Nashville-Related Music Obituaries 2025

It has been MusicRow’s tradition for decades to salute each year’s fallen in our Nashville music industry. The 2025 hail-and-farewell list includes the fondly remembered Jeannie Seely, Frank Mull, Brett James, Kim Fowler, Buck White, Ben Vaughn, Tramp, Fred Goodwin, Bill Ivey, and Raul Malo. We bid tender adieu to Johnny Rodriguez, Mark T. Jordan, Sonny Curtis, Frank Bumstead, Sandy Pinkard, Steve Cropper, Bob Allen, Melba Montgomery, Gerry Wood, and Barry Poss.

To them to and all of our friends and colleagues gathered below, we honor you, we celebrate you, and we thank you for your service. We will miss the light and the melody of your spirits and the creative contributions you had yet to make. You linger in our hearts.

WAYNE OSMOND, 73, died Jan. 1.
Member of sibling act The Osmonds/Osmond Brothers. Many pop hits as quintet 1970-77 including “One Bad Apple,” “Yo-Yo,” “Down By the Lazy River.” Went country 1980s in quartet with brothers Alan, Merrill, Jay. Made country charts with 11 titles, biggest was “I Think About Your Loving.’” (1982). Brother of Donny Osmond, Marie Osmond, Jimmy Osmond.

BOBBY WOLFE, 94, died Jan. 4.
Resophonic guitar instrument maker. Music journalist for Bluegrass Unlimited. Dobro historian with 1993 book The Resophonic Guitar and the Pickers.

EDDIE SEALS, 90, died Jan. 6.
Country comedian, singer, keyboardist in popular duo Eddie & Joe. Team recorded for Hickory, entertained in Printers Alley, Opryland, Lake Tahoe, etc. Seals & partner Joe Sones a.k.a. Joe Grant (1913-2018) previously worked in groups Rhythmnaires, Imperials, Commodores. Last named won on TV’s Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts; toured with Ernie Ford, Tex Ritter, Sonny James; recorded for Top Rank, Brunswick. After Commodores, formed duo & moved to Nashville 1968. Appeared on Porter Wagoner Show, That Nashville Music. Featured on TV special First Celebration of Country Comedy with Mel Tillis, Minnie Pearl. Owned/operated Putter Place miniature golf course in Hendersonville. Brother of Dan Seals (1948-2009), Jim Seals (of Seals & Crofts) (1941-2022).

BILL BYRGE, 86, died Jan. 9.
Nashville actor who appeared in music videos by Alan Jackson, Ray Stevens, others. Filmed TV commercials and roles in “Ernest P. Worrell” comedy movies Ernest Goes to Jail, Ernest Saves Christmas, Ernest Goes to School, Ernest Scared Stupid, etc. Also librarian with Nashville Public Library.

SAM MOORE, 89, died Jan. 10.
Rock N Roll Hall of Fame member as electrifying tenor in Sam & Dave (Dave Prater, 1937-1988). “Hold On I’m Comin,’” “Soul Man,” “I Thank You” became bar-band and country-show staples. Later became perennial Nashville presence, recording with Conway Twitty on landmark “Rainy Night In Georgia.” Also collaborated with Springsteen, many others.

CLAUDE JARMAN JR., 90, died Jan. 12.
Nashville child actor who won an Oscar for his role in the 1946 movie The Yearling and was in 10 other films. Later president of the San Francisco Film Festival.

BUCK WHITE, 94, died Jan. 13.
Patriarch and lead instrumentalist of 40-years tenured Opry group The Whites. Family band included daughters Sharon, Cheryl. Whites sang “Keep on the Sunny Side” & appeared in O Brother Where Art Thou hit movie. Soundtrack = Grammy Album of Year 2002. Country hits “You Put the Blue In Me,” “Hangin’ Around,” “Pins and Needles,” “If It Ain’t Love,” “I Wonder Whose Holding My Baby Tonight,” “Send Me the Pillow You Dream On,” etc. Charted 15 titles, 1981-1990. Produced by Sharon’s husband Ricky Skaggs (m. 1981). Buck, a dazzling mandolinist & pianist, led shows featuring unique mix of bluegrass, Texas swing, gospel, folk plus country family-vocal trio harmonies. Formerly Texas honky-tonk band member. Many session credits as instrumentalist and/or singer — Skaggs, Emmylou, Rosanne, Guy Clark, Dirt Band, Mattea, Rhonda, Kenny Rogers, Jeannie Seely, Johnny Russell, Riders in the Sky, Gary Stewart. Particularly a bluegrass favorite on discs with Jim & Jesse, Benny Martin, Kenny Baker, Lonesome Standard Time, Peter Rowan, Eddie Adcock, Tim O’Brien, etc. Also recorded with “new acoustic music” founders Bela Fleck, Mark O’Connor, Jerry Douglas, David Grisman.

DARYL SCHIFF, 86, died Jan. 14.
Leader of Kansas family band The Schiffters for 17 years, training ground for daughter Martina McBride. Recorded two country albums, performed twice on Opry.

MELBA MONTGOMERY, 86, died Jan. 15.
Country singer-songwriter. One of the greatest female vocal stylists of country music’s “golden age.” Noted for singing No. 1 hit “No Charge” (1974) as well as hit duets “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds” with George Jones (1963), “Baby Ain’t That Fine” with Gene Pitney (1966), “Something to Brag About” & “Baby You’ve Got What It Takes” with Charlie Louvin (1970, 1971). As songwriter, more than 100 compositions recorded. “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds” recorded by two dozen artists. “Don’t Keep Me Lonely Too Long” recorded by Connie Smith, Skeeter Davis, Eddy Arnold, Dottie West, George Jones, others. “What Do You Say to That” a 1999 smash for George Strait. Songs recorded by more than 50 others, including Bobby Bare, Hank Jr., Conway, Kris & Rita, Bill Anderson, Roy Drusky, Del Reeves, Loveless & Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Ricochet, Sara Evans, Emmylou & Carl Jackson, Prine, David Ball, Terri, Randy, Reba, Derailers, Vern Gosdin, plus bluegrass stars Lonesome River Band, Rhonda Vincent, Lost Highway, Grasstowne, etc. In later years, co-wrote with Jim Lauderdale, Kostas, Leslie Satcher, Billy Yates, Larry Cordle, Jerry Salley. As studio singer, contributed harmony vocals to records by Leon Russell, Randy, B.J., Emmylou, Acuff, more. After winning 1958 WSM talent contest, hired as female vocalist for Acuff road show 1958-62. Signed by labels, Nugget, United Artists, Musicor, Capitol, Elektra, Compass, etc. Released 30+ albums. Top solo singles included “Hall of Shame,” “The Greatest One of All,” “Please Be My Love,” “Wrap Your Love Around Me,” “Don’t Let the Good Times Fool You,” “Searchin,’” “Angel of the Morning,” plus “Did You Ever” (with Louvin) and additional Jones duets “Let’s Invite Them Over,” “What’s in Our Heart,” “Multiply the Heartaches,” “Party Pickin.’” Charted 30 times 1962-86. Shirley Caesar revived “No Charge” 1975. Willie Nelson & Mary Kay Place revived “Something to Brag About” 1977. Published cookbook 1988. Issued late-career solo albums 1992, 1997, 2008, 2010. Appeared on Ralph Stanley’s award-winning, all-star 2001 CD Clinch Mountain Sweethearts. Retired 2015. Brothers Carl Montgomery & Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery also successful country songwriters.

RIDLEY WILLS II, 90, died Jan. 16.
Author of 34 books on Nashville history. Formerly executive at National Life, company owner of WSM, Grand Ole Opry, Opryland Hotel.

JOHNNY FOY MOORE, 95, died Jan. 21.
Veteran country-music performer. Shared stages with Ernest Tubb, Jim Reeves, Carl Smith, Johnny Horton, Faron Young. Singles “Fifteen Acres of Peanut Land” (1962), “Be Honest With Me” (1962), “Sold to the Highest Bidder” (1970) on Starday, Nashville, Plantation labels. Reissue CD Country Classics 2013. Also owned a chain of service stations in Texas and Tennessee. Uncle of Jeannie C. Riley.

GARTH HUDSON, 87, died Jan. 21.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 1994. The last surviving original member of The Band. Keyboardist, accordion, synthesizer & sax player with classical training. Key contributor to group’s classics “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “Long Black Veil,” “Tears of Rage,” “Unfaithful Servant,” “This Wheel’s on Fire,” “I Shall Be Released,” “The Shape I’m In,” “Ophelia,” etc. Group blended country, rock, blues, folk elements. Formerly in Ronnie Hawkins rockabilly band The Hawks. (real name: Eric Hudson)

BUDDY BROCK, 72, died Jan. 24.
Country songwriter with hits including “Watermelon Crawl,” by Tracy Byrd (1994), “Fall in Love” Kenny Chesney (1995), “Haunted Heart” Sammy Kershaw (1993), “Honky Tonk Christmas” Alan Jackson (1992), “I Wanna Fall in Love” Lila McCann (1998). Noted for 1990-95 hit songwriting collaborations with Aaron Tippin, “You’ve Got to Stand for Something,” “There Ain’t Nothing Wrong with the Radio,” “The Call of the Wild,” “Honky Tonk Superman.” Others who recorded his songs George Jones, Ty Herndon, Doug Stone, Gary Allan, Woody Lee, George Strait, Charley Pride, Daryle Singletary. Six BMI Awards. (full name: William Calhoun Brock Jr.)

TSUYOSHI OTSUKA, 80, died Jan. 26.
Mainstay of the Japanese bluegrass scene for more than 50 years. Co-founder, guitarist, frontman of the group Bluegrass 45.

QUITMAN DENNIS, 83, died Jan. 26.
Saxophonist & bass player Pioneer of Nashville’s early rock & roll scene performing in bands The Sliders, The Escorts (with Charlie McCoy), The Gators in 1950s, 1960s. Moved to Vegas 1968, became bandleader for Bobby Darin. Moved to L.A. 1975 for session work. Returned to Nashville 1982 for continued session work with Waylon Jennings, Rodney Crowell, Alabama, Etta James, Dan Seals, Little Milton, Ronnie Milsap, etc.

BEN VAUGHN, 49, died Jan. 30.
President & CEO of Warner-Chappell Music. More than a decade at company, overseeing all activities across A&R, administration, business development, finance, human resources. Also worked with staff songwriters, engaged in songwriter advocacy and rights-protection initiatives. First music job in Kentucky local radio led to attending Belmont, then six years at Scott Hendricks Big Tractor publishing firm, graduated to EMI. Youngest major publishing exec on Music Row as Exec VP/GM at EMI Music Publishing in 2012. To Warner Chappell 2015 & company earned multiple Country Publisher of Year honors from ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, achieving Triple Crown 2019 sweeping all three PRO awards. His songwriters amassed 19 CMA, ACM, Grammy, or PRO Songwriter of the Year honors, 35 Song of Year titles, eight inductions into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Fostered such talents as Thomas Rhett, Dan + Shay, Midland, Riley Green to major-label careers. Signed Jesse Frasure, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton to his roster. Board member ACM, CMA.

