Country & Southern Rock Legend Charlie Daniels Has Died
Country Music Hall of Famer and Southern rock icon Charlie Daniels has died. The 83-year-old passed away unexpectedly Monday morning (7-6) after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. Daniels’ death has been confirmed by his publicist, Don Murry Grubbs.
A titan of American music, Charlie Daniels started his career on the outside looking into the mainstream as a long-haired fiddle player who could identify with Southern rednecks and anti-war hippies alike during the Vietnam era and the rise of the counterculture. Daniels then went on to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and firebrand of conservative values, and a worldwide ambassador of fiddle music universally recognized for his American classic, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”
Born October 28, 1936, in Wilmington, North Carolina, and raised on Pentecostal Gospel from the church, bluegrass bands from the region, and the rhythm & blues and country music played on the local radio, he rose to become a respected multi-instrumentalist, proficient on guitar, banjo, mandolin, as well as fiddle, so much so Charlie’s first steady work in music was as a studio musician in Nashville, playing on records from Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, not to mention countless country records of the mid and late 60’s era.
From there he launched a solo career, recording his first solo album in 1971. It was on his third record, 1973’s Honey in the Rock where Daniels had his first hit somewhat accidentally with the humorous “Uneasy Rider” where he recounted a story of getting on the wrong side of rednecks. It was a Top 10 all-genre hit on the Billboard Hot Songs chart, and put Daniels on the national map as a song that seemed to speak perfectly to the times.
The Charlie Daniels Band would go on to cross cultural divides and genres from blending country with strong rock influences, and songs that spoke to many, from the war torn “Still In Saigon,” to “Long-Haired Country Boy.” Charlie Daniels became a symbol for the American 70’s and the cultural friction they caused. Though Charlie Daniels became a star on his own, he never stopped playing fiddle with others. Daniels appears on most all of the early Marshall Tucker Band albums, on Hank Williams Jr.’s Hank Williams Jr. & Friends, and countless other recording over many decades.
But of course you can’t talk about Charlie Daniels without making the centerpiece his song “The Devil Went Down To Georgia.” A #1 country hit co-written by Daniels himself, it won him a Grammy Award in 1979, and is one of the most well-recognized songs in American history.
As Charlie Daniels grew older, he became a more active voice in American politics, and a polarizing character to many for some of his stances. Eschewing his more liberal and moderate views of the 70’s, he became a symbol of the American right. But that never got in the way of trying to use music as a universal language. His now legendary Volunteer Jam lineups drew talent from all across the musical and political spectrum, and raised millions of dollars for charity. As a fiddle player, he became an ambassador for the instrument.
In 2007, Charlie Daniels was asked to become a member of The Grand Ole Opry, and in 2016, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. “I’m flabbergasted, I really am,” said Charlie. “This is the one you don’t even dare dream about. You can work toward other goals. There’s no way to work toward this goal. It’s something that either happens or it don’t. And I can’t think of a bigger honor to be given to anybody who loves country music. This is the cherry on top of the icing … I’m very humbled this morning to think about the shoulders that I stand on; the artists who blazed a trail down millions of miles of two lane black top to take this music to the people who loved it: the common man.”
Charlie Daniels is survived by his wife, Hazel, and son Charlie Daniels, Jr. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
Country When Country Wasn't Cool
July 6, 2020 @ 10:05 am
A true legend. May God hold and keep him.
Tim Smith
July 8, 2020 @ 8:32 pm
God bless Charlie Daniels and we will miss him🙏 . So 😥 sad 🙏😭🙏🙏
BO76
July 6, 2020 @ 10:06 am
So sad. Can we just get to 2021 already??
Bad One
July 6, 2020 @ 10:11 am
SHIT. My Travis Tritt/CDB show got cancelled due to weather last year. They were supposed to come back 🙁
hoptowntiger94
July 6, 2020 @ 10:25 am
No words. I‘m going to need a moment. RIP.
Loretta Twitty
July 6, 2020 @ 10:28 am
Ugh, 2020. RIP
Garrett Roe
July 6, 2020 @ 10:30 am
Glad I got to see him kick ass twice. Godspeed Charlie Daniels
glendel
July 6, 2020 @ 2:14 pm
3 times, but all between ’82 and ’93.
Garrett Roe
July 6, 2020 @ 5:51 pm
I got to see him once in 18 and 19 with Travis Tritt
wayne
July 6, 2020 @ 10:37 am
A great loss and the voice of reason in so many ways. His contributions cannot be overstated, and his humble demeanor was always welcomed. Some may not agree with his political stances and commentary, of which I personally support, but he did so with class and he was respected by artists of all persuasions, both musically and politically.
That is what defines a class act. And he was certainly a class act. This is sad news for an already sad year.
Luckyoldsun
July 6, 2020 @ 2:55 pm
When he was in his “Simple Man” phase, calling for lynching and stuff, I about had it with him. But I can shove that aside and listen to his not-so-inflammatory recordings.
CountryKnight
July 6, 2020 @ 3:06 pm
Weep some more.
King Honky Of Crackershire
July 6, 2020 @ 5:57 pm
Simple Man was his greatest song.
Guitars, Cadillacs...
July 7, 2020 @ 4:27 am
Fun fact—the “lynching” the song refers to is directed toward drug dealers, burglars, rapists, murderers, and child abusers and is in no way used in any racial concept.
As far as I’m concerned, “Simple Man” is prophecy, as we are watching the reverse implications of the ethos of that song play out in real time as anarchy reigns in our cities.
wayne
July 7, 2020 @ 6:45 am
Agree. When the word “lynching” is/was used, some get all in a tether and do not bother to look at the context. Charlie was dead-on then in his sentiment.
