Country Music Hall-of-Famer Charlie Daniels passed away at the age of 83 at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, on Monday morning after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke, his publicist confirmed.
Also a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Daniels is best known for in-your-face lyrics and his smash hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” while his eponymous band’s other hits included “Long Haired Country Boy,” “Uneasy Rider” and “The Legend of Wooley Swamp.”
As the AP notes, he got his start as a session player, contributing fiddle parts to Bob Dylan’s Nashville Skyline. Daniels, who had planned to tour with The Marshall Tucker Band in 2020 before virtually all tours were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, is survived by wife Hazel and son Charlie Jr.
The Country Community is mourning this great loss;
My heart is crushed today after hearing that my dear friend Charlie Daniels has passed away. Charlie was the first legendary artist to take me under his wing and encourage me when I was first getting started in the… https://t.co/CeqhC6PHT7
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) July 6, 2020
“To be able to be a member and to have my name linked with my heroes is some pretty heady stuff for a guy that loves music and loves the Grand Ole Opry as much as I do.” – Charlie Daniels
Charlie, thank you for all of the music and joy you’ve given us. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/oecnKL2c19
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) July 6, 2020
The Country Music community has lost one of its greatest giants—the legendary Charlie Daniels.💔Here he is at the 1998 ACM Awards Show, when ACM was honored to present him with the Pioneer Award. “Let there be harmony, let there be fun, and 12 notes of music to make us all one.” pic.twitter.com/Aozd7suFVU
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) July 6, 2020
Man I am heartbroken to hear that Charlie Daniels passed away this morning. He was one of the nicest/kindest people I have ever met. Thanks for the musical legacy u left all of us. We will miss you Mr. Charlie! pic.twitter.com/bKs49MlVlT
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) July 6, 2020
I wrote these words for Charlie’s biography. They ring even more true now.
I’m so sad he’s gone.
We have so many memories together, and I am so blessed to have known him.
Rest In Peace my friend. We love you. @CharlieDaniels pic.twitter.com/3Pg5eWPtIf— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) July 6, 2020
Just learning of the passing of this great man. What a hero. A true patriot, Christian, and country music icon. Prayers to his family. Thank you for all your contributions on and off the stage. God bless you Charlie Daniels. pic.twitter.com/BiQ4FlAlPc
— Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) July 6, 2020
The country music flag is flying at half mast today. RIP Charlie Daniels.
— Luke Combs 🎤 (@lukecombs) July 6, 2020
