Reports: Charlie Daniels has passed away

The Country Music world was stunned Monday on reports that fiddle great and icon of the genre Charlie Daniels had passed away in Tennessee.

Daniels’ cause of death was reported to be a stroke. He was 83.

He is best known for his 1979 hit, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”, but Charlie Daniels’ influence on the genre goes much deeper, and has been felt throughout.

In 2016, Daniels officially (and at long last) became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

He leaves behind Hazel, his wife of 56 years, their son Charlie Daniels, Jr., and millions of fans.

 

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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 business. He was always there for me when I needed him. I have so many great memories of touring, performing, writing and recording with Charlie, but my favorite memories are of simply talking with the man when it was just the two of us alone. Farewell dear friend until we meet again. Thank you for being such a friend, mentor and inspiration to me. I will always be grateful.

A post shared by Travis Tritt (@realtravistritt) on Jul 6, 2020 at 9:54am PDT