Blake
July 11, 2020 @ 11:02 am
Imagine lynching someone for selling a product and who isn’t violating anyone’s rights. Disgusting.
Mike Basile
July 6, 2020 @ 10:48 am
Titan, legend, icon. You got that right on every count, Trig. That was a nicely written obit that touched on every facet of a monumental career. He was a grand ambassador for Southern Rock and a friend to every band that got lumped into the genre. God bless Charlie, thanks for everything.
Conrad Fisher
July 6, 2020 @ 10:52 am
I saw him at the Opry last year. A tremendous entertainer, he had the crowd whipped into a frenzy. I’m not a fan of the God, Grits, and Guns shtick but his legacy is undeniable.
Elk Tracker
July 6, 2020 @ 10:55 am
Damn…
CountryKnight
July 6, 2020 @ 11:02 am
Dammit.
We just lost one of the great legends. A great musician who was supremely proud to be American and never apologized for loving his country.
Well, we know the devil didn’t get his soul. Play that fiddle made of gold, Charlie.
Big Pete
July 6, 2020 @ 11:07 am
This hit me like a punch in the gut. I loved this man & his music. CDB was my introduction to the Southern Rock genre and one of my top 5 all-time favorite artists. Charlie will be missed.
James
July 6, 2020 @ 11:14 am
Between Joe Diffie, Kenny Rogers, and Charlie Daniels, this year has absolutely sucked.
Kevin Broughton
July 7, 2020 @ 11:49 am
John Prine.
Kentucky_1875
July 6, 2020 @ 11:22 am
Damn. This sucks. RIP Charlie.
618creekrat
July 6, 2020 @ 11:23 am
Go with God, Charlie. Loved your music, tenacity, and spirit. I’m sure there was a seat being saved for you in the violin (or fiddle) section.
Matthew B
July 6, 2020 @ 11:24 am
I remember my dad’s band opened Charlie in a casino way out in Gallup, NM a few years back. We saw him one morning coming out of his room to get some breakfast downstairs in the lobby. This man greeted us wearing Denver Broncos pajama pants and a plain white t-shirt. I didn’t know it was him until my dad told me as we were walking away.
Tim
July 6, 2020 @ 11:31 am
Sad to see this news, and he was talented artist who did a lot of good work. However, some of his songs are problematic at best, and it could be argued that his rallying around “the South” were an attempt to idolize a past and culture that was steeped in racism.
Trigger
July 6, 2020 @ 11:44 am
Examples?
Take a swim through “Uneasy Rider” and get back with me.
Di Harris
July 6, 2020 @ 11:49 am
We’re not going to allow this today
CountryKnight
July 6, 2020 @ 11:53 am
I see the Vox crowd has arrived.
Colter
July 6, 2020 @ 11:57 am
Fuck off Tim
Strait Country 81
July 6, 2020 @ 12:11 pm
The left never misses an opportunity PATHETIC!!!
Anyway back on point RIP Charlie loved his music and was a very entertaining show when i saw him a few years ago
David Allan Covid-19
July 8, 2020 @ 10:51 am
The left never misses an opportunity? Perhaps they should be so tactful and classy as the right was when Republican war veteran
John McCain passed?
Greg Green
July 29, 2020 @ 7:40 pm
I know it’s late, I know you’re weary…
McCain was a terrible republican and a worse conservative. His favorite constituency was the media, and he never missed an opportunity to preen in front of them by trashing another republican.
He also was part of the Keating 5, made the unconstitutional McCain Finegold bill, and admitted that he had been bribed by big campaign contributions. After his DD214 there was little honorable in his life…many veterans say that his life before the DD214 was no different.
David Allan Covid-19
July 29, 2020 @ 7:59 pm
So what kind of Republican and conservative is DraftDodgin’ Donald? How’s the Trump Foundation and Trump University doing these days? Oh yeah, shut down for corruption and court ordered to repay millions.
Nicolas De Vos
July 6, 2020 @ 12:24 pm
Time and place Error: Not Found.
grace rose
July 6, 2020 @ 1:51 pm
The north has racism that’s rarely acknowledged if ever in our society. In fact Malcom X addressed it himself. Considering you never preach on that shut up especially today. You don’t really care. Its just an opportunity to virtue signal.
Billy J Tilmon Jr
January 27, 2021 @ 2:00 pm
Yes recaiism pervades out land both south and north. There are extreme examples on both sides but like it or not it is due to slavery, Jim Crow, and too little cooperation.
Wuk
July 7, 2020 @ 9:11 am
rubbish.
ECSNYDER
July 10, 2020 @ 7:58 pm
Piss off Karen
TXMUSICJIM
July 6, 2020 @ 11:37 am
Charlie will be missed from the first time I saw him in the early 80’s to the last time with Travis Tritt not long before the shutdown he was an artist’s artist. RIP Maestro!
Kraner
July 6, 2020 @ 11:40 am
So sorry.. I’ve been goin to CDB concerts since 1971..Charlie opened for some new guy at the state fair a few years ago ..after Charlie finished 1/2 the crowd left ..the only song I can’t take is “Devil went down to Georgia ” and I liked it the first million times I heard it. Thanks top 40 radio for ruining that for me
Sir Adam the Great
July 6, 2020 @ 11:41 am
I had the pleasure of running into him a few times at church. Very humble and talented man of God. His autobiography was a very interesting read as well. I echo the sentiment that others have stated; this hit me hard. I saw the headline and couldn’t piece the words together. God bless Mrs. Daniels and Charlie Jr. and family and friends.