BUDDY GRIFFIN, 76, died Feb. 4.
Bluegrass multi-instrumentalist. West Virginia state champion fiddler & banjo player 1973. Played in Griffin Family, The Heckels, Sunny Valley Boys, Goins Brothers, Katie Lauer Band, Jim & Jesse, session musician for many others. Appeared at Kennedy Center & on Prairie Home Companion. Banjo on 2004 Disney film soundtrack The Fox & The Hound 2. Developed bluegrass degree program at Glenville State College in WV.

WILLIS WADE, 90, died Feb. 3.
Country singer-songwriter. Album: Mr. Versatile, the Fabulous Willis Wade. Cult-favorite single: “The Dope Addicts” (1966). Toured extensively on international USO circuit.

DONALD MAIN, 59, died Feb. 10.
Singer-songwriter-pianist with three albums. Founding member of Nashville pop/rock band The Saints 1988-93. Equally well known as chef at The Tin Angel, Cakewalk Cafe.

STEVE TURNER, 77, died Feb. 11.
Chairman emeritus, longtime board chair for Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Raised working in family business Dollar General Corporation, founded by father. Became Nashville real-estate developer, spearheaded Schermerhorn Symphony Center as well as Country Music Hall of Fame building & connecting Omni Hotel. Fostered museum’s partnership with Nashville Public Library, resulting in acclaimed puppet show “String City.”

JACK SCHNEIDER, 90, died Feb. 19.
Country songwriter, singer, song publisher, record-label owner. Staff writer at Cedarwood with cuts by Kitty Wells, Jim Ed Brown, Stonewall Jackson. His “This World Holds Nothing” a top-30 hit for Jackson 1967. Formed Rustic Records 1979, one of the most enduring indie labels in country music. Home of artists Rachael Turner, Beckey Brown, DeAnna Cox, Lloyd Knight, Colte Bradley. Formerly member of Cripple Creek Boys radio stars on WHMA Anniston, Alabama. Longtime sales executive with Russell Corporation. Father of TV & concert production manager Jac Schneider. Husband of Rustic office manager Nell Schneider. (Full name: John Stillwell Schneider).

BARBARA KURLAND, 95, died Feb. 20.
Nashville arts supporter and entrepreneur. Championed Nashville Ballet. Major figure in revitalization of 2nd Avenue via her Goodies Warehouse arts, crafts, food, music venues, destroyed in 1985 fire. Also aided downtown Franklin’s scene with own gift shops Strange Things Emporium, Goodies on Main. Portrayed costumed characters in annual Dickens of a Christmas fests. First woman to run for Mayor of Nashville (1971). Mother of Bluebird Cafe founder Amy Kurland, longtime IATSE union head Peter Kurland, non-profit exec Wendy Kurland. Widow of Sheldon “Shelly” Kurland (1928-2010), Music Row session musician, arranger on records by hundreds, including Hall of Famers Cash Waylon, Milsap, Willie, Dolly, Conway, Kris, Reba, Bare, etc. Perennial winner of NARAS SuperPicker awards as leader of Shelly Kurland Strings.

JERRY STROBEL, 84, died Feb. 24.
Veteran Grand Ole Opry exec — 30 years as show’s publicist and Opry House Manager, 1970-2000. Tenor vocalist and choir director. Brother of Father Charles Strobel (1943-2023) priest founder of Room in the Inn & champion for homeless. (Full name: Martin Jerome Strobel)

CARL DEAN, 82, died March 3.
Perhaps the most famous, non-famous person in Nashville. Private, publicity-avers contractor who was 58-year husband and enduring love of superstar Dolly Parton.

ERNIE SYKES, 64, died March 5.
Singer and bass player for Bluegrass Cardinals, Livewire, Reno Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Bill Monroe, Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, Eddie Adcock, Mandy Barnett, Southland, Bluegrass Unit, etc. Also recorded with James King, Larry Perkins, Butch Baldassari, Clint Black, Leon Morris, Sharon Cort, Peter Rowan, Roland White, Buddy Spicher, Clyde Mattocks, Francine Michaels, Buddy Merriam, others. IBMA Award 2015. Solo album Brand New World 2012.

TROY SEALS, 86, died March 6.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member. Co-wrote 75 charted singles, including 30 top-10s, 11 No. 1s. Began career 1956 performing on rock & roll nightclub circuit. Married singer Jo-Ann Campbell (1963’s “I’m the Girl From Wolverton Mountain”). Billed as “Jo-Ann & Troy,” pop success with “I Found a Love, Oh What a Love” 1964. Moved to Nashville 1969. First songwriting success 1972’s “Girl in New Orleans” by Sammi Smith. Waylon introduced “We Had It All” 1973, subsequently recorded by Dolly, Dottie, Tom Jones, B.J., Tina, Donna Fargo, cowriter Donnie Fritts, others. Debut album Now Presenting Troy Seals 1973. Mentored by Conway, who sang “There’s a Honky Tonk Angel” as 1974 No, 1 hit & also Seals tunes “Don’t Take It Away” (1979), “Red Neckin’ Love Makin’ Night” (1982), “Fallin’ for You for Years” (1987), plus three Conway & Loretta duets, “Feelin’s” (1975), “I Can’t Love You Enough” (1977), “From Seven Till Ten” (1978). Early songs also recorded by Paycheck, Pruett, Jerry Lee, Stuckey, Luman, Connie Smith. Second solo album Troy Seals 1976. Elvis top-10 hit revival of “There’s a Honky Tonk Angel” (1979). During 1980s provided top-10 hits for Pride (1980’s “You Almost Slipped My Mind”), Bellamys (1984’s “Forget About Me”), George Jones (1985’s “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”), Keith Whitley (1986’s “Ten Feet Away”), Alabama (1984’s “When We Make Love”), John Schneider (1985’s “Country Girls”), Ronnie McDowell (1984’s “I Dream of Women Like You”), Greenwood (1986’s “Didn’t We’), Waylon (1985’s “Drinkin’ and Dreamin,’” plus singles for Brenda, David Allan Coe, Rodriguez, Merle, Glen Campbell, Dobie Gray. “Seven Spanish Angels” 1985 smash for Willie & Ray Charles nominated as Song of Year by CMA. “Lost in the Fifties Tonight” 1985 smash for Milsap, second Seals song nominated by CMA, won ACM & ASCAP Song of Year, earned Milsap a Grammy, led to win as ASCAP Country Songwriter of Year. In 1987-88 co-wrote “Maybe Your Baby’s Got the Blues” (Judds), “Let the Music Lift You Up” (Reba), “No More One More Time” (Jo-El), “Joe Knows How to Live” (Raven), “I Won’t Need You Anymore (Always and Forever)” (Randy Travis, Grammy Award), plus singles for Hank Jr., Gene Watson, Bama Band. Inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame 1988. Cowrote 1989 hits “Beyond Those Years” (Oaks), “Bayou Boys” (Raven). During 1990s, George Jones/Randy duet “A Few Ole Country Boys” (1990), Raven’s “Island” (1990), Tritt’s “Looking Out for Number One” (1993). Third CMA Song of Year nomination for 1999’s “If You Ever Have Forever in Mind,” with cowriter Vince Gill. Also singles by Faith Hill, John Anderson, Clinton Gregory, John Berry, Neal McCoy, J.P. Pennington, Chris LeDoux, Mike Reid. Pop-music cuts included Clapton, Cocker, Millie Jackson, Celine, Three Dog Night, Etta, Jodeci, Delbert, Aretha, Stones, Manilow. Songwriter’s last notable success “Good Little Girls” by Blue County 2003. Member of extended musical family including Brady Seals, Dan Seals, Johnny Duncan, Jim Seals (Seals & Crofts), Chuck Seals, Eddie Seals (Eddie & Joe).

JUDITH BRANDON THOMAS, 99, died March 10.
Founder of Sperry’s Restaurant. Formerly assistant to Frances Preston (1928-2012) at BMI on Music Row. Broadcasting experience at WKDA, where she was Traffic Manager and sang station’s ad jingles. Also at WSM as Program Director, News Director, coordinator of public-affairs talk shows.

JERRY BRASWELL, 77, died March 12.
Bass player on Opry. Band member and singer for Jim Ed Brown, Porter Wagoner. Also backed Del Reeves, Hank Locklin, Lefty, Tanya, Don Gibson, Donna Fargo, Bob Luman, many others.

ALBERT WAYNE “DOC” BUTLER, 86, died March 15.
Multi-instrumentalist specializing in woodwinds. Performed with Danny Davis & Nashville Brass, Charlie McCoy & Escorts. Backed Tony Orlando & Dawn in Branson, recorded with Johnny Winter.

EDDIE ADCOCK, 86, died March 19.
Bluegrass Hall of Fame member. Virginia native a teen banjo prodigy backing Mac Wiseman, Bill Harrell, Bill Monroe etc. Rose to fame with Country Gentlemen 1959-1970. Founded the IInd Generation 1971. Band included wife Martha on guitar & vocals. Country Gentlemen reunion CD named IBMA 1989 Recorded Event of Year. Formed The Masters 1990 as collaboration group with Martha, Kenny Baker, Josh Graves, Jesse McReynolds. Eddie & Martha continued to record into 2010s. Inducted into Bluegrass Hall of Fame 1996 as member of Country Gentlemen. Won the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo & Bluegrass Music 2014. Big newsmaker age 70 via video of him playing banjo while undergoing brain surgery at Vanderbilt.

DAISY KING, 80, died March 20.
Nashville culinary star. Author of 14 cookbooks, including the Little Yellow Cookbook. Founded Miss Daisy’s Tea Room 1974.

LESLY SIMON, 52, died March 27.
General manager of Pearl Records and Gwendolyn Records, labels of Garth & Trisha. Formerly VP of Promotion at Arista, garnering 40 No. 1 country hits for Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, etc. Began Nashville career at RCA, logged time at Capitol, was tour manager for Mindy McCready. Leadership Music class 2013.

KURT STOREY, 64, died March 27.
Audio engineer on records by Mark O’Connor, Bela Fleck, many others. Longtime soundman at The Station Inn. Also fiddler, bass player.

RALPH EVERITT BLACK, 99, died March 27.
Indiana keyboardist who became sales rep for Capitol Records in Nashville. Also worked as publisher, producer, session musician, church choirmaster, piano tuner.

VAN TUCKER, 67, died March 28.
Music Row banker. Founded Avenue Bank. Founding board member Americana Music Association, Former board president Leadership Music. CEO of Nashville Fashion Alliance & of Launch Tennessee. Master gardener, gourmet chef, champion of the arts. Wife of singer-songwriter Monty Holmes. Leadership Music class 1999.

TRAMP, 60, died March 28.
Multi-instrumentalist on fiddle, mandolin, guitar. Played with Nashville bands Bonepony, Walk the West & Cactus Brothers. Two solo albums. Also played on albums by David Schnaufer, Hank Jr., Tim Easton, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Ken Hart, The Shakers, Hayseed, others. Appeared in George Strait movie Pure Country 1992. “Fisher’s Hornpipe” (1991) by Schnaufer/Cactus/Tramp most played CMT instrumental video ever. After leaving Nashville, became assistant director at International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, KY. Also concert stagehand. (Real name: Michael Lawing).

