Country Artist Daron Norwood Found Dead
Daron Norwood, the singer of mid-90’s Top 40 hits such as “Cowboys Don’t Cry” and “If It Wasn’t for Her, I Wouldn’t Have You,” has died according to police in Hereford, TX, just west of Amarillo in the Texas panhandle. He was discovered by his landlord who had come by to check on him. No cause of death has been determined, but police say there was no evidence of foul play or trauma. He had last been seen on Tuesday night (7-21) with friends. Daron Norwood was 49-years-old.
Born in Lubbock, TX on September 30, 1965, Daron Norwood was signed to Giant Records in 1993 and released two records with the label, a self-titled release (1994), and Ready, Willing, and Able (1995). He registered a total of five charting Billboard Hot Country songs, with his biggest being “Cowboys Don’t Cry” at #24. Norwood was considered a top country music prospect at the time.
Daron played the Grand Ole Opry, and at moments in his career worked with big names such as Travis Tritt, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Mark Chesnut, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw, and toured all across the United States. He also co-wrote and sang a song called “Little Lost Boy” for Keith Whitley: A Tribute Album released by BNA Records in 1994, and made a remake of Merle Haggard’s “Working Man Blues” called “Working Elf Blues” for a Christmas album in 1995.
However severe battles with alcohol sidelined Daron Norwood’s country career. Characterized as taking as many as 20 to 25 shots of Jack Daniel’s a night, he quit country music in 1995 to try and get his life back on track. Afterwards he occasionally worked as a motivational speaker, and warned about the dangers of drugs and alcohol as part of his “Keep It Straight” program.
In 2004, Norwood was nominated for five awards, and was honored with the Song of the Year by the Inspirational Country Music Association with his song, “In God We Trust.” Darren released a new album in 2012 called I Still Believe on D10 Records, but the singles released from the album failed to chart.
Over the years, personal issues for Daron Norwood also made headlines. On April of 2008, he was initially charged with domestic abuse against his wife, but the charges were later dropped. There was also an incident at the Pandandle High School in Texas where during one of his motivational speaking engagements in 2009, authorities said he became irrational.
Daron Norwood was an example of a country artist whose talent was towering, but his personal demons made it difficult to stay on track. He leaves a musical legacy with fans larger than any chart numbers can portray.
Trigger
July 23, 2015 @ 9:12 am
Folks, this isn’t some new focus of Saving Country Music to cover the police blotter. This really has been a unusual run of tragic stories and bad news the likes of which I can’t remember. Let’s all take care of each other out there. Thoughts and prayers to friends, family, and fans of Daron Norwood and all the important and noteworthy country music people we have lost recently, and too soon.
Big Cat
July 23, 2015 @ 5:20 pm
We appreciate you covering it. Sad. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Amanda
July 24, 2015 @ 12:14 pm
Thanks for your insightful take on this, Trigger. I appreciate that you included details of his career; I completely forgot about “Lost Little Boy.”
Everything else that I read from media outlets covering this story (and many other stories lately) are just typical “former country star dies,” find some Wikipedia facts, click-bait articles. That’s why I always appreciate your facts, stats, and above all, excellent writing!
garyschultz
November 4, 2020 @ 7:29 pm
fentanyl
Julie Anderson
March 23, 2024 @ 7:53 pm
One guy pops in 5 years later and pukes out the “F” word, and has the whole world of country music go apeshit.
Next thing you know, the people posting will be attacking each other, and Doug Supernaw will be dead. (Yea he’s really dead) But hey! if yall keep sayin “miss seein ya out there doug!”…
Maybe he’ll give yall an encore!!!
😀
But I doubt it.
Educate yourselves please.
And Gary? Stop being an influence on drugs. Nobody likes that crap. Plus you’re not good at it.
Keep your head up Gary! I get the feeling you don’t have a lot of friends… but I’m sure you will someday. You take care now… ya hear?
John
May 25, 2021 @ 8:12 am
Country music is for uneducated hicks who like drinking and sleeping with their sister…
Eldon
August 1, 2021 @ 11:54 am
So sorry for you as you are the uneducated.
Gigi
September 1, 2022 @ 12:17 am
Sorry eldon but john is correct. Your irritation at his comment says a lot about you. How’s your sister, boy?