Jack W
July 6, 2020 @ 12:12 pm
Bit of a gut punch to read this. As far as his work goes, I’m mainly a fan of those early CDB albums from the mid-70s. And I LOVED those albums. Fire On the Mountain, Nightrider, Saddle Tramp. High Lonesome was good, too. I think he was the most overtly country of the great Southern Rock bands and those albums were definitely the countriest music I listened to in my late teens and early twenties. I mean, give a listen to Damn Good Cowboy from Nightrider. That’s country music. And his instrumental version of Orange Blossom Special may have been my first exposure to bluegrass music. Loved it then and eventually got big into bluegrass.
RIP, Charlie. Thank you for the music.
DJ
July 6, 2020 @ 12:20 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs4y5si8DGs
max
July 6, 2020 @ 12:21 pm
A legend. Devil went down to Georgia was one of the songs that got me into country a few years ago and is still and will always be one of my favorites. RIP
Ricky Hutmacher
July 6, 2020 @ 12:47 pm
Me too…..
Tim
July 6, 2020 @ 12:48 pm
Trigger, you asked for examples…the song “the South’s gonna do it again” literally has lyrics that say, “be proud to be rebel because the South’s gonna do it again.” Do what again? These lyrics would have no meaning to anyone if there was a different region being used…the only reason that line makes sense to Southerners is because of its historical and cultural context. This kind of rhetoric began in the late 19th and early 20th century as a way for white Southerners to promote the “lost cause” myth of the Confederacy…it was a way for them to re-imagine the Confederacy not for what it was (a racist society built on slavery and racial oppression) but as this idealistic place fighting for the “right” cause. Much like the Confederate flag, which Charlie Daniels supported, even after the massacre in Charleston, it embodies white privilege to its core where they get to pretend that the South is this great place without having to deal with the terrible legacy of what it did to millions of people of color.
In addition, songs like Simple Man, which call for people to be lynched, is at the very least tone-deaf. Lynching people, regardless of their crime (in his song, it was people selling marijuana, hardly a crime that deserves the death penalty, let alone how marijuana and other drug laws have overwhelmingly and disproportionately affected people of color since the 1970s) has long and terrible history in the South, and for a white Southerner who calls himself a redneck in the song to boast about it showed a complete lack of understanding of the power of those words and what those words might invoke, intentional or not. Play that song for someone who is black who has never heard it and I bet you would get a very different perspective.
I am not trying to say that Charlie Daniels was this terrible racist or this awful person. However, like any person whose history has some complications and whose views don’t age well, it is worth at least being honest about it.
Colter-you must have been captain of your high school debate team with that response:)
Capn
July 6, 2020 @ 1:20 pm
Tim, what exactly is your aim in bringing these things up? Not a word of what Trigger wrote specifically idolized or glorified in any way these things you take issue with. Is your point that people are complicated? No shit. We aren’t stupid. Is your point that we have to remember everything about a person, good and bad? Why is that necessary in this case? He was by most accounts a decent guy, gave a lot to country music, and there is more to be gained by honoring his memory upon his passing than tarnishing it. In any case, I question why you feel the need to write that stuff here.
I don’t know what good you think you are doing, or why you feel you are some arbiter of truth and justice. But with an obit piece like this, it shows a severe lack of decorum to try to defame the guy. Not saying you can’t try do that on pretty much any other day, on any forum. Go crazy – nobody is above criticism. But right now? Come on man.
Tom
July 9, 2020 @ 11:24 am
Dude, “The South’s Gonna Do It Again” is a tribute to southern rock artists. There’s no agenda, no hidden meaning, it literally just name drops artists like Elvin Bishop and We Willie. Anyone who reads any more into it than that is really just looking for something to be mad about.
And “Simple Man” is just a lament about a broken justice system that often gives criminals more rights than victims.
I’ll bet you’re just a blast at parties.
Tom
July 9, 2020 @ 11:26 am
Sorry, that reply was supposed to be to Tim’s comment, not Capn’s. Which is probably obvious but I thought I should clarify anyway.
Capn
July 9, 2020 @ 11:45 am
No problem Tom – figured as such. Carry on good sir.
Colter
July 6, 2020 @ 1:46 pm
And you must be a pathetic little bitch to find something wrong with every single thing in the world. It’s a song and he was a proud southerner. At least I know how to reply to the right comment dipshit.
Steven
July 6, 2020 @ 1:50 pm
Can’t you give it a rest for just one day?
RIP Charlie
CountryKnight
July 6, 2020 @ 2:53 pm
Who cares?
Every heritage has some dark moments that are glorified or seen through a different perspective. Many African-Americans look fondly at Africa where slavery of blacks started. That is right. They had no problem selling their neighbors to European traders. It is history. It is not a crime or thoughtless to appreciate one’s past.
A Southerner can’t call himself a redneck without worrying how a snowflake might take those words. Good grief. Suck it up already. People are soft.
Buzz Meeks
July 6, 2020 @ 3:54 pm
You and Tim are the 2 most triggered people that post here…. just on opposite ends of the spectrum. Soft as pillows.
CountryKnight
July 6, 2020 @ 5:06 pm
Has nothing to do with the content of my post. Either seriously reply or buzz elsewhere.
Scott Johnson
July 6, 2020 @ 2:55 pm
“South’s Gonna Do It” is a song about southern pride. If that bothers you, country music might not be the genre for you. And c’mon, “simple man” is a great song regardless of your political leanings. Untie the knot in your panties and you’ll be fine.
Corncaster
July 6, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
“Do what again?”
