“Whiskey River” Country Legend Johnny Bush Has Passed Away
The writer of “Whiskey River,” and a legend among legends in Texas music and beyond, Johnny Bush passed away Friday, October 16th at the age of 85.
“Texas Country Music Hall of Famer, Country Music legend, nicknamed the Country Caruso, a friend to everyone in the music business, a friend to all of his fans, Johnny Bush passed away this afternoon surrounded by his family and some of his closest friends,” an official announcement from his family reads. “Please keep the Bush family in your heart and prayers. A jewel of a man we have lost.”
Johnny Bush was a man that stood right on the edge of country music stardom for so many years, and rubbed elbows with so many of its most recognizable stars, serving in the “Cherokee Cowboys” band for Ray Price right beside Willie Nelson, then later serving in Willie Nelson’s backing band “The Record Men” when Willie was still an up-and-comer. Bush was right there forging the history of country music throughout the 60’s and well into the 80’s, often writing it himself in iconic songs.
The Texas native should have been a superstar himself, and a top name of the Outlaw era in country music. But right as his career as a solo performer started to take off, he began to lose his voice, so much so he could barely talk, let alone sing. At the time he blamed it on God punishing him for sinning, but his troubles were due to a neurological disorder called spasmodic dysphonia. Bush was dropped from his label in 1974 since he was unable to record or perform, and his career spiraled into obscurity.
But this wasn’t before penning the song that soon Willie Nelson would use to lead off nearly every single one of his performances starting in the 70’s. First released by Bush in 1972, Willie recorded his own version of “Whiskey River” in 1973. Though never a big hit on the charts (it peaked at #14 for Bush), it nonetheless became one of Willie’s signatures, and helped keep Johnny Bush afloat through his health issues.
Bush labored to regain his singing voice, and after working with vocal coaches for many years, had recovered most of it by the mid 80’s, and enjoyed a resurgence in his career down in Texas, becoming a living legend, regularly playing gigs in local honky tonks, as well as being a mainstay on Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic rosters.
Born John Bush Shinn III on February 17, 1935 in Houston, he grew up on the sounds of Western Swing, influenced greatly by his uncle who was a DJ. In 1952 he moved to San Antonio and began his career as a performer, but also worked as a drummer for numerous bands. Joining Ray Price’s band in 1963 is what helped established Bush in the industry, and opened doors for his solo career.
Johnny Bush is one of the reasons Texas country came to prominence, and is considered one of its founding fathers. His death marks the end of an era in Texas Country, but one whose legacy and memory will not be lost anytime soon.
King Honky Of Crackershire
October 16, 2020 @ 3:42 pm
One of the all time greats. Should’ve been bigger than he was, but he took the high road and kept it C(c)ountry.
Brandon E
October 16, 2020 @ 5:11 pm
Can you explain the “C(c)ountry” term? Goes right over my head every time
King Honky Of Crackershire
October 16, 2020 @ 5:35 pm
Country music is no longer country.
Instead of adding “classic”, “traditional”, or “real” as qualifiers, I simply add a c to Country to to clarify that I’m referring to music that is both Country(genre) and country(descriptor meaning authentically rural in nature).
Kevin Smith
October 17, 2020 @ 6:27 am
I caught Johnny Bush and The Bandeleros in Quhi Texas about 3 years ago. He blew my mind. Twin fiddles (Bush is a fiddler) pedal steel, and telecaster twang. Textbook Honky Tonk band. They played Bob Wills western swing, as well as classic honky tonk songs like There Stands The Glass, Green Snakes on the Ceiling, I’ll be There, You Gave Me a Mountain, Right Or Wrong, and a whole lot more. Whiskey River was the closer and he told us all the story how it was written. He showed it to Willie and mentioned it only had one verse and said perhaps they should write another. Willie said no way, the song is perfect as it is. The rest was history. Bush said Willie’s recorded it something like a dozen times and the royalty checks continued to be substantial!
He then sang another verse thanking Willie and as I recall part of the words went “thank you Willie for playing Whiskey River, its the only thing keeping me alive.” Standing ovation. One of the coolest Country Music experiences I ever had.
Sharon Hale
October 22, 2020 @ 8:32 pm
I think that comment went something like, “Willie, please don’t stop singing Whiskey River, it’s the only thing that’s keeping me alive. WILLIE, PLEASE, don’t stop singing Whiskey River! I need those checks I get from BMI.”
Almost Out of Gas
October 16, 2020 @ 3:55 pm
He’s a legend for me and many of my country music friends over here in Sweden. Johnny Bush was also very close friends with a musician friend over here and helped him produce a couple of his albums recorded at Bush’s studio in Texas. Needles to say he had a great following in Sweden. We listen to him often. This is very sad news. Green Snakes on the Ceiling is one of my favorite Johnny Bush songs. His extraordinary singing style is copied by many other singers. I hear it all the time. What an influence he was. So sad!
hoptowntiger94
October 16, 2020 @ 3:59 pm
Bush was still great in concert. We threw us a pick – one side is name, the other his hit songs – when we last saw him at a Willie Nelson 4th July Picnic. Feeling guilty we didn’t make a better effort to see him in concert again.