TRACY SCHWARZ, 86, died March 29.
Fiddler/singer who founded New Lost City Ramblers with Mike Seeger, John Cohen 1962. Folkways Records issued nine LPs by group 1964-2009, including 1968 collaboration with Cousin Emmy. Also recorded as member of Strange Creek Singers with Hazel & Alice 1972. Four solo albums, four with Cajun master Dewey Balfa, three with Schwarz family members. Educator of traditional music with several fiddle instruction albums.

DICK DAMRON, 91, died March 29.
Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame member. Placed 38 singles on RPM country charts, including 14 top-10 entries and No. 1 hits “Countryfied” (1971), “Rise and Shine” (1971), “On the Road” (1976), “Susan Flowers” (1977). Awards as CCMA Entertainer of Year, Male Vocalist of Year, Songwriter of Year, Instrumentalist of Year. Autobiography The Legend & the Legacy (1997). Two boxed sets of his best by Bear Family. (Full name: Joseph Glenn Damron).

CHUCK AUERBACH, 75, died March 29.
Nashville singer-songwriter with solo LP Remember Me, plus cuts as lyricist for The Black Keys and brother/producer Dan Auerbach. Showcased at South By Southwest music festival in Austin. Also prominent as antique dealer and as folk/“outsider” art champion.

JOHNNY TILLOTSON, 86, died April 1.
Singer-songwriter. Nashville-launched pop star. Won Opry’s Pet Milk talent contest & signed with Cadence for 1962’s Grammy-nominated “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin’” & Hank Locklin’s “Send Me the Pillow You Dream On,” both big country & pop hits. Charted country with four more singles, 1968-84. Pop career also launched with Nashville-recorded “Poetry In Motion” (1960), “Without You” (1961), Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (1962), Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away” (1963). Signed with MGM for pop hits with John D. Loudermilk’s “Talk Back Trembling Lips” (1963), Merle Kilgore & Margie Singleton’s “She Understands Me” (1964), Harlan Howard’s “Heartaches By the Number” (1965), etc. Later recorded for Amos, Buddah, Columbia, United Artists, Atlantic. Toured with Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars, became Vegas showroom entertainer. Billy Joe Royal revived Tillotson-penned “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin’” as country hit 1988.

LARRY BASTIAN, 90, died April 6.
Songwriter for Major Bob Music. Cowrote “Unanswered Prayers,” “The Old Man’s Back in Town,” “Rodeo” for Garth 1991-92. Also wrote for Sammi Smith (“Sometimes I Cry When I’m Alone”), Sammy Kershaw (“Yard Sale,” “If You‘re Gonna Walk I’m Gonna Crawl”), Conway (“Saturday Night Special”), Craig Morgan (“Look at Us”), Haggard & David Frizzell (“Lefty”), George Jones, Reba, Willie, Vern Gosdin, Eddy Arnold, Buck, Tammy, Lacy J., Moe Bandy, Rhett Akins, Whites, Neal McCoy, Con Hunley, Ray Price, Kendalls, Tom Jones, Tracy Byrd, Janie Fricke (“This Ain’t Tennessee and He Ain’t You”), many others.

RAYMOND HUFFMASTER, 81, died April 8.
Bluegrass guitarist & bassist. Formerly in Bill Monroe, Osborne Brothers bands. Managed Bean Blossom Festival 1979.

RAY SISK, 77, died April 8.
Much loved host, song leader, kindly greeter and friend to incoming songwriters at Bobby’s Idle Hour on Music Row. His songs sung by collaborators Warren Haynes & Craig Monday, plus Gabe Lee, Clinton Kyle, Gov’t Mule.

STEVE WEAVER, 76, died. April 12.
Entertainment attorney for 40 years in Memphis & Nashville. Also musician, songwriter, guitar instructor, talent agent.

WINK MARTINDALE, 91, died April 15.
Radio DJ & TV game-show host who scored a 1959 country hit with remake of T. Texas Tyler’s “Deck of Cards.” (Full name: Winston Martindale)

MAC GAYDEN, 83, died April 16.
Nashville pop/rock pioneer as songwriter, guitarist, performer. Co-wrote soul classics “Everlasting Love,” “She Shot a Hole in My Soul.” Co-founded Southern rock bands Barefoot Jerry (1969), Area Code 615 (1971). Recorded solo LPs, played lead guitar on albums by Kristofferson, Dylan, Presley, Ronstadt, Simon & Garfunkel, Charlie Rich, Leonard Cohen, Hiatt, Pride, Wynette, Loudon Wainwright, J.J. Cale (“Crazy Mama”), Connie Francis, Bobby Vinton, Patti Page, Ian & Sylvia, Robert Mitchum, The Alarm, Jerry Jeff Walker, Michael Martin Murphey. Particularly noted for backing R&B acts Roscoe Shelton, Arthur Alexander, Pointer Sisters, Ivory Joe Hunter, Gene Allison, Joe Simon, The Valentines (“Gotta Get Yourself Together”). Began career 1960s, joining Charlie McCoy in early Nashville rock & roll band The Escorts. He & Buzz Cason (1939-2024) co-wrote & produced 1967’s “Everlasting Love” for Robert Knight (1945-2017). Song subsequently also a hit for artists in 12 countries, plus U.S. revivals by Carl Carlton (1974), Rex Smith & Rachel Sweet (1981), U2 (1994), Gloria Estefan (1995). Gayden & Cason also co-wrote Knight’s “Love on a Mountain Top,” U.K. top-10 hit 1974, plus “My Rainbow Valley,” U.K. top-10 hit for The Love Affair 1968. Gayden & Chuck Neese co-wrote “She Shot a Hole in My Soul” as 1967 hit for Clifford Curry, subsequently sung by Box Tops, John Fred & His Playboy Band, Huey Lewis & The News. Songs also recorded by Bare, Wagoner, Gary Lewis & Playboys, James & Bobby Purify, Carol Chase, Crickets, others. Solo albums included McGavock (1972), Skyboat (1975), Hymn to the Seeker (1976), Nirvana Blues (1996). Record producer for Knight, Curry, Dianne Davidson, Steve Young. Featured in Country Music Hall of Fame series “Nashville Cats” 2013. Memoir: Missing String Theory: A Musician’s Uncommon Spiritual Journey (2013). Brother of Quadraphonic Sound Studios former manager Joseph Gayden (1947-2004) and of retired Davidson County judge Hamilton Gayden. Father of singer Oceana Gayden. (Full name: McGavock Dickinson Gayden).

JOEL KATZ, 80, died April 18.
Legendary, uber- powerful music-biz lawyer. Played pivotal role shaping careers of artists, producers, executives. Represented greats including James Brown, Julio Iglesias, Alan Jackson, Kristofferson, Buffett, Little Big Town, Tim, Faith, Strait, James Taylor, Justin Timberlake, Mike Dungan, Randy Goodman, many more. Also served as counsel to Recording Academy, CMA. Facilitated many corporate mergers & acquisitions. Honored by Recording Academy with Trustees Award and by Billboard on its Power 100 list as the No.1 entertainment attorney. University of Tennessee School of Law named its library in his honor.

CHUCK JENNINGS, 86, died April 19.
Guitarist for Tony Douglas, Boxcar Willie. Co-wrote 1963 Douglas hit “His and Hers.” Formerly Texas nightclub entertainer.

TRAVIS COLLINSWORTH, 47, died April 22.
Co-owner of Nashville nightclub The 5 Spot. Venue noted for showcasing up-and-coming bands and artists.

DAVID BRIGGS, 82, died April 22.
Keyboardist, song publisher, studio owner, songwriter, arranger. Musicians Hall of Fame, Alabama Music Hall of Fame member. In original Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, playing on hits by Arthur Alexander, Joe Tex, Jimmy Hughes, Al Green, etc. Early songwriting for Brenda Lee, Percy Sledge, Dan Penn, others. Moved to Nashville 1965, soon playing on 400+ sessions per year. Backed Cash, Seger, Kenny Rogers, Connie, Jerry Lee, Dean Martin, Willie, Baez, Loretta, Pointer Sisters, Milsap, B.B., Waylon, Leon Russell, Cocker, Hank Jr., Ronstadt, Orbison, B.J. Thomas, Tony Joe White, Chet, Dolly, Kristofferson, Monkees, Reba, Prine, Osllin, Chesney, Dobie Gray, Don McLean, Donovan, Billy Bob Thornton, Nancy Sinatra, Pride, Everlys, Rabbitt, Carl Perkins, Mandrell, Alice Cooper, George Harrison, Peter, Paul & Mary, many others. Also recorded solo albums, performed as member of Area Code 615 in 1969-71. Member of James Gang 1974. In Elvis’s TCB Band 1976. Music director for network & cable television specials. Partnered with Norbert Putnam to open Quadrafonic Sound, then created own House of David recording studio. He & Putnam also founded Danor Music, publishing Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members, Troy Seals, Will Jennings. Older brother of ASCAP, U.S. Bank exec John Briggs.

TOM MARKHAM, 88, died April 22.
Studio owner in Jacksonville who recorded classic Stanley Brothers sides “Little Maggie,” “Rank Stranger,” “If I Lose,” “God Gave You to Me” in 1960. Also recorded early sides by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet. Also audio engineer, TV cameraman.

LULU ROMAN, 78, died April 23.
Comedian cast member of Hee Haw. Noted for skits in “The Culhanes,” “Hee Haw Honeys,” “Truck Stop” waitress, gossip ladies, “All-Jug Band.” Also appeared on The Love Boat, Touched By an Angel. Gospel-music artist noted for “On the Battlefield.” Grammy nominated, Dove Award winner 1985 inducted into Country Gospel Hall of Fame 1999. Autobiography: 2019’s This Is My Story, This Is My Song. (Real name Mary Louise Hable).

FRED GOODWIN, 77, died April 28.
Leading cowboy-music expert with vast record collection. Author of Sons of the Pioneers biography & produced some of act’s later CDs. Board member of Western Music Association. Represented memorabilia for Roy Rogers. Acted in movies, commercials, TV game shows. DJ on WMTS Murfreesboro’s “Oldies But Goldies Big Band Music.” Enormously outgoing music personality.

GERRY WOOD, 87, died May 3.
Music journalist, media personality. Editor-in-chief Billboard, g.m. of Nashville bureau. Began career in radio on WSON, WVJS, WAKY in Kentucky, WKDA in Nashville (1964-66). P.R. gigs at Vanderbilt (1966-69), ASCAP (1969-75). Billboard journalist in Nashville 1975-80, then editor-in-chief in New York 1980-83. Editor at Nashville magazine (1983-84), correspondent for People (1984). Returned to Billboard as head of Nashville office 1986. TV personality The Gamboling Gourmet on WTVF-TV and regular reviewer on TNN 1980s. SESAC Journalistic Achievement Award 1981. Books: Ain’t God Good (1975) & Let the Hammer Down (1978) with Jerry Clower. Others included The Grand Ole Opry Presents the Year in Country Music (1997), Tales From Country Music (2003). Wrote for Country Weekly, many others as freelance journalist. Notable bon vivant.

JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ, 73, died May 9.
Famed for hits “Pass Me By,” “Just Get Up and Close the Door,” etc. Ground-breaking country Latino artist. “Eres Tu,” “Love Put a Song in My Heart,“ etc. performed in both Spanish and English. In 1972-89, placed 45 songs on country charts. Tom T. Hall brought him to Nashville & brother Hillman Hall wrote the Texan’s 1972 debut single, “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through),” the first of 15 consecutive top-10 smashes. Song revived by Janie Fricke 1980. Rodriguez & Tom T. Hall co-wrote 1973’s “You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me),” first of six No. 1 hits. Rodriguez also wrote “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico” (1973), “Dance With Me (Just One More Time)” (1974). ACM Top New Male Vocalist of 1973, nominated for CMA Horizon Award. Larry Gatlin wrote “I Just Can’t Get Her Out of My Mind” (1975) & “If Practice Makes Perfect” (1977). Linda Hargrove wrote “Just Get Up and Close the Door” (1975) & “Savin’ This Love Song for You” (1977). Mickey Newbury wrote “I Wonder If I Ever Said Goodbye,” Billy Joe Shaver wrote “I Couldn’t Be Me Without You,” Ben Peters wrote 1975’s chart-topping “Love Put a Song in My Heart,” both 1976. Dan Penn & Johnny Christopher co-wrote 1976’s “Hillbilly Heart.” Rodriguez revived Lefty Frizzell & Whitey Shaffer’s “That’s the Way Love Goes” 1974, later a 1980 hit for Merle Haggard. Rodriguez 1978 hit “We Believe in Happy Endings,” written by Bob McDill, revived as 1988 Emmylou Harris & Earl Thomas Conley duet. Also adapted pop tunes for country listeners: George Harrison’s “Something” (1974), Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil’s “We’re Over” (1974), The Eagles’ “Desperado” (1977) Ray Charles Singers “Love Me With All of Your Heart” (1978), Mocedades’ “Eres Tu (Touch the Wind)” (1977). More top-10 hits = “Down on the Rio Grande” 1979, “Foolin’” 1983, “How Could I Love Her So Much” 1983. Other highlights “Fools For Each Other” (1979), “What’ll I Tell Virginia” (1979), “North of the Border” (1980), “Too Late to Go Home” (1984),“I Didn’t (Every Chance I Had)” (1987), Charly McClain duet “I Hate the Way I Love It” (1979). Guested on TV shows Adam 12, The Dating Game. Featured in 1976 movie Nashville Girl. Toured internationally to Switzerland, England, South Korea, France, Spain, Germany, Japan, Belgium, Guam, Poland, Canada, Mexico. Sang Spanish vocal for Woody Guthrie’s “Deportee” on 1985 recording by Highwaymen — Cash, Waylon, Kris, Willie. Performed “Across the Valley From the Alamo” on CMA-nominated Asleep at the Wheel 1994 CD Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys. Performed at George H.W. Bush presidential inauguration 1989. Accused of murder 1998, acquitted 1999, but career never recovered. Indie albums Intersound (1993), Hightone (1996), Paula (1996), Intercontinental (2001), KRB (2007), RunninWide (2012). Inducted into Texas Country Music Hall of Fame 2007. Triumphant revival at CMA Music Fest in 2017. Father of singer & Starstruck employee Aubry Rodriguez.

BILLY EARHART, 71, died May 13.
Keyboardist in Amazing Rhythm Aces, Bama Band.

BARRY POSS, 79, died May 13.
Founder of Sugar Hill Records, best known as label of bluegrass stars. Launchpad for careers of Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, Nickel Creek, The Whites. Also albums by Rodney Crowell, Dolly, Mattea, Willie, Connie Smith, Paycheck, Sweethearts, Sara Evans, Don Williams, Lee Ann Womack, Wanda Jackson, Uncle Kracker, plus troubadours Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Pat Alger, Jewel, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Jesse Winchester. Sugar Hill recordings won 13 Grammy Awards in bluegrass, country & folk categories, including two for Dolly and two for Nashville Bluegrass Band. Poss formerly with County Records, Rebel Records. Co-founded Sugar Hill 1978. Label became home of bluegrass bands Osborne Brothers, Bluegrass Cardinals, Country Gentlemen, Hot Rize, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Seldom Scene, New Grass Revival, Del McCoury. Also signed Tim O’Brien, Peter Rowan, Sam Bush, Chris Hillman, Carl Jackson. Label early Americana supporter via CDs by Austin Lounge Lizards, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Jonathan Edwards, Pat Green, Jeff Bridges, Red Clay Ramblers, James McMurtry, Joey + Rory, Tom Paxton, Doc Watson, Maura O’Connell. Poss sold Sugar Hill to Welk Music Group 1998, but remained president/chairman. Moved label from Durham to Nashville 2007, bought by Concord 2015. Co-founder of IBMA 1985, plus Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. Also on boards of Carolina Theater, Center for Documentary Studies at Duke, Merle Fest, North Carolina Folklife Institute, etc. Distinguished Achievement Award from IBMA 1998. Lifetime Achievement Award from Americana Music Association 2006.

TONY HASELDEN, 79, died May 16.
Succeeded as both a rock artist and country songwriter. Member of LeRoux 1977-85 & wrote group’s biggest hit, 1982’s “Nobody Said It Was Easy.” LeRoux issued five albums. Band’s national TV included Solid Gold, The Midnight Special, Don Kirchner’s Rock Concert. Shared stages with Allman Brothers, Journey, Kansas, Heart, Doobie Brothers, Foreigner, ZZ Top, Charlie Daniels Band. Contributed instrumentally to albums by Tab Benoit, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Moved to Nashville & became country songwriter with five top-10 hits — Shenandoah’s “Mama Knows” (1988), Keith Whitley’s “It Ain’t Nothin’” (1990), George Strait’s “You Know Me Better Than That” (1991), Michelle Wright’s “Take It Like a Man” (1992), Collin Raye’s “That’s My Story” (1994). Songs recorded by 40+ artists. Sweethearts of Rodeo had “This Heart” in 1990, revived by Jon Randall 1994. Shelby Lynne’s “Don’t Cross Your Heart” and Martina McBride’s “That’s Me” in 1991-92, then Shania Twain’s “What Made You Say That” 1993. Also charting with Haselden songs: Billy Ray (1995’s “Fastest Horse in a One-Horse Town”), Reba (2006’s “Love Needs a Holiday”), Kid Rock (2017’s “Po-Dunk”). Haselden’s “Music Is What I See” title tune of Rhonda Vincent’s 2021 bluegrass CD. Rockers Uriah Keep and Bobby & The Midnites both recorded Haselden’s “Lifeline.” Songs also recorded by Toby, Conway, Mandrell, Statlers, Patty, Glen Campbell, Tracy Lawrence, Janie Fricke. Rodney Atkins, Pam, Marie, Billy Dean, Doug Stone, Highway 101, Trevino, Joe Nichols, Suzy, Mark Wills, Foresters, Gary Puckett, Tim Mensy. Also a record producer for Kinleys, Wilkinsons, Georgia Middleman. LeRoux regrouped 1996, returned to performing & recording. Filmed 1997 special for Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Haselden inducted into Louisiana Music Hall of Fame 2010.

MARK STEVEN LAWS, 62, died May 25.
Drummer in Kentucky’s Renfro Valley Barn Dance staff band. Band leader for country’s Alex Miller since 2020. Also backed Jimmy Dickens, Pam Perry, Bill Carlisle, Larry Cordle. Record producer, co-founder of The Curve Recording Studio.

JUDITH SIMMONS, 85, died June 6.
Longtime Nashville Symphony board member, co-chair of the inaugural Symphony Ball 1985. Many other community contributions; honored at the Celebration of Women by Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Leadership Nashville class 2003. Mother of Music Row’s Truist Bank Sports & Entertainment Specialty Group exec Earle Simmons.

JONATHAN MAYERS, 51, died June 9.
Co-founder of Bonnaroo music festival 2002. Co-founded Superfly Entertainment 1996. Began career in New Orleans at Tipitina’s, Jazz & Heritage Fest. Tennessee-based Bonnaroo with 70,000 in attendance, role model for dozens of multi-day music tests. Launched other festivals in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Detroit.

MIKE BORCHETTA, 84, died June 14.
Curb Records VP of Promotion 1980s & 1990s, launching Tim McGraw hits. President of Lofton Creek Records (Heartland’s “I Loved Her First” 2006). Also exec at Broken Bow, Capitol, RCA, Mercury, Philips. Own promotion company, working with such artists as Hal Ketchum, Four Seasons, Beach Boys, Glen Campbell, Dusty Springfield, Wayne Newton, etc. Father of Big Machine mogul Scott Borchetta, plus Chasing Scarlet pop singer & record promoter Adelle Borchetta, Nine North record promoter Chris Borchetta, Willing Entertainment CEO Angela Borchetta.

SANCHEZ HARLEY, 73, died June 16.
Gospel music producer, arranger, engineer, publisher, writer, conductor, educator, entrepreneur. Produced gospel superstars Shirley Caesar, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Kirk Franklin, Albertina Walker, more. Multi-instrumentalist came to prominence in Bottom & Company on Motown, leading to session work for Peabo Bryson, Bloodstone, Ben E. King, Marvin Gaye, Commodores. Rose to prominence in Nashville producing Milton Brunson, Hezekiah Walker, O’landa Draper, Tramaine Hawkins, Bobby Jones & New Life, Williams Brothers. McGuire, Rizen. Also worked with Aretha Franklin, Nashville Symphony. Co-founded Nashville’s first Black-owned, 24-track studio. Multiple Dove Awards. Adjunct professor TSU. Leadership Music class 1992.

STACY WIDELITZ, 69, died June 17.
Film composer whose “She’s Like the Wind” a 1987 hit for Patrick Swayze from Dirty Dancing soundtrack. More than 20 other movie scores. In Nashville since 2000 — extensive civic engagement via boards of Nashville Opera, Nashville Film Festival, Alias Chamber Ensemble, Dismas House. President Leadership Music board 2017-18. City Commissioner & vice mayor in Oak Hill 2016-2020. Award winning photographer.

LOU CHRISTIE, 82, died June 18.
Pop star with three-octave vocal range who became a Nashville recording artist in 1980s. Raised near Pittsburgh with early influence listening to Wheeling Jamboree on WWVA. Began pop career age 15 after meeting keyboardist/songwriter Twyla Herbert (1921-2009), a psychic gypsy twice his age. Longtime partners collaborated on Pittsburgh-recorded hits “The Gypsy Cried” (1962), “Two Faces Have I” (1963) featuring high falsetto singing. Signed with MGM & scored sexually suggestive hits “Lightning Strikes” (1965), “Rhapsody in the Rain” (1966). Unusual as teen idol who wrote own songs. Comeback via 1969 bubblegum hit “I’m Gonna Make You Mine” on Buddha label. Critically acclaimed LP Paint America Love (1971). Charted with oldie remake “Beyond the Blue Horizon” (1974) from country album Lou Christie. Its “Wilma Lee and Stoney” song saluting WWVA’s Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper led to guest starring on Grand Ole Opry 1974. “Beyond the Blue Horizon” revived as key song on 1988 soundtrack of Rain Man. Nashville recording sessions created 1982 LP Lou Christie Does Detroit. Sang lead on Cantina Band single “Summer ’81 Medley” excerpting nine Beach Boys tunes. Duets with Lesley Gore (1986), Pia Zadora (1990). Toured on oldies circuit in later years. (Real name: Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco).