That would be “get down,” as in:
gather ’round, gather ’round chillin’
Get down, well just get down chillin’
Get loud…
The song, which is pure southern boogie goodness, is about southern rockers who rebel against mainstream pop trends. That’s why the whole entire fricking song names other southern musicians.
But you do you with the whole “racial” thing.
Natty Bumpo
July 6, 2020 @ 7:28 pm
These people that see everything in terms of race are clueless but dangerously ignorant at the same time. The South’s Gonna Do it Again was about the southern bands coming up and making it big time on the music scene. It’s so ironic when the ignorant want to preach about ignorance.
Buzz Meeks
July 6, 2020 @ 3:49 pm
Absolutely. And also by your logic the “Southern Firebrand” really wasn’t that bad after all. Revisitionist history works it’s blind ideological spin from both the Left and the Right, as proven frequently by yourself, Tim, and others that post here…..thank God none of you are educators.
Buzz Meeks
July 6, 2020 @ 3:51 pm
@CountryKnight
CountryKnight
July 6, 2020 @ 5:02 pm
Since you can’t grasp the format of the comment section, I am hoping your job doesn’t any sort of thinking.
If you want to joust, I am ready to ride. You started this duel.
Brad in Californa
July 6, 2020 @ 4:40 pm
@Tim Yea…and it’s not limited to “The South’s Gonna Do It Again” either. There’s Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive” clearly about a roving lynch mob. And AC/DC’s “Back in Black”…an ode to minstrel shows. And Dokken’s “Burning Like a Flame”…clearly celebrating the burning of black churches. And who can forget “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” a cautionary tale about interracial marriage. See…if all you do is use a song title you can make up all sorts of jackassery about imaginary racists and happily virtue signal your way through life.
Tom
July 9, 2020 @ 11:28 am
Don’t forget “I Don’t Like Spiders and Snakes” and it’s strong bias against arachnids and reptiles.
T-grondo
July 6, 2020 @ 7:15 pm
Tim, Tim, Tim……….
Do you not know the rest of the lyrics of “The South’s Gonna Do It Again”….????
It’s a song about…..Southern rock bands ! “Elvin Bishop sittin’ on a bale of hay…he ain’t good lookin’ but he sure can play…”
It’s a celebration of Southern rock music.
Just like “Sweet Soul Music” is a celebration of soul music…..”Spot light on Lou Rawls y’all…. oh don’t he look boss y’all…singing Loves a hurtin’ thing y’all…..(yeah, yeah..)
Just like “I Dig Rock n Roll Music” is a celebration of 60’s pop music….
“I dig the Mamas and the papas at the Trip Sunset Strip in LA”
(if you don’t know these songs….You Tube em)
“Be proud to be rebel because the South’s gonna do it again.”
Do what again ? ROCK….PARTY….DANCE….DRINK….ect………!
The guy was from the South. He played songs about the South/being a country boy…So?
Everyone has to be from somewhere….We all can’t be hipsters from Austin….
Kevin
July 7, 2020 @ 4:06 am
CD, on simple man: “I’m damn proud of the South, but I sure as hell am not proud of the Ku Klux Klan. … I wrote the song about the land I love and my brothers. It was not written to promote hate groups.”
Also, dope isn’t necessarily marijuana. He could be referring to heroin. Probably isn’t marijuana, though, since he’d written songs about tokin’.
Kevin
July 7, 2020 @ 4:07 am
Written “songs” *
Chris
July 11, 2020 @ 5:58 pm
“The South’s Gonna Do It” was actually the song in question regarding that comment. In 1975, the KKK was using that song, without his permission, in radio commercials to promote rallies in Louisiana, and Daniels spoke out against it. (See Billboard, Dec. 20, 1975 issue, p. 4.) As a result, the Klan agreed not to use any more of his songs in their promos.
I very much disagree with Daniels’ politics but I have to give him credit for not letting his song be used in such a nefarious way. (I do have to wonder, though, what kind of radio station would accept advertising for a Klan rally as late as 1975?)
Kevin
July 11, 2020 @ 6:01 pm
That’s what I meant. The quote I posted is about “the south’s gonna do it” not “simple man”
Wuk
July 7, 2020 @ 9:18 am
You cant live in the past. It is what it is. There is much more to the South than racism; isn’t there? The progress it has made in the last 50 or so years is pretty amazing. Perfect. No. But nowhere is. It is a great song and has nothing to do with racism at all. It is about southern pride which many southerners of different colours have. It has a history which is not all good but it seems to have learnt a lot from its history. The South is gonna rise again! Great song. Great singer. A legend of the South and of popular music. RIP.
Kevin Broughton
July 7, 2020 @ 11:51 am
What a dick. You want to cancel a man the day he dies.
What a fucking dick.
Big Tex
July 7, 2020 @ 6:30 pm
Tiny Tim:
I am a Texan and a Southerner, and proud of being both. My ancestors fought for the Confederacy, and I honor them.
Harriett
July 6, 2020 @ 12:48 pm
I definitely disagreed with his political views but I’ve never been in the “shut up and sing” camp whether conservative or liberal. Right now is a time to remember that a family grieves for a lost loved one and tons of fellow artists remember his kindness and generosity to them
Scott Johnson
July 6, 2020 @ 2:56 pm
Harriett, based on your comment, I can guess that I don’t agree with your political views either. However, I respect that you were able to look past those differences and pay your respects.
Redder Shade of Neck
July 6, 2020 @ 12:58 pm
RIP
Was blessed to see him at the local fairgrounds way back in 1993. He said it was the only show he’d ever played where the wind blew the hat off his head. Me and the fast food swing shift boys even wrote a parody called “The Devil Went Down to Del Taco”.