Ken
October 16, 2020 @ 5:54 pm
One of country music’s truly great voices. Though not a prolific hitmaker Johnny’s recordings were always top notch. His 1969 hit version of “You Gave Me A Mountain” is a terrific performance.
Johnny’s song “Whiskey River” did become a big hit for Willie Nelson in early 1979 when his Columbia single peaked at #12. That rare hit single version was not issued on an LP at that time. It has surfaced on just one Willie compilation CD so far. Willie gave the song a much different arrangement than Johnny’s 1972 RCA recording to the extent that you could hardly tell it was the same song. Both are great versions although I’m a bit partial to Johnny’s more traditional arrangement.
hoptpwntiger94
October 17, 2020 @ 5:53 am
There’s a few different versions of Willie’s “Whiskey River.” Even the one recorded for Shotgun Willie was different that version he has used for decades to open his shows (https://youtu.be/Yhbe3ueCLPw) . But, I agree that the most renown version of Willie’s is like a different song when comparing it to Bush’s.
Murtry
October 17, 2020 @ 10:50 pm
Hang on. Willie’s 1978 album “Willie and Family Live” was the next Willie version of “Whiskey River” after the first “Shotgun Willie” recording. The Live version was put out as a single (mine says 1978 on the 45, though I’m sure it charted into 1979). I’ve seen no evidence of another rare non-album single version. Are you sure about this one?
Ken
October 18, 2020 @ 6:27 am
The Whiskey River single was an edited version from that Willie live LP. So far I’ve only found the edited single version [2:43] on the Willie Nelson volume of the Time/Life Legendary Country Singers series. Every other Willie compilation so far has a longer version.
Jimbo
October 18, 2020 @ 4:45 pm
I danced to and enjoyed your music at too many dance halls here in Texas to mention…RIP old friend!
Chris
October 16, 2020 @ 6:10 pm
Johnny Bush had a remarkable voice.
I didn’t know that he lost it at some point and then recovered it.
No pun intended, but he was quite an unsung talent.
Glad he lived a long life.
I’ll miss him.
Sang for a great label, too.
Michelle
October 17, 2020 @ 1:48 am
This makes me sad. It seems like all my musical heroes are saying goodbye. I wasn’t yet in my teens when I first heard “Undo The Right” on the radio and I’ve loved that song ever since.
Daniele
October 17, 2020 @ 3:33 am
Sad news, apart from some very good releases can we all agree this f****ng 2020 really sucks?
Harpo
October 17, 2020 @ 3:40 am
Gonna miss you Johnny.
DJ
October 17, 2020 @ 6:24 am
Mid 80’s- I wonder if Kris and Willie are looking over their shoulder- Time Marches On- the Trigger eulogy made me think of “I often wondered why Clayton who seemed so good to me, never took his guitar and made it down in Tenn o see”
Go rest high on that mountain, my man!
Ben D.
October 17, 2020 @ 9:16 am
I once stood within 2 feet of Mr. Bush at a Tommy Alverson Family Gathering. He stopped to say “Howdy” to the Gentleman I was sharing a joint with as he exited the stage. High travels Mr. Bush. High & Blessed travels Sir.
Monique Lavalette
October 17, 2020 @ 10:45 am
Johnny Bush also appeared on Steve Earle’s album ‘So You Wanna Be An Outlaw’ in the song ‘Walkin’ In L.A.’
Thanks for the music and Rest In Peace Johnny Bush.
mary hayden
October 17, 2020 @ 5:49 pm
so sad – we are loosing so many. True story, my late brother-in-law auditioned for both Johnny Bush and Charley Pride. He got offers from both and chose Charley. Shortly afterward, we heard about Johnny’s voice. Preston played base guitar for Charley from almost his beginning to the day Charley retired. Charley came to Preston’s memorial and sang Amazing Grace.
TXMUSICJIM
October 18, 2020 @ 2:39 am
The Country Caruso As he was called by many because of his powerful vocals. Was the prototype of what a country singer should be. He was a great musician, songwriter and singer and a very good man. He could bring in the crowds in Texas until the very end. I simply don’t believe there was a better country singer in his prime than Johnny Bush. RIP MAESTRO!!!
Sharon Hale
October 27, 2020 @ 3:48 pm
I’ve been friends with and known John personally for the past 8-9 years. Suffice to say that much overwhelming stress, pressure and manipulation would have killed a bull elephant!!!
Sharon Hale
October 27, 2020 @ 4:30 pm
Have known, been a personal friend of John‘s the past 7-8 years. I was instantly hooked the first time I heard that unique, one-of-a-kind voice, unlike any I’d ever heard. Then to get to meet him and find out he’s equally as unique, memorable and unforgettable a person as any who’ve ever crossed my path.
Kevan James
October 28, 2020 @ 9:16 am
Johnny was top of my list of must-see artists. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Texas a number of times (from the UK) but my schedule never crossed with Johnny’s. I’m sad I never got to see him play live but at least can cherish the memory of meeting and chatting with him in Austin on one occasion.