. Formerly TV news writer/reporter at WSMV & UPI correspondent in 1960s. Created Hawkins Street Productions, producing 1980s shows for TNN — Path to Stardom, Home to the Ryman, etc. Board member NPT, Nashville Public Television. Board chair & President Tennessee Repertory Theater. Former co-owner & founder WZTV, Channel 17.

JIMMY GILMER, 83, died Sept. 7.
Pop singer of 1963’s “Sugar Shack” and long-time song publisher on Music Row, Vocalist for Fireballs band in New Mexico 1962. Group previously noted for instrumentals “Torquay” (1959), “Bulldog” (1960), “Quite a Party” (1961). Billed as Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs issued “Sugar Shack,” No. 1 on pop charts and biggest selling single of 1963. Gold Record. Follow-up “Daisy Petal Pickin’” rose to No. 15. Returned to charts with 1968 rocking top-10 hit “Bottle of Wine.” “Come On, React!,” also 1968, a top-20 hit in many markets & a fan favorite. Gilmer’s albums Sugar Shack (1963), Buddy’s Buddy (1964), Lucky ‘Leven (1965), Folkbeat (1965), Campusology (1966), Firewater (1968), Bottle of Wine (1968), Come On, React! (1969). Fireballs broke up 1969. Gilmer relocated to Nashville 1970 hired by United Artists Music, where he built a 30-year publishing career. Through a number of mergers and acquisitions, he became vice president at CBS Songs and held executive positions at EMI and SBK. Aided many songwriters, including Richard Leigh, Bobby Goldsboro, Pat Alger. Signed Brad Paisley and managed his early career. President of Nashville chapter of The Recording Academy 1989-91. Leadership Music class 1992. Retired 2007, but continued to perform occasionally at oldies shows.

DEWAYNE PIGG, 74, died Sept. 7.
Played English horn for Nashville Symphony for 24 years. Leader of the orchestra’s Players Association for AFM. Taught oboe at MTSU for 34 years & co-founded its music-industry major. Managing Director of the Stones River Chambers Players. Founded Nashville Double Reed Ensemble at Lipscomb University.

JIM MAY, 78, died Sept. 9.
Nashville filmmaker, co-founder of RuckusFilm company. Producer/director of ads, music videos, TV specials, feature films. Videos for Kathy Mattea, Drive-By Truckers, Alan Jackson, Aerosmith, etc. Portrayed “Vern” to Jim Varney’s “Ernest” in series of comedy films. Several Addy, Clio and Emmy awards. Leadership Music class 1991.

BILLY SHERRILL, 77, died Sept. 10.
Nashville studio engineer behind recordings of Kenny Rogers, Chicks, Chesney, Cash, Gilley, Dottie, Mac Davis, John Denver, Jean Shepard, Ed Bruce, Charlie Rich, Billie Jo Spears, Paul Anka, many more. Particularly associated with producer Larry Butler. Also former sound mixer for Opry.

TOMMY CASH, 84, died Sept. 13.
Country singer of top-10 hits “Six White Horses” (1969), “Rise and Shine” (1970), “One Song Away” (1970), plus top-20 successes “So This Is Love” (1971), “I Recall a Gypsy Woman” (1973). Placed 19 titles on national country charts, 1968-1978. Recorded for Musicor, United Artists, Epic, Elektra, 20th Century, Monument, Indigo, Playback, others. Later albums included duets with George Jones, Marty Stuart, Tom T. Hall, Johnny Cash, Connie Smith, son Mark Cash. Sang ad jingles for Pepsi, Burger King, GM, Beechnut, Santa Fe railroad, etc. Songs recorded by Conway Twitty, Jean Shepard, Kitty Wells, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn. DJ for Armed Forces Radio Network 1959-61. Often toured overseas. During 1990’s, an entertainer in Branson, MO. Brother of superstar Johnny Cash (1932-2003), of gospel artist Joanne Cash Yates and of House of Cash exec Reba Cash Hancock (1934-2006). Uncle of Rosanne Cash, John Carter Cash.

DAVID DAVIS, 63, died Sept. 15.
Leader of Alabama-based bluegrass band The Warrior River Boys for 40+ years. Vocalist/mandolinist recorded for Rebel, Rounder, Wango, Crimson, Rutabaga, Stoneground, Old Homestead labels. More than a dozen albums 1986-2024. Award winning tribute album to Charlie Poole 2018. Six music videos. Nephew of original Blue Grass Boys member Cleo Davis.