RD
July 6, 2020 @ 12:59 pm
He was a great, talented musician. I had the pleasure of seeing him twice and he put on fantastic shows.
Travis
July 6, 2020 @ 1:03 pm
Saw him open for Tritt last year and he sounded absolutely amazing at his age. This is such sad news but it’s good to know he was still kicking ass into his 80s, going down rocking. Nothing but respect
OlaR
July 6, 2020 @ 1:05 pm
Thank you for the music Charlie Daniels.
Keepin it Country
July 6, 2020 @ 1:10 pm
Sad loss. Loved his songs. Great legend.
Kross
July 6, 2020 @ 1:15 pm
This one hurts. I grew up on the CDB. he was a good patriot and an even better man. He’ll be missed.
grace rose
July 6, 2020 @ 1:52 pm
RIP Charlie Daniels
He was excellent musician and wonderful man.
Kevin Smith
July 6, 2020 @ 4:10 pm
One of my all time favorites period. Some thoughts that I believe are relevant. As Trig mentioned , Daniels drew cowboys, bikers, hippies, rednecks and other working class people to his shows. He really brought people together who otherwise might not have given each other the time of day. As for the hateful accusations made above, there isn’t much truth to any of them. Charlie was a believer that all men are created equal and in God’s image. His second drummer in the CDB for a few years was a black man named Billy Cox, the same man who played in Jimi Hendrixs Band of Gypsies. Cox also played with Hendrix at Woodstock.. He and Charlie were lifelong friends. Charlie had folks like James Brown , BB King and Papa John Creach , Charley Pride, Darius Rucker and others playing his Volunteer Jams each year. In fact, in the very early years of the Jams when racial tensions were high, Daniels was introducing folks of color to the audience. If you read the liner notes and the lyrics to his songs, you will find Daniels was a major admirer of Dr Martin Luther King. Human rights were very important to Daniels. The more you get into his deep album cuts you will see that. He wasn’t just a flag waver either, he was at times scorchingly critical of corrupt politicians who looked down on the poor and working class people while favoring the wealthy campaign contributors. See his song Land of Opportunity as one example. I could go on, but you get the idea. Oh and as for the comment that he approved of lynching, thats completely false. Daniels did believe in Capital punishment, but only for the most extreme of criminals, and even then he believed in fair trials with due process.
As for the unwarranted attack by the ignoramus above on the song The Souths Gonna Do it Again, that entire song was about the rise in popularity of Southern Rock which swept the nation in the 70s. He name checks Marshall Tucker, ZzTop, Wet Willie, Grinderswitch, Dickey Betts and many others. The song had nothing to do with racism or Civil War whatsoever. Again, ignorant people looking to score political points are the only people who would have a problem with it. Oh and by way of reference, Daniels didn’t put Confedrerate flags on his album covers , even though it was popular back then. He realized early on that it could offend. Yeah, the people trying to assail Daniels are barking up the wrong tree.
Finally, im all about the music, could care less about the politics of it all. Charlie was an amazing musician period. Slide Guitar, Les Paul’s, Marshalls…check, dual drummer like the Allmans…check, fiddle legend …check….banjo player check….songwriter, singer…check…super humble kind caring human being who believed in the golden rule…CHECK!!! Good guy who will truly be missed by people all over!
grace rose
July 6, 2020 @ 5:57 pm
Yes he was always stand up guy to me. I didn’t know all of that either. That’s nice to know but not surprising to read. Thanks for posting. I know people of all walks of life who like Charlie Daniels Band.
I don’t live in the south or the north. I love music and could care less about their politics. It annoys me when people act as if south is some evil place yet never care about the terrible stuff north had done or still is doing to this day. You can’t just get mad at one then completely ignore the other. I’ll stop.. I think it just rubbed me harder today because he just passed away. I grew up listening to him and have been fan for long time. I grew up on country in general.
Kevin Smith
July 8, 2020 @ 7:11 am
Just a small correction…Billy Cox was Charlies bassist, not drummer. And hes still alive today. He played on the Way Down Yonder record with the CDB and was an early touring member as well. Later, he moved on and Charlie Hayward took his spot.
Jamie
July 6, 2020 @ 2:56 pm
Another terrible loss for what’s already been a horrible year, overall. My dad was a fan of Charlie Daniels, so him and his music will always have a special place. “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” still makes me grin from ear to ear to this day, while “Long Haired Country Boy” (or country girl in my case) has kind of become very relatable for me these days. My personal favorite from him, though, is “Mr. DJ.” RIP Charlie
GrantH
July 6, 2020 @ 3:05 pm
I’ve already seen a boatload of tweets from folks who obviously don’t even listen to country music whining about his “PrObLeMaTiC” lyrics and personal views. Get bent. CD was one of the best musicians of the 20th century and is an all-American icon with more talent in his fretting hand than these all these journalists have combined. Godspeed.
CountryKnight
July 6, 2020 @ 3:08 pm
Those same people have no problem with Marxist views which have enslaved and killed more people than the ardent Southern firebrand could ever dream of.
Really shows how badly our education system has brainwashed people.
Terry
July 6, 2020 @ 3:38 pm
Going to school in Ohio from New England, Charlie introduced me to Southern Rock and Country Music. Blessed to see him in 1980 in Dayton with Ozark Mtn Daredevils, then in NH twice, onceopening for Willie and the last time in 2018.
I enjoyed how he stood up for what he believed in and preached that you perform a great show even if there they are a lot of empty seats.