R.Scott
August 10, 2021 @ 12:35 am
Well John sounds like you have knowledge of sleeping with your sister or do you sleep with your mom when you drink . So to myself & others that is what you have done yourself . Since you have the personal knowledge of what a HillBillie does or dont do . John I feel so very sorry for you because you think because you came to a city to educate & and find a girl other than your family members You HONESTLY thought that was how it works . All i have to say is the 2 nd verse is the as the 1 st DON’T KISS your MOM with that MOUTH , DON’T get your SISTER or any other MEMBER PREGNANT .
P.S . You need to watch your racist comment .
Giving the deftn. on what a HILL BILLIE IS
R.Scott
Ms Tea
April 28, 2022 @ 10:51 am
If you don’t agree with someone’s comment you don’t have to make more negative comments that person don’t know you don’t know what you have don in life when someone usually attack someone who have make negative comments or false comments only get offended cause it might have some truth to it why get so mad about something somebody say who don’t know you real simple
Greg
August 30, 2022 @ 11:11 pm
Certain inappropriate actions and behaviors, require timely appropriate pushback. You probably feel the same about all the blatant thievery of store’s over the last few years. Why get involved, it’s not your stuff their stealing? You’re right, what is being stolen is far more valuable, it’s civilized society, the future of your family and friends and their right to live, free from criminal mentality being the norm. It all starts when the majority, allows the minority to subvert the laws and disregard civility.
Eva Deere
February 28, 2022 @ 2:43 pm
Don’t stereotype those of us who listen to country music you a__hat. You are an idiot for saying such a thing. To sleep (procreate) with one’s sibling or other blood relative is incest and it’s a sin. Only someone like you would think that country music listeners would commit a sickening act like that. You have no business reading about country music and making such disgusting accusations. As for being a hick, I’m one and dang proud of it because it means that I’m just as American as a yankee from the north if not more American than one.
JT Williams
March 9, 2022 @ 9:43 am
Well I heard you finish with your daddy in bed with ya, after your sister said she needed a break.
Sue Ramstedt
April 10, 2022 @ 1:35 am
If you don’t have something nice to say why don’t you shut your butthole nobody wants to hear your garbage
Johnny Pllhilon
April 27, 2022 @ 8:47 pm
Your pretty sick in the head slick. It’s a shame you have to spew that sewer of yours on a keypad..
Rob
August 30, 2022 @ 5:04 pm
Why do gay guys always bash the heterosexual lifestyle…just don’t get it!
Andrea
September 1, 2022 @ 2:51 am
So all the fans who made the top Country singers successful are uneducated hicks? Hardly possible!
David Buzzelli
September 1, 2022 @ 6:08 am
You may not like their music John but they are singularly one of the best musicians I have ever seen anywhere in any genre. They’re incredible musicians especially at the guitar. And many other instruments. They had real talent like Chicago the old bands In the Sixties ,seventies.
Lori
March 7, 2024 @ 7:32 am
You must be the biggest fan of all
Michael Nolan
February 10, 2022 @ 1:38 pm
You got that wrong: It was your sister and mother.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
July 23, 2015 @ 9:35 am
My god is there a shortage of top-tier talent in the afterlife? We already gave them Jones, and Ray Price… They must be expanding…
Lovemusicperiod
May 19, 2022 @ 11:52 am
What a filthy statement. Country music is for people who have feelings, not for drug using clown who is waiting for the next high.
Banner
July 23, 2015 @ 10:03 am
you are right, Trigger. I don’t ever remember a wave of deaths like this in the country music world.
RD
July 23, 2015 @ 10:12 am
From Hillbilly Heaven to Honky Tonk Hell….
Gena R.
July 23, 2015 @ 10:46 am
Dang… 🙁 RIP Daron.
Darline
July 23, 2015 @ 11:07 am
“In God We Trust”….RIP Darron.
Acca Dacca
July 23, 2015 @ 11:19 am
This is turning out to be an awful year for country.
SKS
July 23, 2015 @ 12:49 pm
RIP Daron
Six String Richie
July 23, 2015 @ 1:02 pm
He certainly had potential. I think his country career was over after he released “Bad Dog, No Biscuit” but he definitely had some good songs. Quite sad to hear of his passing.
Root Beer Man
July 23, 2015 @ 1:04 pm
oh damn not another one! what’s going on here? R.I.P. Mr. Norwood play some good music for God up there!
Michael
July 23, 2015 @ 3:07 pm
Very sad. So glad some people still remember,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=50&v=-4Ah98b7GIk
Angela
July 23, 2015 @ 4:04 pm
Sad, saw him in concert one time, met them all after, he was nice. His band mate “snowman” and I had a pen pal friendship for a while after..Nice guys.