BILLY EDD WHEELER, 91, died Sept. 16.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member. Known for writing hits “Jackson,” “The Reverend Mr. Black,” “Coward of the County.” Also playwright, author, painter, poet, recording artist, Music Row publishing exec. First success 1958 Pat Boone recorded his “Rockin’ Boll Weevil.” West Virginia native moved to N.Y. 1962. Superstar folk group Kingston Trio scored top-10 pop hit with “The Reverend Mr. Black” 1963 & chose his “Desert Pete” as follow-up. “Coal Tattoo” also recored by trio, plus a dozen others including Judy Collins, Jim Croce, Kathy Mattea. Judy Henske introduced his “High Flying Bird” 1963, versions by Richie Havens, New Christy Minstrels, We Five, Jefferson Airplane, Neil Young, others ensued. Also in 1963 Hank Snow’s version of his “Blue Roses.” Johnny Cash & June Carter released duet of his “Jackson” 1967 with pop hit by Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood. Song recorded by Joaquin Phoenix & Reese Witherspoon for Oscar-winning 2005 movie Walk the Line. Moved to Nashville 1968 to be manager of United Artists Music. Moved to North Carolina 1969. Johnny Darrell (“I Ain’t Buyin’”), Hank Williams Jr. (“A Baby Again”) succeeded with his tunes 1968-69. Cash scored top-10 hit with 1969’s “Blistered.” Anita Carter & Darrell dueted on his “The Coming of the Roads” 1969, followed by versions from Kathy Mattea, Mary Hopkin, Collins, Peter, Paul & Mary, etc. Wheeler’s “Baby’s Smile, Woman’s Kiss” (Johnny Duncan, 1972), “It’s Midnight” (Elvis Presley, 1975), “Gimme Back My Blues” (Jerry Reed, 1978) were winners. “Coward of the County” No. 1 for Kenny Rogers in both country & pop hit. Inspired TV movie starring Rogers 1981. Song’s cowriter Roger Bowling charted with three other Wheeler/Bowling compositions. Team also cowrote Roy Clark 1980 hit “Chain Gang of Love.” More than 150 recorded his songs including Conway & Loretta, Tillis, Denver, Strait, Carl Perkins, Hazel Dickens, Glen Campbell, Merle, Faron, George Hamilton IV, Del Reeves, Rex Allen, Jean Shepard, Flatt & Scruggs, Ed Bruce, Bill Anderson, Wanda, Narvel, Vernon Oxford, Charlie McCoy, Stella Parton, Jerry Lee, Darin, Association, Florence & The Machine, Feliciano, Chipmunks, Jay & Americans, R.E.M., Lone Justice, B.W. Stevenson, Human League, Lonnie Donegan, Gram, Carly, Stills, O.C. Smith. His songs have sold 57 million records & earned 13 ASCAP awards. Own recording career began 1961-62 with two folk-music albums for Monitor. Signed by Kapp 1964 & hit country top-10 with “Ode to the Little Brown Shack Out Back” 1965. Also recorded for RCA, United Artists, others issuing 15 albums 1961-2006. Commemorated friendship and songwriting partnership with Atkins via 1995 CD Songs I Wrote with Chet. Published poetry books 1969, 1977. Playwright of many musicals and dramas. His The Hatfields and McCoys premiered 1970 as outdoor drama, running continuously in West Virginia ever since. Wheeler’s Young Abe Lincoln outdoor drama premiered in Indiana 1987. Johnny Appleseed premiered in Ohio 2004. Both also still running. National Geographic Society commissioned his folk opera Song of the Cumberland Gap. Beginning with Laughter in Appalachia 1986, published six books of country humor. Star of Appalachia his debut novel 2004. Memoir Hotter Than a Pepper Sprout 2018. Also published three songbooks. Became accomplished painter, sculptor, wood worker. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame 2001, West Virginia Music Hall of Fame 2007, North Carolina Music Hall of Fame 2011.