JIMMY SWAGGART, 90, died July 1.
Televangelist with extensive media exposure. Gospel recording artist with more than 100 albums & sales reported at 17 million. Grammy nominated 1981. Southern Gospel Hall of Fame member. Author of 50+ books. Media mogul with radio & television businesses. Prominent on TBN, PTL, CBN as well as 250+ local stations nationwide. Prostitution scandals 1988 & 1991 derailed career, but rebounded with own smaller ministry. Cousin of Jerry Lee Lewis (1935-2022), Mickey Gilley (1936-2022).

JACK CORN, 96, died July 1.
Tennessean photographer 1953-1975. Taught photojournalism at Nashville Tech, WKU. His music photos donated to Country Music Hall of Fame.

TOM DeLUCA, 70, died July 10.
Former Nashville rock artist, noted for tenure in popular local band The Piggys, plus three solo albums. Also worked with Bob Welch, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry. Songs recorded by Kid Rock, David Allan Coe, Molly Hatchet, Loverboy, Jennifer Rush, Joanna Dean, Aldo Nova, etc. Married to American Idol exec Robin Kaye.

ROBIN KAYE, 70, died July 10.
Former office manager for Waylon Jennings in Nashville. Music supervisor for TV’s American Idol for 16 years in L.A. Also worked on Lip Sync Battle, Miss Universe TV shows. Married to musician Tom DeLuca.

NORMAN ADAMS, 90, died July 15.
IBMA Distinguished Achievement award winner as bluegrass concert & festival promoter for 45 years.

CONNIE FRANCIS, 87, died July 16.
Pop superstar of the 1950s & 1960s with extensive Nashville experience. Recorded country duets with Hank Williams Jr. 1964 and charted with 1957 Marvin Rainwater duet “The Majesty of Love.” Career launched with tear-stained ballads “Who’s Sorry Now” (1958), “My Happiness” (1958), “Among My Souvenirs” (1959), “Where the Boys Are” (1961), etc., plus rockabilly-tinged “Stupid Cupid” (1958), “Lipstick on Your Collar” (1959), “Eighteen” (1957). Her pop #1 “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” (1960) also a country hit. Further country-flavored hits “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own” (1960), “Breakin’ in a Brand New Broken Heart” (1961). Recorded several singles penned by country writers — John D. Loudermilk (1961’s “Dreamboat”), Dickey Lee (1962’s “He Thinks I Still Care”), Jenny Lou Carson (1965’s “Jealous Heart”), Margaret Lewis & Myra Smith (1969’s “The Wedding Cake”), Richard Leigh (1983’s “There’s Still a Few Good Love Songs Left in Me”). In addition to the Hank Jr. duet LP, her all-country collections included Country Music Connie Style (1962), Country & Western Golden Hits (1959), My Heart Cries for You (1967), Sings Folk Song Favorites (1961). Began recording regularly in Nashville 1961-62. Recorded several albums on Music Row — Greatest American Waltzes, Second Hand Love, Connie Francis, etc. (Real name: Concetta Rosamaria Franconero)

HELEN CORNELIUS, 83, died July 18.
With vocal partner Jim Ed Brown, earned 1977 CMA Award for Vocal Duo of Year. The team also nominated 1978, 1979. Duo’s top-10 hits “I Don’t Want to Have to Marry You” (1976), “Saying Hello, Saying I Love You, Saying Goodbye” (1977), Grammy-nominated “If the World Ran Out of Love Tonight” (1978), “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” (1979), “Lying in Love With You” (1979), “Fools” (1979), “Morning Comes to Early” (1980). Missouri native competed successfully on Ted Mack Amateur Hour 1960 in trio with sisters. Signed as staff writer by Screen Gems 1970. Songs recorded by Oaks, Reba, Charlie Louvin & Melba Montgomery, Jeannie C. Riley, Lynn Anderson, Barbara Fairchild, Connie Smith. Teamed with Brown on RCA 1976. Duo’s other hits included “I’ll Never Be Free” (1978), “The Bedroom” (1980), “Don’t Bother to Knock” (1981). Co-hosted TV series Nashville On the Road 1976-80. Broke up 1980. Solo singles on RCA, Elektra and Ameri-Can labels. Debut solo LP 1985 for Dot Records. Opening act for Statlers, Conway. Starred in 1984 road company of Annie Get Your Gun. Reunited with Brown for 1988 tour. Opened Nashville South in Gatlinburg 1991 & performed there nightly for five years. Then in Branson headlining at Jim Stafford Theater. Featured on Larry Black’s Country Family Reunion series on RFD-TV in 2000s.

FRANK BUMSTEAD, 83, died July 20.
Co-founder of FBMM financial management firm 1990 alongside Mary Ann McCready, John McCarthy & the late Chuck Flood (1945-2023). Handled business for many music stars, sports celebrities. Negotiated 1991 sale of CMT to Opryland, led 2008 merger of MusicRow magazine with SouthComm. President/Chairman of CMA board 2014-15. Also served T.J. Martel, Nashville Opera, Memorial Foundation, Junior League, many other civic organizations.

SALLY TIVEN, 68, died July 23.
Nashville musician and songwriter who worked primarily in blues & soul genres. Played guitar or bass on records by Wilson Pickett, B.B. King, Don Covay. In concerts, backed Little Milton, BeBe Buell, P.F. Sloan, Marty Brown, Howard Tate, Syl Johnson, Al Franken, Garnett Mimms, Willie Jones, etc. Songs recorded by Buddy Guy, Huey Lewis & The News, Irma Thomas, Shemekia Copeland, Jeff Healey Band, others. Formerly in band The Yankees. Wife of music journalist & record producer Jon Tiven.

SANDY PINKARD, 78, died July 26.
Singer-songwriter left his mark on Nashville scene as half of music/comedy team Pinkard & Bowden and as songwriter for Brenda Lee, Jim Nabors, Cher, John Anderson, Mickey Gilley, more. He and Texas songwriter Richard Bowden formed Pinkard & Bowden 1984. Signed to Warner Records, in 1985-93, duo issued five albums, 12 singles. Famed for witty parodies of country. songs. Five made country popularity charts in 1984-89, including “Mama She’s Lazy” (parody of “Mama He’s Crazy”), “She Thinks I Steal Cars” (“She Thinks I Still Care”), “Somebody Done Somebody’s Song Wrong.” Other highlights included “Help Me Make It Through the Yard,” “Delta Dawg” and “Drivin’ My Wife Away.” John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” became “Libyan on a Jet Plane.” Claude King’s hit “Wolverton Mountain” became “Three Mile Island.” Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” became “Blue Hairs Driving in My Lane.” Independent of novelty duo, Pinkard noted for co-writing award-winning hits “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma” for Frizzell & West (1981) ACM Song of Year. “Coca Cola Cowboy” 1979 No. 1 hit for Mel Tillis on soundtrack of Clint Eastwood movie Any Which Way You Can. Glen Campbell top-10 hit with film’s title tune, also by Pinkard. Tanya Tucker’s top-10 hit “Pecos Promenade” on soundtrack of 1980 Burt Reynolds movie Smokey & The Bandit II. Vern Gosdin No. 1 hit with 1984’s “I Can Tell By the Way You Dance.” Anne Murray No. 1 with “Blessed Are the Believers” 1981. Ray Charles/Clint Eastwood duo charted with “Beers to You” 1980.

FLACO JIMENEZ, 86, died July 31.
Tex-Mex, conjunto musician, master of button accordion. Played on top hits “The Streets of Bakersfield” by Dwight & Buck 1988, “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” by Mavericks 1986. Jimenez earned five Grammys, 2015 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Member of “supergroup” Texas Tornados with Freddy Fender, Doug Sahm, Augie Meyers 1990-2010. Collaborated on disc with Dylan, Ronstadt, Bellamys, Tanya, Junior Brown, Hiatt, Emmylou, Lee Roy Parnell, Chet & Bogguss, Los Lobos, Santana, Ray Benson, Radney Foster, Dr. John, Stones, etc. Recorded 27 solo albums 1972-2014. Toured with Peter Rowan in Free Mexican Airforce band and with Ry Cooder via 1976 LP Chicken Skin Music. Earned Grammys for 1986, 1996 & 1999 solo LPs; for Texas Tornados 1990; for Los Super Seven 1999. National Heritage Fellowship Award 2012. Austin City Limits Hall of Fame 2104. National Medal of Arts 2022.

JEANNIE SEELY, 85, died Aug. 1.
Known as “Miss Country Soul.” Grand Ole Opry mainstay who performed on the institution more times than anyone in history (5,397 appearances). First female to host Opry show segments. First artist to record live album at Opry House. Breakthrough country female with mini-skirt wardrobe. Grammy Award for signature song 1966’s “Don’t Touch Me.” Other hits included “It’s Only Love” (1966), “A Wanderin’ Man” (1967), “I’ll Love You More” (1968), “Welcome Home to Nothing” (1968), “Can I Sleep in Your Arms” (1973), “Lucky Ladies” (1974), plus 1969-72 hit duets with Jack Greene “Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You,” “Much Oblige,” “What in the World Has Gone Wrong With Our love.” Co-writer of “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is” recorded by Irma Thomas, Seal, Boyz II Men, Ruby Amanfu, etc. Also wrote “Farm in Pennsyltucky,” “Who Needs You,” “We’re Still Hanging in There Ain’t We Jesse,” many others, including 1971 top-10 Faron Young hit “Leavin’ and Sayin’ Goodbye.” Songs also recorded by Willie, Dottie, Merle, Tubb, Hank Jr., Glen Campbell, Connie Smith, Norma Jean, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Rhonda Vincent, Justin Trevino, Ray Price, Lorrie Morgan, John Hartford, Chris LeDoux, Tex Williams, more. Toured briefly in Porter Wagoner’s road show, as female singer in between long stints by Norma Jean and Dolly. Acted in road companies of Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Always Patsy Cline, Takin’ It Home, Could It Be Love musicals; in movies Honeysuckle Rose, Changing Hearts and in plays The Vagina Monologues, Everybody Loves Opal. Host of weekly Sirius/XM radio series “Willie’s Roadhouse.” Produced Little Jimmy Dickens LP 1985. Hosted annual “Dottie West Birthday Bash” charity shows. Music City Walk of Fame induction 2018. Country Music Hall of Fame museum exhibit 2019. Book: Pieces of a Puzzled Mind 1988. Placed 27 songs on charts, 16 albums. Widely beloved country icon, earthy wit, progressive thinker.

BRANDON BLACKSTOCK, 48, died Aug. 7.
Artist manager for Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts & former husband of Kelly Clarkson. Produced TV shows Blake Shelton Live: It’s All About Tonight (2010), Kelly Clarkson Show (2019), etc. Son of Narvel Blackstock, stepson of Reba.

BOB OLSEN, 93, died Aug. 7.
Newscaster on WSM-TV (now WSMV-TV), Ch. 4, for 15 years 1960-75. Worked as weatherman, reporter, news anchor. Co-host with Ralph Emery of Opry Almanac show, interviewing country stars. Later worked in state government, healthcare law.

MICKEY GRIMM, 65, died Aug. 9.
Ebullient drummer in the Nashville pop band Swan Dive, alongside wife Molly Felder & songwriter Bill DeMain. Also recorded or toured with Amy Grant, Bonepony, Over the Rhine, Steve Winwood, Roy Acuff, Dizzy Gillespie, Jill Sobule, others.