Doug Supernaw
July 23, 2015 @ 5:12 pm
Daron was a good, honest man who drank because he played clubs. MOST people drink in clubs, that is why they are there. He was always a good friend and a great musician. Why is it when someone dies that they had to have DEMONS. Thank you Daron for your music and friendship. Rest in Peace sir.
Clint
July 24, 2015 @ 11:25 am
Hey Doug,
I’ve been a fan of yours for over 20 years. “Red & Rio Grande” is one of the greatest albums in the 1990’s. I don’t know what happened to you, but I sure missed you once you were gone.
–Clint from Arkansas
Frank the tank
July 24, 2015 @ 4:44 pm
I second that. That album is excellent from start to finish.
Taylor
July 24, 2015 @ 9:49 pm
Doug,
I too have been a fan for a long time. I would love to hear a new album from you. Faded Renegade is one of my favorite albums I own. Take care.
Beverly Olhausen
November 8, 2020 @ 6:58 pm
Thank you Mr. Doug. You are just as good at whatvyou do. May he rest in peace.
Lucas Jackson
November 11, 2020 @ 1:15 pm
It is sad to look back and read this from Doug. A man whose definite demons I had the displeasure to see up close. Now, he is also gone. Both had a great talent that was squandered with substance abuse.
K9Trainer2
March 13, 2022 @ 12:03 pm
Doug well said! Even now in 2022. The industry has really changed over the years and the labels have really trashed it. The struggle is real. The ACM/CMA arent the same. The political crap that goes along with the industry is just making it harder. More and more artists opting out and going independent off of the labels.
Miss hearing you out there! Hope you are well🤘🤠
Doug Supernaw
July 23, 2015 @ 5:13 pm
Why is my comment awaiting moderation?
Trigger
July 23, 2015 @ 5:38 pm
Sorry Doug, people’s first comment is always sent to moderation, and after approved, they can comment at will.
Root Beer Man
July 23, 2015 @ 7:49 pm
as you can see by my earlier comment I’m sad about Daron’s passing too but I’m just curious are you THE Doug Supernaw? the “I Don’t Call Him Daddy” one?
Clint
July 24, 2015 @ 2:39 pm
Do you know Doug, or is it random that he commented here.
Either way, it’s cool to see.
Trigger
July 24, 2015 @ 2:54 pm
I don’t know Doug personally. I can’t confirm that is him posting, but there’s no reason to believe it isn’t.
Linda Kate
January 21, 2024 @ 5:51 am
SHOCKED and seriously asking about the ability to “comment at will “.
How on earth was this Post allowed to be hijacked initially by a troll inciting your readership with depravity/vulgarity? Is there no moderation here whatsoever? Truly unnuanced and unnecessary to have to wade thru that level of discourse before arriving at topic at hand…
Rachelle Heikkila
July 23, 2015 @ 7:02 pm
Doug – most people don’t die from alcoholism at 49. Addiction alone is a demon. & usually a symptom of bigger things. THAT is why people say this. It’s the truth. It’s a disease like others. Many cover up the truth by not saying the cause. Glad they are being honest about his issue w/ alcohol. End the Stigma! THAT would help. Talk about it without being defensive, get educated on it. Regular drinkers do not drink the quantity this Man is reported to have. Organs fail, even at 25. Very sad. Peace to all.
D
January 4, 2021 @ 4:55 am
I beg to differ with you There are people dying everyday of alcohol related issues at or before the age of 49 Liver disease heart disease kidney disease I know people in their 20’s that have been told if they didn’t quit drinking they would be dead before they were 40 Let’s not forget alcohol poisoning College kids all over the country are dying from this I hope it wasn’t fentanyl However he died I pray he is at peace You left too soon Daron
Melissa
April 28, 2022 @ 8:58 am
You say in the article , that he was 49 years old. In the very next paragraph, you say his date of birth was September 30, 1965. That doesn’t add up, especially when I was born in Sept of 1972 and this year (2022), I’ll be 50.
Trigger
April 28, 2022 @ 9:00 am
This article was published in 2015.
Julie Anderson
March 23, 2024 @ 8:19 pm
Oh Mr Trigger! I truly take my hat off to you. I do not know how you maintain composure with people. My sarcasm would never suppress this amount of people being truly unaware of dates, current events, or the real reason these people died. If you read the link people, the gentleman posted shortly after doug Supernaw’s post… the cause of his death is stated.
My phrase is literally…
~Educate yourself people. Then back it up with facts you laid eyes on.