J.D. SOUTHER, 78, died Sept. 17.
Country-rock pioneer and pop hit maker in L.A. Songwriter in Nashville. Film actor in both towns. Co-wrote Eagles songs “Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” “Victim of Love,” “Heartache Tonight,” “How Long.” Co-wrote Ronstadt’s “Faithless Love,” “White Rhythm & Blues.” Co-wrote Don Henley’s “The Heart of the Matter.” Songs also recorded by Strait, Dixie Chicks, Bonnie Raitt, Kenny Rogers, Billy Burnette, Jackson Browne, 5th Dimension, Tanya, Dobie, Brooks & Dunn, Dinah, Rod Stewart, Lynn Anderson, Crystal, Conway, Fricke, Glen Campbell, Wendy Moten & Vince, John Anderson, Tom Jones, Marie Osmond, Michael Buble, Glenn Frey, Yearwood, Joe Walsh, Little Feat, etc. Solo success with “You’re Only Lonely” 1979, duet with James Taylor 1981 “Her Town Too,” nine solo albums. Member of Longbranch Pennywhistle (one LP), Souther-Hillman-Furay (two LPs), John David & The Cinders (singles only). Actor in TV dramas 1989’s Thirtysomething & 1999’s Purgatory, 1990 movie Postcards From the Edge, 2012-17 series Nashville. Songwriters Hall of Fame 2013. Sometimes billed under full name John David Souther.

HUGH PRESTWOOD, 82, died Sept. 22.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member. Wrote iconic “The Song Remembers When,” “Ghost in This House,” “Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart” BMI’s 1991 Country Song of the Year. Texas native moved to NY & had first cut 1977 with Jackie DeShannon recording “Dorothy.” Discovered by folk star Judy Collins who took his “Hard Times for Lovers” onto A/C charts 1979 & helped him get a publishing contract. First Nashville success Grammy nominated “The Sound of Goodbye” (Crystal Gayle 1983). Began 20-year tenure teaching songwriting at The New School in NY 1983. Tunes recorded by Holly Dunn, Judy Rodman, others 1980s. In 1987, his second No. 1 country hit, Michael Johnson’s “The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder.” Johnson followed it with hit single of Prestwood’s “That’s That” 1988. “Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart” topped country chart for Randy Travis 1990, leading to big BMI award. “Ghost in This House” 1990 country hit for Shenandoah, re-popularized by Alison Krauss 1999, then a top-20 country hit for TV’s The Voice finalist Lauren Duski 2017. Songwriter’s third big hit of 1990 was Anne Murray’s “Feed This Fire.” Highway 101 scored with Prestwood’s “Bing Bang Boom” 1991, Kathy Mattea “Asking Us to Dance” 1991. Trisha Yearwood’s “The Song Remembers When” 1993 became enduring songwriters’ anthem and NSAI Song of the Year. Songs became singles for Vern Gosdin, Suzy Bogguss, Bobbie Cryner, Stephanie Bentley, Ty England. Colin Raye returned Prestwood to top of charts via “On the Verge” 1997. Songs also recorded by Twitty, Judds, Tanya, Mandrell, Buffett, Shelby Lynne, John Conlee, Jerry Douglas, James Taylor, Baillie & Boys, Jerry Jeff Walker, Gene Watson, Sammy Kershaw, Lee Greenwood, Don Williams. British act Rumer released Nashville Tears – The Songs of Hugh Prestwood 2020. As recording artist: Ghost in This House (1990), Fate of Fireflies (2005), All the Way On (2007), I Used to Be the Real Me (2016). Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame 2006. Husband of photographer Judy Ahrens.