Enjoy your eternal reward Charlie and the great band in heaven just added another great fiddle player!
“Chicken in a bread pan pickin’ out dough
Granny, does your dog bite? No child, no”
JF
July 6, 2020 @ 3:55 pm
Sweet heavenly 8lb 6 oz newborn baby Jesus, can we just talk about music here and not whether you think Charlie Daniels said some f**ked up shit, or whether something Jason Isbell said got your panties in a wad, or the Dixie Chicks (sorry, the Chicks or whatever they are now) said something that insulted your delicate sensibilities?
And hey, if someone starts taking things in a political direction you don’t like, here’s a thought — ignore it. Then you have 50 comments with 1 off-topic — not a whole damn shit show.
Woogeroo
July 6, 2020 @ 3:55 pm
Great live performer, lots of great songs, RIP to a true music legend.
Heard him live 2 or 3 times, always a good time, always had a great crackin’ band too.
weak knee-ed willie
July 6, 2020 @ 4:52 pm
I saw him 9 times going back to “fire on the mountain” tour ’74-’75 up to last November. The best 25 bucks I ever spent was for a scalped ticket for Volunteer Jam VI. RIP Charlie.
Taylor
July 6, 2020 @ 4:54 pm
RIP Charlie. This is a huge kick to the gut. I had tickets to see him again this fall. He was a true hero of mine. God bless him, and prayers to him and his family. Time go crank some good ole rockin CDB!
Scott Johnson
July 6, 2020 @ 5:06 pm
Without a doubt one of the finest artist to ever grace the county music stage. God Bless him and his family!
I.M. Brute
July 6, 2020 @ 5:20 pm
That man caused me a whole bunch of aggravation for years! The height of my bar band career took place back in the 1970’s and 80’s. I was actually making a living at it!
Anyway, I was just a sideman who played fiddle and harmonica. In most bands, I was usually allowed to do one hot fiddle breakdown instrumental per set. Although I knew a bunch of fiddle tunes, all the crowd ever wanted to hear was “Devil Went Down To Georgia” and “Orange Blossom Special!” I sometimes asked myself why I bothered to learn anything else!
Actually, truth be known, I’m sitting here typing and grumbling with a smile on my face. After all, in those days my job was to give our nightclub audience what they wanted. They wanted excitement. And there wasn’t anything more exciting than “The Devil Went Down To Georgia!”
Rest in peace, old man. You were a big part of my life.
CRay
July 6, 2020 @ 5:39 pm
As Ronnie Van Zant wrote. “Nashville has a million and one guitar pickers but I guess my favorite would be the CDB”.
I couldn’t agree more.
This is like a 2×4 between the eyes.
Praying for Hazel and the family.
Hefitz
July 7, 2020 @ 11:16 am
Charlie was a true American treasure. I listened to an interview with Artimus Pyle earlier today where he described trying hire on as Charlie’s drummer. Charlie told him that he already had a good drummer and couldn’t use him. Instead, he passed his name on to Ronnie Van Zant….The rest is history.
Jim
July 6, 2020 @ 6:03 pm
Loved Million Mile Reflections as a kid.
MH
July 6, 2020 @ 6:20 pm
I can only imagine the initial excitement it was for him to see Ronnie, Toy, and Duane again.
Kevin Smith
July 6, 2020 @ 6:59 pm
Crank the song Saddle Tramp..loud….its a dual drum dual lead guitar southern rock cowboy masterpiece. Its EPIC! Just do it, ok.
RWP
July 7, 2020 @ 5:59 pm
As well as seeing former bandmates Tommy Crain and Taz Digogro (sp?) again. Charlie and Taz went all the way back when they were kids. They both sung some great songs during their years in the CDB.
A few of my favs:
“Cumberland Mountain #9”
“The Lady In Red”
“No Potion For The Pain”
“Blind Man”
Good stuff.
TwangBob
July 6, 2020 @ 6:32 pm
God bless Charles Edward Daniels. Godspeed on Angel wings. Thanks for the music!
CountryKnight
July 6, 2020 @ 7:21 pm
Isbell should take time from his rye and study the CDB’s songs.
Maybe then he will write something that the mass majority of people will remember 50 years from now.
RWP
July 6, 2020 @ 7:47 pm
That ain’t no lie. Just looked at his twitter and that POS hasn’t even acknowledged his death yet.
wayne
July 7, 2020 @ 7:57 am
We all know why Isbell and those of his ilk haven’t acknowledged his passing. CD has more class in his little toe than Ickbell has in his whole debauched body. Which they would all go to the Wooley Swamp.
Trigger
July 7, 2020 @ 9:49 am
Let’s be a little careful with setting up litmus tests for who or who didn’t acknowledge the death of Charlie Daniels on social media. It feels a little “Accountability Spreadsheet of Who Supports Black Lives Matter” -ish. Some feel the need to share thoughts publicly, some don’t.
What I will say is we should acknowledge people who have chosen to use the death of Charlie Daniels to attack him when he’s no longer around to defend himself, especially supposed members of the country music community, specifically Tyler Mahan Coe.
wayne
July 7, 2020 @ 1:06 pm
Amen to that.
jacob hatcher
July 7, 2020 @ 2:54 pm
At this point can we take Tyler Mahan Coe seriously anyway? I quit taking him seriously about a year after he kept taking peoples Patreon money without releasing any new content.
zues
July 8, 2020 @ 10:11 am
I like that Coe is still calling it “Cocaine and Rhinestones Season 1.”