This waste of space wouldnt exist and you all could be outside doing what makes you happy.
Humans.. dont forget were the only race on earth in a singular species. I try not to get too cocky when I put that into play.
But you’re good guys…
All this is totally excusable behavior.
I’m sure of it.
Good luck now!!!😊
pete marshall
July 23, 2015 @ 6:32 pm
I was shock when I first heard about this R.I.P. Mr. Daron Norwood. I have 2 of his first cd’s which were wonderful.
Camilla Sorto
July 23, 2015 @ 9:50 pm
I found out that Daron Norwood had four wives, 4 children, was arrested three times and you can see them all here http://dailyentertainmentnews.com/?p=61075 very interesting, I had no idea
Ticia Miller (McCloud)
July 23, 2015 @ 10:03 pm
what a loss. I have words but they all come at one time. I am heart Broken..We started out together in Nashville . Good guy. Just troubled as we all are… My condolences to his family and friends….
TX MUSIC JIM
July 24, 2015 @ 12:48 pm
This is sad. Helluva rough year for country music. Damn shame.
kat c.
July 24, 2015 @ 7:39 pm
RIP daron . had great memories of you & the “buckboard” in marietta .
JT Williams
November 5, 2020 @ 1:47 pm
Why are these posts dated 2015?
Trigger
November 5, 2020 @ 2:01 pm
Because Daron Norwood died in 2015. This article was posted in 2015. But for some strange reason, there has been a ton of interest in this story over the last week or two. Have been trying to figure out why to no avail.
RD
January 4, 2021 @ 9:40 am
Trig, when I view this on a desktop, there is a subheading at the bottom that says “More from Saving County Music.” Then it has four or five articles underneath which appear to be completely random, many of them old. This story has appeared under that category heading many time when I have visited the site over the past several months. My guess is that people are clicking on it from there…
Vivian Madison Mahoney
December 19, 2020 @ 11:19 am
I’ve been listening to these awesome fun crazy incredible country stars since I was 5 years old. On a Magnavox radio. In the Catskill Mountains woods of New York. We got all those country stations from WWVA Wheeling West Virginia, WSN Grand Ole Opry, WCKY Cincinnati Ohio and so forth. Now so many of the Greats are gone. It breaks my heart but then I tell myself they’re getting ready on the other side to put on one heck of a show for when I get there. Can’t wait to see and hear them all again. I’m now 81 next month. Won’t be long behind them.
We’re so lucky we have all of their music Still today that we can listen to.
Julie Anderson
March 23, 2024 @ 8:00 pm
Hey Vivian! I saw your reply, and I just wanted to check in and say hello, and I pray you haven’t gone to that concert in the sky that you mentioned above yet! 😉
I pray this finds you well and still going strong 4 years later! Take care of yourself love!
Wendi Wonderly
March 25, 2021 @ 9:06 pm
Darron Norwood looked more like David Cassidy than any of David’s brothers or his son. Shame what happened to them both
Kristie
October 2, 2021 @ 10:54 am
Does anyone know the dates that Daron sang at the Buckboard in Marietta Georgia. My oldest sister Bridget Pearl Clodfelter went missing 9/5/91992, she use to sing at the Buckboard. I wonder if it was the same time Daron was there. Maybe they knew each other.
Kristie
October 2, 2021 @ 10:58 am
My oldest sister Bridget Pearl Clodfelter went missing on 9/5/91992, she use to sing at the Buckboard. I wonder if it was the same time Daron was there. Maybe they knew each other.
Does anyone know the dates that Daron sang at the Buckboard in Marietta Georgia.
Judy Zimpel
December 20, 2021 @ 5:17 pm
I agree with Gary.
I love your music.
When you’re around here I can never get a ticket as they always sell out .
Keep the good music coming
Sara
April 10, 2022 @ 12:33 pm
R.I.P. Darin. He was so young and truly all his songs will be appreciated by not only young and older generations but also, generations to come just like every other country singer that died before their time. Sincerely, Sara
Kay alright
April 28, 2022 @ 11:37 am
Is that why you follow it and comment on it? You’re not uneducated just biased or retarded probably suffering from all three major forms of it!
Ksren Andersen
May 8, 2023 @ 10:53 am
Stupid Is As Stupid Does!
When statement made such as this.
Bonnie
March 24, 2024 @ 10:31 am
Please check your math. Born in 1965 makes them 59 in 2024. Or if 49 they were born in 1975.
Trigger
March 24, 2024 @ 12:06 pm
Check the date on this article. It was published in 2015.