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, 88, died Sept. 28.
Country Music Hall of Fame. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Country songwriter who became movie star, hit recording artist, noted political activist. Widely regarded as songwriter who gave new frankness, modernity, poetic maturity, sensuality & contemporary relevance to country. Classics included “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “For the Good Times,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “One Day at a Time,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down.” Came to Nashville 1965, mentored by Marijohn Wilkin (1920-2006). Worked as Music Row bartender, Columbia studios janitor, helicopter pilot. First successes Dave Dudley “Vietnam Blues” 1966, Roy Drusky “Jody and the Kid” 1968, Billy Walker “From the Bottle to the Bottom” 1969, Roger Miller “Me and Bobby McGee” 1969, Ray Stevens “Sunday Morning Coming Down” 1969, Faron Young “Your Time’s Comin’” 1969. Last named co-written with Shel Silverstein (1930-1999). Big year in 1970 — Jerry Lee Lewis “Once More With Feeling,” Ray Price “For the Good Times” (ACM Song of Year), Waylon Jennings “The Taker,” Johnny Cash “Sunday Morning Coming Down” (CMA Song of Year), Sammi Smith “Help Me Make It Through the Night” (Grammy Country Song of the Year), Bobby Bare “Come Sundown.” His 1971 songwriting successes Janis Joplin “Me and Bobby McGee, Joe Simon “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” Patti Page “I’d Rather Be Sorry,”) O.C. Smith “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” Bare “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends,” Jerry Lee “Me and Bobby McGee,” Price “I’d Rather Be Sorry.” Hits continued with Peggy Little “I’ve Got to Have You” 1972, Brenda Lee “Nobody Wins” 1973, Marilyn Sellars “One Day at a Time” 1974 (cowritten with Wilkin), Johnny Duncan “Stranger” 1976, Christy Lane “One Day at a Time” 1980, Glaser Brothers “Lovin’ Her Was Easier” 1981, Brenda “Enough of You” 1981, etc. More than 500 artists have recorded his songs. Recording success ensued. Self titled debut album 1970 (later retitled Me and Bobby McGee). Top-10 A/C hit 1971 “Lovin’ Her Was Easier.” No. 1 country hit 1973 “Why Me (Lord).” Albums The Silver Tongued Devil and I (1971, Gold Record), Jesus Was a Capricorn (1972, Gold Record), Border Lord (1972), Spooky Lady’s Sideshow (1974), Who’s to Bless and Who’s to Blame (1975), Surreal Thing (1976). Charting duet singles with Rita Coolidge 1974: “A Sing I’d Like to Sing,” “Loving Arms,” “Rain.” “From the Bottle to the Bottom” (Grammy Award), plus “Lover Please” (1976, Grammy Award). Duet albums Full Moon (1973), Breakaway (1974), Natural Act (1978). Solo LPs continued with Easter Island (1978), Shake Hands with the Devil (1979), To the Bone (1981). Collaborative albums The Winning Hand (1982 with Willie, Dolly, Brenda), Songwriter (1984, with Willie, movie soundtrack), Highwaymen (1984, with Willie, Waylon, Cash, Platinum Record), Highwaymen 2 (1986, with Highwaymen), The Road Goes on Forever (1990, with Highwaymen). Hit singles with foursome “Highwayman” (1985), “Desperados Waiting for a Train” (1985), “Silver Stallion” (1990). Comeback solo LPs Repossessed (1986), Third World Warrior (1990). Late career collections A Moment of Forever (1995), The Austin Sessions (1999), Broken Freedom Song (2003), This Old Road (2006), Closer to the Bone (2009), Feeling Mortal (2013), The Cedar Creek Sessions (2016) made him an Americana star. Transition to movie stardom launched via Cisco Pike (1972), Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973), Blume In Love (1973), Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With the Sea (1976), A Star Is Born (1976, Golden Globe Award), Convoy (1978). During next 40 years, appeared in more than 100 films, including Heaven’s Gate (1980), Big Top Pee Wee (1988), Welcome Home (1989), Knights (1993), Lone Star (1996), the Blade trilogy (1998-2004), Planet of the Apes (2001), Where the Red Fern Grows (2003), The Jacket (2005), Fast Food Nation (2006), He’s Just Not That Into You (2009), Bloodworth (2010), Texas Rising (2015). Regarded as a godfather of the “outlaw” movement due to long hair, denim attire, hippie image coupled with anti-establishment attitude and artistic independence. Outspoken political stances: supported United Farm Workers, opposed nuclear weapons, criticized American imperialism, campaigned for marijuana legalization, boosted Vietnam vets, worked for Civil Rights, decried land mines, protested Iraq war, cheered Native American causes. Contributed to the emergence of other singer-songwriters, including John Prine, Steve Goodman, Billy Swan and Australia’s Graeme Connors. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame 1977, national Songwriters Hall of Fame 1985. Americana Music Association Spirit of Americana free-speech award 2003. Country Music Hall of Fame 2004, CMT’s Johnny Cash Visionary Award 2007, BMI Icon Award 2009, Nashville Film Festival’s Career Achievement Award 2011, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award 2014.

JASON PARKIN, 49, died Sept. 30.
Longtime production manager for Darius Rucker.

AL SCHILTZ, 70, died Sept. 30.
Concerts & events producer. Supported and managed tours of K.T. Oslin, Alabama & “June Jam,” Clint Black, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, etc. Managed Billy Ray Cyrus. Partner in The Consortium management group.