JOE HICKERSON, 89, died Aug. 17.
Folk singer, song finder, musicologist. Headed Archive of Folk Song at Library of Congress 1963-1988. Albums on Folkways, Folk Legacy labels. First to record “Kumbayah,” co-wrote “Where Have All the Flowers Gone.”

KATHY BARWICK, 71, died Aug. 20.
West Coast bluegrass multi-instrumentalist on dobro, banjo, guitar. Worked in 1970s-80s bands The Bar Belles, The Good Ol’ Persons, Horsing Around, Fog City Ramblers. Co-founded all-female bluegrass band The All Girl Boys 1989. Group album Heart’s Desire 1994. Columnist for Flatpicking Guitar Magazine 2005-2016.

DANNY SHIPE, 69, died Aug. 22.
Pennsylvania singer-guitarist in bluegrass, country, jam bands. Performed in groups Cold Spring, North Folk Alliance, Burnt Toast, The Hickory Project. Recorded in 1988, 1990, 2003.

RODNEY FRANK REINER, 71, died Aug. 24.
Director of the Performing Arts division of Tennessee Arts Commission 1983-1991. Dancer/choreographer in more than 50 stage musicals. Choreographer for TV specials by Dolly, Garth, CMA and for music videos “All My Rowdy Friends” by Hank Jr., “Nobody Wants to Be Alone” by Crystal, etc.

RICK ROCKHILL, 80, died Aug. 29.
Record promoter for Bang, Capricorn, Curb, DreamWorks labels and in own Tandem Promotions firm with partner Tari Laes. Key in careers of Chesney, McGraw, Ketchum, Wynonna, Jo Dee, Skynyrd, Paul Davis, Sawyer Brown, Steve Holy, Rodney Atkins, Hank Jr., Toby, Loretta, more.

MARK VOLMAN, 78, died Sept. 5.
Associate Professor of Entertainment Industry Studies Program at Belmont U. in Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. Formerly founding member of L.A. pop group The Turtles with 1965-69 hits “Happy Together,” “You Showed Me,” “It Ain’t Me Babe,” “She’d Rather Be With Me,” “You Baby,” “Elenor,” “Let Me Be,” etc. Also in Flo & Eddie as duo and as part of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention. Backup vocals on records by Alice Cooper, T. Rex, Springsteen, others. Book: Happy Forever: My Musical Adventures 2023.

ROBBY TURNER, 63, died Sept. 4.
Steel guitarist who worked with Waylon, Oaks, Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Highwaymen, Chicks, Rodney Crowell, Sara Evans, Shelby Lynne, Marty Stuart, etc.

STEVE FALLON, 67, died Sept. 12.
Concert lighting director for Reba, Garth, LeAnn, Ringo, INXS, Oasis, Michael Jackson, Van Morrison, Andrea Bocelli, Aerosmith, others. Also worked on the TV shows Nashville and 911: Nashville.

DENZEL IRWIN, 75, died Sept. 13.
Owner of famed dive bar Santa’s Pub, regarded as a premiere karaoke destination. Cheap beer, friendly vibe led to regulars like Kacey Musgraves, Brothers Osborne, Jack White, Margo Price. Site of many music videos, including one by Jon Bon Jovi, “Christmas Isn’t Christmas.” Weekly performances by classic-country cover band Ice Cold Pickers. Other celebrity fans include Ed Sheeran, Elle King, Desmond Child, Noah Kahan, Snoop Dogg, Kid Rock, Kelsea Ballerini, Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kesha. (Full name: Elmer Denzel Irwin).

KIM FOWLER, 58, died Sept. 18
Former publicist at Mercury (Shania, Toby, Billy Ray), Sugar Hill (Dolly, Nickel Creek) and own company Two Dog Media. Early booster of Americana music.

BRETT JAMES, 57, died Sept. 18.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member. ASCAP Country Songwriter of Year 2006, 2010. Wrote/co-wrote 27 No. 1 hits, 500+ cuts. Moved to Nashville from Oklahoma 1992. Signed to Arista/Career Records & issued self-titled debut CD 1995. Top-40 hits as an artist with “Chasin’ Amy” (2002), “After All” (2003). In 2001, Jessica Andrews took his co-written “Who I Am” to No. 1. Following year, Martina took “Blessed” to No. 1. “Love You Out Loud” (Rascal Flatts, 2003), “I Want to Live” (Josh Gracin, 2004), “When the Sun Goes Down” (Kenny Chesney & Uncle Kracker, 2004) also scored for songwriter. In 2006, chart-topping “Jesus Take The Wheel,” sung by Carrie Underwood earned Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as ACM Single of Year, ASCAP Country Song of Year, NSAI Song of the Year. Became a dominant songwriting force on Music Row in 2000-25. Underwood had further hits with his “Cowboy Casanova,” “Something in the Water,” “Church Bells,” “Somethin’ Bad” (recorded with Miranda Lambert). Chesney scored with songwriter’s “Out Last Night,” “Reality,” “Trip Around the Sun,” “This Is Our Moment,” “You Save Me.” Others scoring hits with Brett James written or co-written songs included Chris Young (“The Man I Want to Be”), Jason Aldean (“The Truth”), Dierks Bentley (“I Hold On”), Brantley Gilbert (“Bottoms Up”), Rodney Atkins (“It’s America”), Scotty McCreery (“I Love You This Big”), plus Rascal Flatts (“Summer Nights”). His songs recorded by a Nashville who’s-who — Luke Bryan, FGL, Sara Evans, Cody, Tim, Brad, LeAnn, Lorrie, Mark Wills, Keith Urban, Parker McCollum, Ella Langley, etc. In addition to Kelly Clarkson (“Mr. Know It All”), pop stars Bon Jovi, Steven Tyler, Jessica Simpson, Daughtry, Chicago, Jewel, Leona Lewis, Backstreet Boys recorded his pop songs. Also had top-5 Latin hit with “The One You Love (Todo Mi Amor)” by Paulina Rubio. Produced records We Weren’t Crazy by Josh Gracin, Why Wait by Kristy Lee Cook, Do You Know by Jessica Simpson, Up All Night by Kip Moore and more. Owner/CEO of Cornman Music publishing company. Inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and released self-written album I Am Now in 2020. (Full name: Brett James Cornelius).

SONNY CURTIS, 88, died Sept. 19.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee as member of The Crickets. Catalog includes standards “Walk Right Back,” “I Fought the Law,” “More Than I Can Say,” “I’m No Stranger to the Rain,” plus theme of TV’s Mary Tyler Moore Show, “Love Is All Around,” which he also sang. Albums for Imperial, Viva, Elektra, Colt, Ritz, Worldwide labels, 1964-1991.

DENIS SOLEE, 83, died Oct. 15.
Nashville jazz mainstay. Specialized in sax & reeds, adept on other instruments. Heavily involved in Nashville Jazz Workshop. Performed in several of Beegie Adair’s jazz groups, plus The Gloryland Band, The Nashville Jazz Orchestra, commercials, TV programs, big bands, symphonies, Broadway shows. Leader of his own small combos in Nashville nightspots. Recorded with Ray Charles, Chet Atkins, Garth Brooks, Bela Fleck, Amy Grant, Roy Orbison, etc.

FREDDIE NORTH, 86, died Oct. 15.
Nashville soul star best known for 1971’s “She’s All I Got,” later a country hit for Johnny Paycheck. Other singles 1972’s “You and Me Together Forever,” “Sweeter Than Sweetness.” Album Friend (Mankind Records). Appeared on Night Train TV series. Also worked as WLAC radio DJ, promotion & sales work for Nashville R&B/gospel labels Excello, Nashboro. Later a minister at Bethel Church near Murfreesboro. After 2018 retirement, participated in Country Music Hall of Fame’s Night Train to Nashville programs.

FRANK MULL, 81, died Oct. 16.
Two-decade leader of Country Radio Broadcasters / CRS convention / “New Faces” show, etc. CRB exec director 1990-93. Merle Haggard manager. Promo exec with own Mull-ti-Hit Promotions firm. Formerly at Mercury Records. CMA Founding President’s Award 1984.

DAVE BURGESS, 90, died Oct. 19.
Songwriter, guitarist, publisher. Leader of The Champs (“Tequila”). Signed to Gene Autry’s Challenge Records. Ran Hank Jr.’s publishing company. Wrote songs recorded by Ernie Ashworth (1962’s “Everybody But Me”), Slim Whitman (1968’s “Rainbows Are Back in Style”), Ricky Nelson (1961’s “Everlovin’”), Dean Martin, Lou Rawls, Don Gibson, Lettermen, Marty Robbins, Anne Murray, Eddy Arnold, Engelbert Humperdinck, Ray Price, Gene Vincent, Johnny Rivers, Bing Crosby, Glen Campbell, others.

JOHN WESLEY RYLES, 74, died Nov. 2.
Prolifically recorded studio backing vocalist. Recording artist for Dot, Columbia, MCA, Warners, ABC, Music Mill, Plantation, 16th Avenue, Primero, RCA, MTM, others. Noted for 1968 classic “Kay,” recorded at age 17. Also charted with 26 other titles 1968-88, including top-20 hits “I’ve Just Been Wasting My Time” (1970), “Fool” (1977), “Once in a Lifetime Thing” (1977), “Liberated Woman” (1979), “Always on My Mind” (1979), “Louisiana Rain” (1987). Six solo albums released. Co-wrote 1986 Steve Wariner hit “Starting Over Again” plus songs recorded by Mandrell, Twitty, Ricky Van Shelton, John Anderson, Josh Logan, Ed Bruce, etc. Became A-Team session singer who provided harmony vocals to a who’s-who of ‘90s country. Credits include Brooks & Dunn’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” Tracy Byrd’s “Watermelon Crawl,” Alan Jackson’s “Drive,” George Jones’s “Choices,” Martina’s “Independence Day,” Dolly’s “Eagle When She Flies,” Tritt’s “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive.” Noted for his vocal versatility & ability to blend flawlessly with any lead singer — harmonized in the studio with Garth, Waylon, Chesney, Clint, Willie, Reba, Randy Travis, Mark Wills, Gene Watson, Joe Nichols, Terri Clark, Bryan White, Blake Shelton, 25+ members of Country Music Hall of Fame. Formerly in The Ryles Family Singers on the Big D Jamboree in Dallas. Married to singer Joni Lee, daughter of Conway Twitty. (Real name: John Wesley Riels)

CARLOS DeFORD BAILEY, 66, died Nov. 3.
Grandson of Country Music Hall of Fame member DeFord Bailey (1899-1982) and “keeper of the flame” of the star’s legacy. Boosted grandfather’s election to Hall of Fame, plus induction into Music City Walk of Fame and renaming of a Music Row street in his honor. Entertained frequently at Opry in grandfather’s memory, collaborated with Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor. Son of Nashville blues performer DeFord Bailey Jr. (1932 -2013), who starred on the R&B TV show Night Train in 1963-68 and entertained in Printer’s Alley. Carlos promoted grandfather’s legacy via songs such as “Music City Shoeshine Man.” Became perennial favorite as instrument demonstrator/teacher at the Hall of Fame, participating in 26 educational programs 2019-2024 performing on harmonica or ukulele and speaking about his grandfather. Also aided Hall of Fame in the launch of its ‘Discover DeFord Bailey’ web page by participating in videos, playing harmonica in his grandfather’s style & sharing stories about him. Taught harmonica at William Edmondson Arts & Culture Festival, Nashville Public Library, other fairs, festivals, and culture centers around Middle Tennessee. Showcased at National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) 2023.

