NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Country music and southern rock legend, Charlie Daniels, who is known for songs like “Devil Went Down to Georgia,” has died at age 83.
County music stars, politicians, and more have reacted to the Country Music Hall-of-Famer’s passing.
The death of legendary musician and philanthropist Charlie Daniels came as a shock, devastating family, friends and those in the music industry.
“Everybody is just in total shock at losing Charlie. It’s just terrible,” Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys told News 2.
Under Charlie Daniels’ big belt buckle he paved the way as a pioneer in the music industry, introducing southern rock into mainstream Country Music.
Bonsall says he met Daniels in 1973 and the two have been friends very since.
“I loved CDB! Leave this long haired country boy alone, I just loved them. I loved their sound, their feeling, their attitude that southern rock ‘n roll punch that they had.”
Daniels impact on the music industry is immeasurable.
He was known for his session work on Bob Dylan albums recorded in Nashville and his mean fiddle playing, but it was his hit “Devil Went Down to Georgia” that made Daniels a household name. He raked up four CMA Awards in is career. In 2008 Charlie Daniels’s was inducted into Grand Ole Opry and in 2016 the Country Music Hall of Fame, but it was his heart that shined just as bright as his talent that resonated with everyone.
“We all loved him, I love Charlie, I loved him. Ny heart is full of love for Charlie Daniels, it’s a devastating loss” Bonsall began to tear up.
Charlie Daniels supported countless organizations he was an outspoken patriot that always touted our country and his love for the man above.
“The great thing about Charlie Daniels is I know how much he loved the lord so I know where Charlie is today. He is being cradled in the ever lasting arms right now and I know we will see him again.”
Daniels’ body was take to Sellars Funeral Home in Mt. Juliet.
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