OWSLEY MANIER, 77, died Oct. 1.
Co-founder of legendary Elliston Place nightclub The Exit/In 1971 with partner Brugh Reynolds. First act Jimmy Buffett, followed by other singer-songwriters at Listening Room events. Expanded into 500-person capacity rock club in 1980s. Club alumni included Red Hot Chili Peppers, Etta James, Cash, Muddy Waters, R.E.M., Allmans, John Lee Hooker, Black Crowes, Dr. John, B-52s, Kansas, Lyle Lovett, Billy Crystal, Jerry Lee, Police, Garbage, Emmylou, Billy Joel, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Doc Watson, Willie, Ronstadt, Dire Straits, B.B. King, Warren Zevon, Waylon, Ramones, Kristofferson, 10,000 Maniacs, Everlys, Talking Heads, Rick Nelson, Tom Petty, Leon Russell, Fats Domino, Pointer Sisters, Milsap, Manilow, Guess Who, Cheech & Chong, Yoakam, Train, Smithereeens, Vince, CDB, Prine, Living Color, Eddie Money,, Son Volt, Fogelberg, Hank Jr.,Pretenders, Guy Clark, Ben Folds, Goo Goo Dolls Steve Earle, Steve Martin. Club featured in 1975 Robert Altman movie Nashville. Kellie Pickler, others, used it as the site of a music video. K.D. Lang introduced to Music City via performance at club. Exit/In the anchor of what was known as Nashville’s “Rock Block”, on Elliston Place. Listed on National Register of Historic Places 2023. In later career, Manier involved in management, publishing. Formerly in Nashville rock band The Lemon Charade.

MARTY GAMBLIN, 80, died Oct. 10.
Diverse 40-year career in music biz, including running Glen Campbell’s publishing company in Nashville. Began career booking R&B groups in native Mississippi. Became tour manager, promoter and booking agent at Vivace Music, notably for company’s Jim Weatherly. Moved to Nashville to open Weatherly’s publishing company, Rip Keca Music. Artists including Ray Price, Charley Pride, Bob Luman recorded Weatherly’s songs during Gamblin’s tenure. Biggest hit Gladys Knight & Pips’ “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Next became president of Glen Campbell Music Group 1982, managing Alan Jackson, Bryan White, Dorothy Moore, Pearl River, Ruby Lovette. Company notched 16 No. 1 hits in his 20-year tenure — “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” “Chattahoochee,” “Highwayman,” “It’s Just a Matter of Time,” etc. Advisory board of Belmont’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, guest lecturer at MTSU in the Recording Industry Management department at MTSU, founding exec director of Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Center museum (2019). Inducted into Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame 2006.

DOTTIE LEONARD MILLER, 79, died Oct. 11.
Gospel Music Hall of Fame member. Founder DayWind Music Group, New Day Christian Distributors, Billy Blue Records. Began music career as receptionist for Calvary Records. Later worked with Christian radio stations & bookstores promoting Hinsons, Telestials, others. Worked at Windchime Records, then started New Day Christian Distributors 1981. Next, launched DayWind with Cumberland Boys first act. Label also recorded Greater Vision, Crabb Family, Gold City, Karen Peck & New River, Brian Free & Assurance, Triumphant Quartet, Down East Boys, Perrys, Hoppers, Guardians, Jonathan Wilburn, Blackwoods, Nelons, Southbound, Lefevre Quartet, High Road, Michael English, Truesong, Legacy Five, more. Expanded company into publishing, recording studio, cassette manufacturing, CD pressing, distribution. Formed Billy Blue/Billy Jam Records & publishing with son Ed Leonard & Jerry Salley 2019. Company’s artists included Appalachian Road Show, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Tennessee Bluegrass Band, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Carolina Blue, Joe Mullins & Radio Ramblers, Dave Adkins, Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, Donna Ulisse, others. Lifetime Achievement awards from GMA, BMI, SingingNews magazine.

BUZZ RABIN, 83, died Oct. 12.
Country singer-songwriter. Signed by publishing companies of Pete Drake, Mel Tillis. Catalog includes Gene Watson 1981 hit “Maybe I Should’ve Been Listening,” Mel Tillis 1980 hit “Your Body Is an Outlaw,” Ringo Starr 1970 LP title tune “Beaucoups of Blues.” Songs also recorded by Willie, Jerry Lee, Cash, Hank Jr., Alabama, Strait, Paycheck, Jim Ed Brown, David Allan Coe, Bill Anderson, Jessi Colter, Clinton Gregory, Rayburn Anthony, etc. Entertained on Lower Broadway at The Wheel 1960s. Recording artist with Cross Country Cowboy LP produced by Drake 1974. (Real name: Raybon Busby).