Reminds me of Mel Brooks “History of the World: Part 1.” Except, as far as I know, Mel Brooks didn’t squeeze the studio for 3 years to make a “Part 2” and produce nothing.
jacob hatcher
July 8, 2020 @ 10:33 am
For real. Folks are mad at Garth for making them wait forever for ROI for a one time purchase; Coe’s likely brought in enough over the last 2.5 years to have a platinum pre-ordered album.
mouths of babes
July 6, 2020 @ 9:42 pm
This is an open question for anyone – I’m looking for an honest answer:
Is there an amount of times you can listen to ‘Trudy’ where you finally say, “Ok, I’ve heard this song enough?” Or does that number not exist?
I’ll wait for answer because I haven’t found it yet.
RD
July 7, 2020 @ 5:00 am
Great song from a great album. I never get sick of Georgia from that album either.
Kevin Smith
July 7, 2020 @ 6:53 am
Trudy is awesome. Feeling Free is great too and also on Fire on the Mountain.
Chucky Waggs
July 6, 2020 @ 10:29 pm
I was in a band that was fortunate enough to get to open a CDB show in our area about 10 yrs ago. I grew up listening to those records and tapes and was very humbled and excited for the opportunity, not just to open it, but finally see him live! That said, I wasn’t expecting a whole lot, compared to the records he had recorded 30-40yrs prior. I figured he’d make his way through the hits and kinda be the storyteller in between like a lot of other “legacy” artists, getting up there in age. Well, I was fuckin wrong! That 300 some pound, 70 somethin year old man exploded out on that stage and absolutely slayed his way from one song into the next for a solid hour and a half! He hit it with more energy than most 25 year olds and it blew me away, like listening to those records growing up. I swear he was floating the whole time and took no prisoners! This wasn’t some hip jam band or classic country act or a southern rock cover band it was Charlie Fuckin Daniels doing exactly what he came there to do and doing it very well! I got to shake his hand and thank him after the show and he was just the most open, friendly dude I could’ve ever hoped he’d be. I’ll remember that forever. RIP CD.
Travis
July 6, 2020 @ 11:54 pm
I’m also speechless at how many so called young country singers ignored his death across all social media today, yet have been very active in other topics recently. Sturgill and Cody immediately spring to mind. I don’t much appreciate the new school ignoring the passing of legends
Natty Bumpo
July 7, 2020 @ 5:29 am
Country music right now has an abundance of folks who wanted to be rockers and/or rappers but because of who they are or where they are from or because of their talents couldn’t make it starting out in those other genres. So you see more and more of them once they become established start crossing over to where they truly wanted to be. County music is like a condom to them for getting them where they want to be and then they throw it away when they are done.
Strait Country 81
July 7, 2020 @ 6:17 am
That’s not suprising a lot of artists i expected to acknowledge Harold Reid’s death didn’t Toby Keith was the only one.
wayne
July 7, 2020 @ 7:03 am
Travis,
Your comment is very prescient. I thought the very thing last night! Not surprising at all.
And yes Strait Country, I noticed the same thing about Harold Reid’s death. Some current so-called country artists probably don’t even know who he is or the impact the Statler Brothers had. If they do know anything about them, they probably associate them only with Cash as he is “hip” with many of them.
CountryKnight
July 7, 2020 @ 9:09 am
Charlie was too diverse for their “tolerant” personalities.
CRay
July 9, 2020 @ 8:38 am
Dont pay any attention to those who ignored this good mans death, look at the ones who acknowledged it, a pretty damn impressive list. I am sure he would be honored and humbled. Even the Governor ordered the flags at the Tennessee capitol to half mast.
Daniele
July 7, 2020 @ 12:01 am
Another legend is gone. Rip Charlie.
Guitars, Cadillacs...
July 7, 2020 @ 4:33 am
Rest easy, Charlie. Thanks for the music, the miles, and the memory. Your contributions to American music are deep and far reaching.
P.S.— “Simple Man” is prophecy and we’re currently living out in real time the reverse implications of the song’s ethos.
Marky Mark
July 7, 2020 @ 5:30 am
That is a thoughtful and well written write up on a true music legend. This is a music site folks, I’m sure I speak for many when I say that veering off into political arguments in the comment section does nothing but detract from this website. I come here to read about the music. Instead of waffling on about the same old left and right arguments, how about focusing on the many great songs and albums that CDB released over his career. I truly wish that Trigger would simply delete these nonsensical political posts. I think this is a wonderful website to learn about new music as well as fantastic music from the past. It has been a true bummer for me that over the past couple of years I have to wade through comment after comment of snowflake fighting with tea bagger on this site to read about the music. I visit the site way less as a result. How about if we all put our political differences aside and enjoy a brief respite from the troubles of the world? How about a top 10 list of lesser known CDB songs so that the people who don’t know his music as well (such as myself) can go back and re-discover Charlie Daniels now that he has sadly passed. (Trigger, I’ll give you 10 to one odds that this comment results in multiple people, both left wingers and right wingers, calling me names and zero responses with top 10 lists of his lesser known songs).
Kevin Smith
July 7, 2020 @ 8:06 am
Point taken Marky! Here’s a few deep cuts I like.
I already mentioned Saddle Tramp but if you dig that twin guitar Allman Bros inspired sound, check out Birmingham Blues off of Night Rider. In no order heres a few more worth listening to:
Texas from Night Rider
Midnight Train
Was it 26 , off Simple Man. Stapleton did a version of this song on Traveler
Ragin’ Cajun off of Windows
Louisiana Fais Do Do off of Me and The Boys
Bogged Down in Love with You off of Powder Keg
Drinking My Baby Goodbye off of Me and The Boys
Billy The Kid off of High Lonesome
Carolina off High Lonesome
Crank em loud
Marky Mark
July 7, 2020 @ 9:59 am
Thx! You have given me something fun to do today.