CHRISTINA VARALLO, 56, died Nov. 6.
TV production assistant on Dove Awards, Music City News Awards, Statler Brothers series. Niece of veteran Nashville TV producer Frances Anne Varallo (1945-2024). Other prominent family members in retail, food, liquor, real estate, politics, medicine, restaurant industries.

BILL IVEY, 81, died Nov. 7.
Director of Country Music Hall of Fame (CMF) 1971-97. Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) 1997-2002. National head of the Recording Academy (NARAS) 1981-83 & 1989-91. Co-founder of Leadership Music 1989. Directed Curb Center for Art, Enterprise, and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University & served on faculty 2002-12. President of the American Folklore Society. Elevated Hall of Fame from being a modest tourist attraction to being the world’s center for preservation & study of country music. Transformed Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum into a key player in music community as well as Nashville’s tourism industry. Founded its Library & Archives, built museum’s collections, acquired Hatch Show Print, purchased Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Collection. Presided over two building expansions and secured national accreditation for the museum. At NEA, established “Songs of the Century” project to educate students about the history of American popular music. Laid groundwork for better relations with Congress which led to funding of his “Challenge America” and “Creative Links, Positive Alternatives for Youth” initiatives designed to foster stronger ties between arts organizations, community groups, federal agencies. Escorted First Lady Hillary Clinton to Grammy Awards when she won in Spoken Word category. Wrote liner notes for historical reissue albums as well as scholarly articles. Authored three books exploring intersections of popular culture, politics, public policy.

ERNEST WILLIAMS III, 84, died Nov. 7.
Finance/investment executive who served on the board of the Country Music Hall of Fame for 31 years. Longtime chair of the museum’s finance committee.

TODD SNIDER, 59, died Nov. 14.
Mercurial, influential Americana music star, noted for sardonic wit, iconoclastic whimsy, contrary attitude. Songs recorded by Rick Trevino, Jack Ingram, Mark Chesnutt, Jason & The Scorchers, Charlie Robson, BR5-49, Gary Allan, Jerry Jeff Walker, Billy Joe Shaver, T. Graham Brown, Robert Earl Keen, Loretta Lynn, Elizabeth Cook, Tom Jones, longtime collaborator Will Kimbrough, etc. Prolific recording artist with 20+ albums for Margaritaville, MCA, Oh Boy, New Door, Yep Roc, Melvin, plus own Aimless Records imprint. Noted for relentless troubadour touring and cult following. Book/memoir I Never Met a Story I Didn’t Like: Mostly True Tall Tales published 2014 (DaCapo Press). Texas A&M University Press issued 2025’s East Nashville Skyline: The Songwriting Legacy of Todd Snider. Collaborated with John Prine, Jimmy Buffett, Tony Brown, Patty Griffin, Ray Kennedy, Tommy Womack, Don Was, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Kix Brooks, Elizabeth Cook, Joe Ely, others.

WALT ALDRIDGE, 70, died Nov. 19.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member. Also a producer, singer, studio engineer, guitarist, bandleader. Taught songwriting at University of North Alabama. Mainstay of Muscle Shoals music scene. Spent 17 years as staff engineer at Fame Studios, working on more than 200 records for artists Mac Davis, Wilson Pickett, Osmonds, Clarence Carter, Gatlins, Jerry Reed, Dobie Gray, many more. Songwriting career took off with 1981’s “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me” when Milsap took song to No. 1, won a Grammy, became a top pop hit & won ASCAP’s Country Song of the Year. Other early Aldridge songwriting hits included “’Til You’re Gone” sung by Mandrell (1982), “Holding Her and Loving You” by Earl Thomas Conley (1983), “She Sure Got Away With My Heart” by John Anderson (1984), “Crime of Passion” by Ricky Van Shelton (1987), and “One Owner Heart,” “Doncha,” “In Over My Heart” all by T.G. Sheppard (1985), all top-10 hits. “Holding Her and Loving You” named NSAI Song of the Year. Songwriter had top-20 successes with “She’s Steppin’ Out” for Con Hunley (1981), “Anybody’s Heart But Mine” for Terri Gibbs (1983) and “Save the Last Chance” for Johnny Lee (1985). In late 1980s, Aldridge sang lead, produced, wrote the songs for the country-rock band The Shooters. Group charted with seven Aldridge co-written tunes in 1987-89, including “They Only Come Out at Night” (1987), “Borderline” (1988) and “If I Ever Go Crazy” (1989). Shooters’ lone album issued by Epic, 1987. Twitty scored with “She’s Got a Single Thing in Mind” 1989. In 1990, Shenandoah succeeded with “See If I Care.” Ricky Van Shelton went to No. 1 in 1991 with “I Am a Simple Man.” Wariner’s “Leave Him Out of This” (1992), BlackHawk’s “I Sure Can Smell the Rain” (1994), Pam Tillis’s “Deep Down” (1995), BlackHawk’s “Like There Ain’t No Yesterday” (1995), Reba’s “The Fear of Being Alone” (1996), Sons of the Desert’s “Whatever Comes First” (1997) were all top-10 hits co-written by Aldridge. Songwriting collaborators often included Muscle Shoals neighbors Mac McAnally, Robert Byrne, James LeBlanc, Tom Brasfield. Also wrote regularly with Nashville folk performer Kate Campbell. “Some Things Never Change” for McGraw (2000), “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde” for Tritt (2002), chart-topping “I Loved Her First” for Heartland (2006). Wrote songs covered by Alabama, T. Graham Brown, Diffie, Strait, Restless Heart, K.T., Tanya, Jo Dee, Sammy Kershaw, Darryl Worley, Martina, Lonestar, Blake, Little Texas, Ty Herndon, Billy Ray, Bill Anderson, Eddy Raven, others. Pop-music cuts by Peter Cetera, Lou Reed, Candi Staton, Andrew Gold. As record producer, he worked with Lacy J. Dalton, Lisa Angelle, Marty Stuart, Buffy Lawson, Troy Goldsby, Jason Sellers, Kate Campbell, Heartland. Wrote or co-wrote 56 top-40 country hits over four decades. More than 30 ASCAP songwriter awards. Inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame 2017, Alabama Music Hall of Fame 2018.

DOLORES WATSON, 96, died Nov. 30.
Nashville pop vocalist of 1940s & 1950s with extensive radio & TV exposure, records on Decca, RCA, more. Began career as teen in Rome, GA on WRGA radio, recorded locally. Won Southern Radio Queen contest leading to engagements in Miami, Havana. Moved to Nashville 1946 as vocalist with Owen Bradley’s dance band at Club Plantation. Auditioned for WSM radio 1948 & became featured singer on station’s “Sunday Down South,” broadcast nationally on NBC. Recorded “Better Dead Than Wed” and “Shovin’ My Lovin’” for Decca as vocalist in Lenny Dee & His D-Men 1950. Duet partner of Slim Whitman on “Let’s Go to Church” on RCA 1950. On WSM-TV’s daily morning show The Waking Crew and weekly on Music City U.S.A., Sunday-night program. Radio work continued on “The Jim Reeves Show,” broadcast nationally by ABC. Chet Atkins & Watson starred on WSM’s nightly radio show “Dreamtime.” During early 1950s also sang three times weekly on variety series “Eight O’Clock Time” with Bob Lamm’s band. Starred in concert in Centennial Park 1953. Opened for Elvis in Mississippi 1955. Performed with Eddy Arnold, Minnie Pearl, Whitey Ford, June Carter, plus Reeves, Whitman, Bradley, Atkins. In 1955, married John Seigenthaler (1927-2014). He became editor/publisher of The Tennessean 1962-1991 & attained national notoriety as civil rights activist, power broker, journalism icon. Nashville’s downtown pedestrian bridge named for him. Son John Michael Seigenthaler became news anchorman on NBC & MSNBC, worked for Associated Press, entered public relations.

MARK T. JORDAN, 79, died Dec. 1.
Nashville pianist extraordinaire. Noted for long tenure with Bonnie Raitt. Sessions for Van Morrison, Montrose, Dave Mason, Sammy Hagar, Nicolette Larson, Karla Bonoff, Carly Simon, Leo Sayer, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, Boz Skaggs, Olivia Newton-John, Jackson Browne, Rita Coolidge, etc. Nashville work with Lee Roy Parnell, Claire Lynch, Big Al Downing, Hank Thompson, Cydney Bullens, Lucinda Williams, Ian Tyson, Walt Wilkins, Alison Brown, Lyle Lovett, Delbert McClinton, more. Music direction on Judds reunion tour 2000. Songwriter with cuts by Raitt, Tom Jones, Kim Carnes, Rod Stewart, Color Me Badd, Carpenters, Player, Link Wray, Randy Crawford, etc. Member of the Big Shoes Band.

STEVE CROPPER, 84, died Dec. 3.
Memphis soul legend, guitarist, songwriter, producer, member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s. Grammy winner, Rock Hall of Fame member. Became staff guitarist on Stax soul records as teenager. As member of Mar-Keys, hit with “Last Night” 1961, label’s first national hit. Sessions for Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas, Johnnie Taylor, Rufus Thomas, Eddie Floyd, William Bell, Delaney & Bonnie, Albert King, Staple Singers, Don Covay, many others. Producer for many of them. Shout-out by name in Sam & Dave’s hit “Soul Man.” Stax bi-racial house band became Booker T. & The M.G.’s with Grammy-nominated mega hit “Green Onions” 1962, plus 15 other soul hits. Gold Records for 1968’s “Soul-Limbo,” 1969’s “Time Is Tight.” Co-wrote “Green Onions,” “Time Is Tight,” “Soul-Limbo” & most other M.G.’s hits. Famed collaborations with Pickett (“In the Midnight Hour”), Floyd (“Knock on Wood”), Redding (“Dock of the Bay”). Particularly close to Redding: Their “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” won Best R&B Song Grammy Award 1968. Songwriting catalog also includes “See Saw,” “Don’t Fight It,” “634-5789,” “Mr. Pitiful,” “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song),” “The Happy Song (Dum Dum),” “Raise Your Hand,” “Ninety Nine and a Half (Won’t Do),” “The Hunter,” “Sookie, Sookie,” more. Left Stax band 1970. Post-Stax career continued via sessions with Ringo, Prine, Rod Stewart, Jeff Beck, Clapton, Levon Helm, Sammy Hagar, Stephen Bishop, Lennon, Frampton, Feliciano, Garfunkel, Leon Russell, Neil Young, Neil Sedaka, etc. To L.A. 1975. Joined John Belushi & Dan Ackroyd in Blues Brothers — several SNL appearances, two hit films, two million-selling LPs, 1978-82. Moved to Nashville 1988. His songs became big country hits for Razzy Bailey (“Midnight Hour,” “Knock on Wood”), Waylon & Willie (“Dock of the Bay”). Songs also recorded by Trace Adkins, T. Graham Brown, B.J. Thomas, John Cowan, Delbert McClinton. Tracy Nelson, Marty Stuart, etc. Recording sessions with Dolly, Buffett, Alabama, Wynonna, Barbi Benton, Etta James, Chicago, A.J. Croce, B.B. King, Al Kooper, Ann-Margret, Craig Morgan, Aaron Neville, Orbison, Dylan, Paul Simon, Dale Watson, etc. Duo album with Nashville’s Felix Cavalieri — 2008’s Nudge It Up a Notch — Grammy nominated for track “Love Appetite.” Also Grammy nominated for work on Nashville solo CDs Fire It Up (2021) and Friendly Town (2024). Other solo albums issued in 1969, 1981, 1982, 2011. Founded own studio & record label in Music City. Reunited with M.G.’s or Blues Brothers for special gigs in 1980s, ‘90s, 2000s. Highly influential guitarist, noted for spare, catchy licks with down-home grit that helped define Southern soul music. Widely sampled by later generations of hip-hop and R&B musicians. Named to Rolling Stone list of greatest guitarists of all time. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 1992 (with M.G.’s), Songwriters Hall of Fame 2005, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award 2007 (with M.G.’s), Musicians Hall of Fame 2008 (with M.G.’s), Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame 2010, Music City Walk of Fame 2015, BMI Icon Award 2018.