BOB BENDER, 67, died Oct. 13.
Industry veteran in almost every facet of the industry, culminating in executive positions at Curb Records. He produced over 300 tours, festivals and concerts throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Mexico and Japan, along with managing and working at multiple record labels. While Manager of Artist Development for Curb Records he represented Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Jo Dee Messina and Hank Williams, Jr. Hosted The Business Side of Music Podcast with Tom Sabella.

RON PATERAS, 59, died Oct. 18.
Nashville-based talent buyer for Neste! Live, a Live Nation company. Former Chicago concert promoter. IEBA award winner. Leadership Music class 2022.

BARBARA DANE, 97, died Oct. 20.
Long-lived folk singer noted for labor songs, protest music, gospel, social-justice anthems. Albums on Folkways, Tradition & Paredon labels.

JOHN TITTA, 69, died Oct. 23.
Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer at ASCAP, 2013-2024. Formerly at Warner-Chappell Publishing.

EARLE WHEELER, 84, died Oct. 31.
Georgia-based Leader of award winning gospel act Marksmen Quartet since 1967. More than a dozen albums. Three Dove Award nominations. Group crossed over into bluegrass 1980s. Grand Ole Opry performances 1977, 1987. Appeared on TV’s In the Heat of the Night series & won a SPBGMA award 1991 (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America).

EDDIE BURTON, 77, died Nov. 9.
Nashville guitarist, session musician and songwriter. His “Dancing Your Memory Away” a top-10 hit for Charly McClain 1982. Songs also recorded by George Jones, Twitty, Wynette, Moffatts, Mandrell, Buck, Tony Booth, etc. (real name: Clarence Burton).

ELLA JENKINS, 100, died Nov. 9.
Centenarian musical trailblazer. Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as “The First Lady of the Children’s Folk Song.” NEA National Heritage Fellowship Award. ASCAP Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. Virtually defined children’s music field with series of 39 Folkways Records LPs 1957-2017. Singer-guitarist performed American folk music and appeared often on children’s TV shows. Repertoire popularized nursery rhymes, holiday songs, country/folk evergreens, rhythmic chants and percussion, traditional Black tunes, international songs, original compositions and more.

ZEKE DAWSON, 84, died Nov. 11.
Fiddle player in Loretta Lynn’s Coal Miners band 1974-84. (Full name: Peter Stephen Dawson)

DUNCAN WARWICK, 63, died Nov. 17.
Owner/editor of British magazine Country Music People, now in its 55th year. Both Duncan & CMP honored with CMA Awards.

MIKE MARTINOVICH, 81, died Nov. 18.
Veteran music-biz exec. Worked in sales, marketing, promotion, management. Spent 30 years at CBS/Sony Records. In Nashville since 1989, directing marketing of Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dolly, Jones, Merle, Tammy, Rosanne, Patty, Rodney, Charlie Daniels, Diffie, more. Later formed Mansfield-Martinovich Associates 1994-2002, consulting with Anderson Merchandisers/Walmart’s country marketing. Partnership in The Consortium 2002-2017, co-managing Mandy Barnett & consulting with Broken Bow Records/Jason Aldean and leading The Weather Channel’s branding. Leadership Music class 1992. Son Michael Dimitry Martinovich in management with Good Charlotte, My Morning Jacket, Nada Surf, etc. Son Bo Martinovich in promotion at Sony.

SAM CERAMI, 89, died Nov. 28.
Radio promotion veteran with decades of experience at Coral, Decca, MCA, Capitol, WEA, other labels. Nashville successes included Olivia Newton John, Tanya, Glen, Gatlins, Rabbitt, Crystal, Willie, Waylon, Kenny Rogers, Faith, Dirt Band, Alabama, Mandrell, Wynette, Greenwood, Garth, Keith Urban, Reba, Trace Adkins, Rascal Flatts, etc. Formally trained as classical singer. First music-biz success “Rock Around the Clock” Bill Haley & The Comets 1955. Career spanned pop, rock, r&b, country. Named Billboard Promotion Man of the Year 1978, Gavin National Promotion Director of the Year 1991. (Full name: Salvatore Cerami).

DAVID L. KENDALL, 92, died Dec. 5.
Upper-class hospitality exec. Official caterer to the CMA, Johnny Cash, Swan Ball, Harpeth Hall, Montgomery Bell Academy, Ensworth, etc. Co-founder of Fan Fair. Owner of Belle Meade Cafeteria.