Hello
July 7, 2020 @ 10:09 am
Funky Junky from NightRider
Trudy, Georgia and No Place to Go from Fire on the Mountain
Right Now Tennessee Blues and Turned My Head Around from High Lonesome
Sweet Louisiana and Wichita Jail from Saddle Tramp
Grapes of Wrath and Redneck Fiddlin Man from Midnight Wind
Way Down Yonder from Way Down Yonder
Marky Mark
July 7, 2020 @ 4:55 pm
Thanks man, be checking these out too! That’s why I come here, not for arm chair analyses of the meaning behind the lyrics to “south’s gonna do it again”.
Trigger
July 7, 2020 @ 9:37 am
Nobody is more aware of how political comments are disrupting conversation here to the point of even driving some readers away. I’m doing everything I can to control it, but deleting comments is always a last case resort. That said, there has been political comments deleted from this very comments section. I am doing what I can to control this issue, but I also believe it is important for people to have the right to express themselves freely. I would be lying if I said it’s easy to understand where the proper line is, but I try. Charlie Daniels was a politically divisive character. That is part of his legacy.
Please understand this issue is NOT exclusive to Saving Country Music. EVERY website comments section, and EVERYTHING in American society is getting riddled with political acrimony from both sides. It is the responsibility of everyone to respect the sovereignty on non-political spaces where we can all congregate and be once removed from the acrimony. That said, when everything in society has become politicized, this becomes more difficult. You can’t bring up COVID-19—which has killed country music artists and disrupted the industry—without it being considered political. This is the challenge publishers face, and the public needs to be aware of this challenge as well.
I am doing the best I can to navigate this especially polarizing moment in time. I ask for everyone else’s help and understanding.
Marky Mark
July 7, 2020 @ 10:03 am
Please do not take my post as a criticism of you or your work. It is clear to me that you have attempted to deal with this problem. I was saying it more for the other readers/posters as I feel that most of them must truly love this site and the value it brings at discovering music and protecting the heritage of country music but they may not realize that the constant political bickering is driving away people like me who truly come here for the music. Anyway, please keep up the good work. I’m gonna go listen to some Charlie Daniels now!
Trigger
July 7, 2020 @ 10:14 am
No worries at all Mark. Similar to you, I’m just using your comment to address everyone, and let readers know I share in their frustrations, and am doing what I can to mitigate the issue while still maintaining an open forum.
Big Tex
July 8, 2020 @ 5:49 am
NONSENSE, Trigger, at least with respect to my two most recent posts! They were HISTORICALLY ACCURATE posts in response to the ignorant and non-stop disparagement of the Confederacy! NO ONE would deem them “controversial,” except a left-wing idiot who has NO knowledge of history! Your pandering to those left-wing idiots is SHAMEFUL! You need to check with a neurosurgeon and see if it might be possible to obtain a spine transplant!
Billy J Tilmon Jr
January 27, 2021 @ 2:13 pm
This is all about the
Love of music and appreciation of a great musician. The political leaders here in the US fan the flames to much for it to die anytime soon. Just like CDB said “a politician wants a vote. I’ve always been been conservative but now I I’m losing faith in both parties. 🙁 I hope things get better soon. 🤞
Jack W
July 7, 2020 @ 12:23 pm
Chris Knight had an appreciation post about Charlie today. One song he mentioned was Cumberland Mountain #9, which was on Saddle Tramp and featured the late Tom Crain (Charlie’s long time guitar player) on lead vocal. That’s a great one. Another great one sung by Tom Crain was Franklin Limestone from Nightrider.
Georgia from Fire on the Mountain is one of my all time favorites. And that album is just bullet proof. A landmark album as far as I’m concerned.
Kevin Smith
July 7, 2020 @ 12:31 pm
Tom Crain was a GREAT melodic songwriter! He did Tennessee as well on High Lonesome. Glad I’m not the only one who appreciated his talents. He died way too young. Great lead player too.
Marky Mark
July 9, 2020 @ 7:01 pm
So which songs by CDB do you like?
Jack W
July 10, 2020 @ 6:14 am
Just about any song from the Fire on the Mountain, Nightrider and Saddle Tramp albums. Also, Uneasy Rider.
Tom
July 9, 2020 @ 11:50 am
Caballo Diablo. This song moves me in ways that can’t be explained. Every time I hear it I feel like I’m watching a movie.
I.M. Brute
July 7, 2020 @ 7:48 am
Personally, I thought “Uneasy Rider” was hilarious! I like “story” songs in country music.
Rusty W
July 7, 2020 @ 2:28 pm
I also loved Uneasy Rider, both the original and the “revisited” versions! I really can’t say which version was better.
RIP Charlie, you were a great musician, and an even better role model of a man.
Erikstein
July 7, 2020 @ 2:08 pm
Well said,Trig.I didn’t agree with CD’s political views,but I can separate that from the joy he shared through his music,& I feel sadness at his loss.I respect his accomplishments,& I will always have the fiddle he signed for me on my wall & in my heart.In these divisive time let’s all remember we are here to celebrate our love for REAL country music.Let us unite in our war against the real enemy,Bro- Country!
Red Cloud
July 7, 2020 @ 11:00 pm
Damn Good Cowboy, Cumberland Mountain Number Nine, Trudy, so many good tunes.
Rest in peace Charlie.
Big Tex
July 8, 2020 @ 4:04 pm
Thank you, Trigger!