RAUL MALO, 60, died Dec. 8.
Front man, songwriter, producer for The Mavericks. Grammy and CMA Award winner. Most prominent Cuban-American country artist in history. Formed band in Miami with drummer Paul Deakin & bassist Robert Reynolds 1989. Indie album The Mavericks 1990. Signed with MCA Nashville in 1991. Albums From Hell to Paradise (1992), What a Crying Shame (1994), Music for All Occasions (1995), Trampoline (1998), It’s Now, It’s Live (2920). Hit singles with “There Goes My Heart” and “O What a Thrill,” “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” “Here Comes the Rain,” “What A Crying Shame,” “Dance The Night Away,” “Back In Your Arms Again” also 25+ music videos. CMA awards as Group of the Year 1995, 1996. Grammy for “Here Comes the Rain.” On Sanctuary Records for The Mavericks (2003), Live in Austin, Texas (2004). Band on hiatus 2000-2010. Nine solo albums 2001-2023. Collaborated with Shelby Lynne, Dennis Burnside Orchestra, Rodney Crowell, The Trishas, Los Straitjackets, Hiatt, Delbert, Lyle, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Charlie Sexton, Carl Perkins, Yearwood, Martina, Dolly, Neal McCoy, Greta Gaines, Jimmy Sturr, Patty Griffin, Band of Heathens, more. Joined all-star, Grammy-winning group Los Super Seven with variable lineup including Freddy Fender, Flaco Jimenez, David Hidalgo of Los Lobos, Joe Ely, Ruben Ramos, Rick Treviño, others. Albums Canto (2001), Heard It On the X (2005). Record producer for Trevino (“In My Dreams” 2003), Whitney Rose, Ethan Allen, K.T. Oslin (Live Close By Visit Often, 2001). Mavericks reassembled, signed with Big Machine 2011. Malo & Deakin now joined by Eddie Perez, Jerry Dale McFadden. Albums In Time (2013), Mono (2015). Formed own Mono Mundo label for All Night Live (2016), Grammy-winning Brand New Day (2018), Hey! Merry Christmas (2018), Play the Hits (2019), En Espanol (2020), Moon & Stars (2024). Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award 2025. Two tribute shows at Ryman Auditorium 2025 days before death from cancer.

BOB ALLEN, 77, died Dec. 10.
Veteran country-music journalist/author. Former editor at Country Music magazine. Published in Rolling Stone, Esquire, Billboard, Circus, Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, Saturday Evening Post, Bluegrass Unlimited, many others. Consultant for Time-Life Records. Many LP liner notes. Books: George Jones: The Life and Times of a Honky Tonk Legend, The Blackwell Guide to Recorded Country Music (editor), Encyclopedia of Country Music (contributor), Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson: a Rip-Roaring Photo Bio, The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia of Country Music (consulting editor), Waylon & Willie: the Full Story in Words and Pictures of Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Taught journalism as adjunct faculty member Towson University. Avid historic preservationist with particular interest in Civil War battlefields.

JOE ELY, 78, died Dec. 15.
Prolific, influential Texas singer-songwriter, mainstay of Americana Music. Member of The Flatlanders with Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock. Named Texas State Musician of 2016. Austin City Limits Hall of Fame 2022. Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame induction 2016. Fused folk, rock, honky-tonk, roadhouse blues, conjunto western swing, progressive country. Released 22 albums 1977-2025. First 13 LPs on MCA, Hightone, Rounder. Then on own Rack ‘Em Records label. Six music videos & 20 singles, including “She Never Spoke Spanish to Me,” “Dallas,” “All My Love,” “Honky Tonk Masquerade,” “Musta Notta Gotta Lotta,” “Down on the Drag.” Nine Flatlanders albums on New West 1980-2012. Three albums with Los Super Seven 1998-2005. Latin Grammy Award with Los Super Seven 1999. Songs recorded by Gilmore, Guy Clark, Kelly Willis, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Townes Van Zandt, Pat Green, Jason D. Williams. Appeared on tribute albums to Clark, Buddy Holly, Woody Guthrie, Otis Blackwell, Harry Nilsson, Bruce Springsteen, Randy Newman, Merle Haggard, Peter Case. Backing musician on albums by Hancock, Gilmore, The Clash, Robert Earl Keen, Terry Allen, Darden Smith, Kimmie Rhodes, Sid Straw, Uncle Tupelo, Rosie Flores, Tom Russell, The Chieftains, James McMurtry. Tireless live act for five decades, opening for Clash, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty & appearing on stage with Stevie Nicks, Pretenders, Kinks, others. Books: 2007’s Bonfire of Roadmaps, 2014’s Reverb: An Odyssey.

ROGER SOVINE, 82, died Dec. 23.
Vice President of BMI 1985-2001 with background in songwriting, publishing, recording. Longtime Industry leader, four-time president of Nashville NARAS Chapter, board president CMA, trustee of the Country Music Foundation/Hall of Fame, commissioner Tennessee Film, Entertainment & Music Commission, MusiCares, United Way, T.J. Martel, etc. Recording artist for Imperial, Barnaby. Songs recorded by Mel Tillis, Carl Perkins, Brent Burns. Publishing exec at Welk, Tree. Years of service to music community = Recording Academy’s Governors Award 2000. Son of country star Red Sovine (1917-1980).

STU PHILLIPS, 92, died Dec. 25.
Grand Ole Opry star since 1967. Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame member 1993. Known as “The Western Gentleman” and “The Traveling Balladeer.” Radio & TV host Red River Jamboree (CBC), Music Place (U.S. syndicated). Top-20 hits with 1967’s “Vin Rose,” “Juanita Jones” on RCA. Owner Long Hollow Winery. Ordained Episcopal minister.

WADE CONKLIN, 82, died Dec. 26.
Veteran record promoter, publisher, label exec. Advocate for rock, R&B, pop in Nashville. Longtime associate of Charlie Daniels, aided in creation and naming of Volunteer Jam. Formerly chief of Buddha Records Nashville office, v.p. at Casablanca, PolyGram. Publisher of hits including ASCAP award-winning 1997 Strait hit “One Night at a Time.”

Index:
Adams, Norman — 7/15
Adcock, Eddie — 3/19
Aldridge, Walt — 11/19
Allen, Bob — 12/10
Auerbach, Chuck — 3/29
Bailey, Carlos DeFord — 11/3
Barwick, Kathy — 8/20
Bastian, Larry — 4/6
Black, Ralph Everitt — 3/27
Blackstock, Brandon — 8/7
Borchetta, Mike — 6/14
Braswell, Jerry — 3/12
Briggs, David — 4/22
Brock, Buddy — 1/24
Bumstead, Frank — 7/20
Burgess, Dave — 10/19
Butler, Albert Wayne — 3/15
Byrge, Bill — 1/9
Christie, Lou — 6/18
Collinsworth, Travis — 4/22
Conklin, Wade – 12/26
Corn, Jack — 7/1
Cornelius, Helen — 7/18
Cropper, Steve — 12/3
Curtis, Sonny — 9/19
Damron, Dick — 3/29
Dean, Carl — 3/3
DeLuca, Tom — 7/10
Dennis, Quitman — 1/26
Earhart, Billy — 5/13
Ely, Joe — 12/15
Fallon, Steve — 9/12
Fowler, Kim — 9/18
Francis, Connie — 7/16
Gayden, Mac — 4/16
Goodwin, Fred — 4/28
Griffin, Buddy — 2/4
Grimm, Mickey — 8/9
Harley, Sanchez — 6/16
Haselden, Tony — 5/16
Hickerson, Joe — 8/17
Hudson, Garth — 1/21
Huffmaster, Raymond — 4/8
Irwin, Denzel — 9/13
Ivey, Bill — 11/7
James, Brett — 9/18
Jarman, Claude — 1/12
Jennings, Chuck — 4/19
Jimenez, Flaco — 7/31
Jordan, Mark T. — 12/1
Katz, Joel — 4/18
Kaye, Robin — 7/10
King, Daisy — 3/20
Kurland, Barbara — 2/20
Laws, Mark Steven — 5/25
Main, Donald — 2/10
Malo, Raul — 12/8
Markham, Tom — 4/22
Martindale, Wink — 4/15
Mayers, Jonathan — 6/9
Montgomery, Melba — 1/15
Moore, Johnny Foy — 1/21
Moore, Sam — 1/10
Mull, Frank — 10/16
North, Freddie — 10/15
Olsen, Bob — 8/7
Osmond, Wayne — 1/1
Otsuka, Tsuyoshi — 1/26
Phillips, Stu – 12/25
Pinkard, Sandy — 7/26
Poss, Barry — 5/13
Reiner, Rod — 8/24
Rockhill, Rick — 8/29
Rodriguez, Johnny — 5/9
Roman, Lulu — 4/23
Ryles, John Wesley — 11/2
Schneider, Jack — 2/19
Schiff, Daryl — 1/14
Schwarz, Tracy — 3/29
Seals, Eddie — 1/6
Seals, Troy — 3/6
Seely, Jeannie — 8/1
Sipe, Danny — 8/22
Simmons, Judith — 6/6
Simon, Lesly — 3/27
Sisk, Ray — 4/8
Snider, Todd — 11/14
Solee, Denis — 10/15
Sovine, Roger – 12/23
Storey, Kurt — 3/27
Strobel, Jerry — 2/24
Swaggart, Jimmy — 7/1
Sykes, Ernie — 3/5
Thomas, Judith Brandon — 3/10
Tillotson, Johnny — 4/1
Tiven, Sally — 7/23
Tramp — 3/28
Tucker, Van — 3/28
Turner, Robby — 9/4
Turner, Steve — 2/11
Varallo, Christina — 11/6
Vaughn, Ben — 1/30
Volman, Mark — 9/5
Wade, Willis — 2/3
Watson, Dolores — 11/30
Weaver, Steve — 4/12
White, Buck — 1/13
Widelitz, Stacy — 6/17
Williams, Ernie — 11/7
Wills, Ridley — 1/16
Wolfe, Bobby — 1/4
Wood, Gerry — 5/3