LAYRSA JAYE, 40, died Dec. 8.
Black Opry participant. Named to National Museum of African American Music’s Emerging Artist program. Graduate of ACM’s OnRamp program. Weekly residency on Lower Broadway at Justin Timberlake’s Twelve Thirty club. Backing vocalist for Lauren Daigle, Danny Gokey, Carrie Underwood. Singer-songwriter with motherhood-themed single “Thoughts That Happen.”

MARTHA SHARP, 87, died Dec. 11.
Hit songwriter and Nashville record-label exec. Songwriting hits included “Born a Woman” (Sandy Posey, 1966), “Single Girl” (Posey, 1967), “Come Back When You Grow Up” (Bobby Lee, 1967), “Maybe Just Today” (Vee, 1968), “The Special Years” (British: Val Doonican, 1965), “I Want You Free” (Jean Shepard, 1970), “Another Goodbye Song” (Rex Allen Jr., 1974). Songs also recorded by Eddy Arnold, Tom Jones, Connie Smith, Waylon Jennings, Nick Lowe, Barbara Eden, Browns, Dottie West, Jan Howard, Leif Garrett, Johnny Tillotson, Cilla Black, Lennon Sisters, Wilma Burgess, Brook Benton & European artists. Solo album Anywoman (Monument, 1973). Songwriting success led her into A&R, finding songs/singers for Elektra/Warner 1980-1995. Pioneer as female label vice president. Signed superstars Randy Travis, Faith Hill. Involved with Warner careers of Highway 101, Carlene, Forester Sisters, Crystal, Tritt, Dirt Band, John Anderson, Gary Morris, Holly Dunn, etc.

NANCY HARMON, 85, died Dec. 13.
Gospel singer and songwriter. Recorded over 45 studio and live albums in her six-decade career. Celebrated for songs. Had songs recorded by The Statesmen, The LeFevres, The Nelons, The Hoppers, Jimmy Swaggart, Janet Paschal, Karen Wheaton, Kenneth Copeland and more.

BILL KELLY, 74, died Dec. 13.
Frontman for The Buoys, whose 1971 hit “Timothy” reached No. 1 17 on the U.S. Billboard charts. Recorded albums for Epic, MCA, and Columbia Records with Jerry Jerry Hludzik as the Jerry Kelly Band and Dakota.

EUGENE W. WARD, 92, died Dec. 13.
Longtime attorney and husband of Opry star Jeannie Seely.

JOHN HADLEY, 83, died Dec. 17.
BMI-awarded Nashville songwriter with cuts by Trisha Yearwood (“That’s What I Like About You”), T. Graham Brown (“Brilliant Conversationalist”), Moe Bandy (“Till I’m Too Old to Die Young”), Chad Brock (“Lightning Does the Work”), Pinkard & Bowden (“Don’t Pet the Dog”), plus George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Roger Miller, Garth Brooks, Joe Cocker, Dixie Chicks, Gibson Brothers, Wynonna, Jerry Reed, Bobby Bare, Kevin Welch, David Olney, Kim Richey, John Hiatt, Tim O’Brien, Linda Ronstadt, Jim Stafford, Nashville Bluegrass Band, Joan Baez, T.G. Sheppard, Sammi Smith, Gary Nicholson, Country Gazette, Webb Wilder, others. Mentor of Chris Stapleton. Songwriter for CBS-TV’s The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, 1989. Formerly an art professor at the University of Oklahoma 1965-87. Four self-illustrated books of humorous poems and stories.

DAVID MALLETT, 73, died Dec. 17.
Folk singer-songwriter whose songs were recorded by Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, John Denver, Kathy Mattea, Hal Ketchum, Marty Stuart, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie. His “Garden Song” is considered a children’s folk-music standard. Maine native lived in Nashville during 1980s. Recorded 17 albums for Vanguard, Flying Fish, Neworld Media, North Road labels 1978-2017. Performed at Newport Folk Festival, NPR’s Prairie Home Companion, Wolf Trap, etc.

PAUL ROPER, 45, died Dec. 17.
President of Dualtone Records, home of Guy Clark, Chuck Berry, June Carter Cash, Lumineers, Shakey Graves, Shovels & Rope, Langhorne Slim, more. Label’s records earned four Grammy Awards. Leadership Music class 2013.

Index:

Allen, Norah Lee — 3/3
Anderson, Adele Akin — 7/24
Applin, Herb — 6/29
Bender, Bob – 10/13
Betts, Dickey — 4/18
Biddy, Ken — 8/21
Blaylock, Audie — 1/10
Bledsoe, Wayne – 6/2
Bonsall, Joe — 7/9
Boyd, Fran – 3/9
Buntin, Jeffrey — 9/7
Burton, Eddie – 11/9
Carter, Roy – 4/29
Cash, Tommy — 9/13
Cason, Buzz — 6/16
Cerami, Sam — 11/28
Clark, Jason — 7/26
Clark, Kelly Nelon — 7/26
Collins, Larry — 1/5
Collins, Randall — 6/27
Dane, Barbara — 10/20
Davidson, Randy — 7/12
Davis, David — 9/15
Dawson, Zeke — 11/11
Eddy, Duane — 4/30
Eldridge, Ben — 4/14
Elders, Gene — 3.20
Elmore, Joe — 6/17
Ezell, David — 6/16
Flanigan, C.J. — 3/9
Foote, Tom – 4/29
Friedman, Kinky — 6/27
Fuller, Jerry — 7/18
Gamblin, Marty — 10/10
Garris, Larry — 5/11
Germino, Mark — 7/3
Gilmer, Jimmy — 9/7
Golden, Rusty — 7/1
Hadley, John — 12/17
Harmon, Nancy – 12/13
Hartridge, John Earl — 4/13
Hicks, Bobby — 8/16
Hobbs, Wayne — 6/10
Holcombe, Malcolm — 3/9
Holsclaw, Len — 2/19
Holyfield, Wayland — 5/6
James, Mark — 6/8
Jaye, Larysa — 12/8
Jenkins, Ella — 11/9
Jennings, Will — 9/6
Jones, Al — 3/2
Kaspar, Steve – 9/4
Keith, Toby — 2/5
Kelly, Bill – 12/13
Kendall, David — 12/5
Kirkland, Ray — 8/5
Kistler, Amber Nelon — 7/26
Koch, Don — 1/15
Kristofferson, Kris — 9/28
Laiolo, Tony — 1/31
Laur, Katie — 8/3
Lee, Judy — 3/20
Logan, Bud — 5/13
Loggins, Dave — 7/10
Lovelace, Paul – 9/5
Lowry, Steve — 3/10
Lynn, Gerri — 6/5
Magee, Harvey — 7/9
Mallett, David — 12/17
Mandisa — 4/18
Manier, Owsley — 10/1
Martin, Mary — 7/4
Martinovich, Mike — 11/18
May, Jim — 9/9
Miller, Dottie Leonard — 10/11
Mills, Jim — 5/3
Moffatt, Mark — 9/6
Orr, Betty Mullican – 4/25
Osment, Ozzy — 3/5
Parkin, Jason — 9/30
Pateras, Ron — 10/18
Patillo, Gabe – 4/12
Paul, Bev — 4/19
Pennington, Michael — 5/27
Perry, Claudia — 5/16
Pigg, Dewayne — 9/7
Posey, Sandy — 7/20
Poston, Mike — 1/3
Prestwood, Hugh — 9/22
Rabin, Buzz — 10/12
Rayburn, Randy – 7/25
Rhodes, Vicki — 9/6
Rich, Arthur E. — 2/24
Rolfe, Pat — 5/24
Roper, Paul — 12/17
Rose, Artie — 6/28
Sack, Mary — 6/6
Scaife, Joe — 6/12
Scarlati, Anthony S. — 3/8
Schiltz, Al — 9/30
Schweers, John — 5/28
Scott, Carl — 4/17
Shapiro, Alan – 2/11
Sharp, Martha — 12/11
Sherrill, Billy — 9/10
Smith, Annie Laura Carmichael — 7/18
Smith, Margo — 1/23
Sonnier, Jo-El — 1/13
Souther, J.D. — 9/17
Stoneman, Roni — 2/22
Tepper, Jeremy — 6/14
Titta, John — 10/23
Traum, Happy – 7/17
Turner, Brit – 3/3
Varallo, Frances Anne — 7/22
Wade, Pete — 8/27
Wakefield, Frank — 4/26
Waldron, Cliff — 7/1
Ward, Eugene W. – 12/13
Warwick, Duncan — 11/17
Wentworth, Chuck — 4/25
West, Earl — 1/10
Wheeler, Billy Edd — 9/16
Wheeler, Earle — 10/31
Wilde, J. Remington — 7/20
Wilkin, Bucky — 4/6
Winters, Donnie — 8/18
Woolsey, Erv — 3/20