The music world is mourning the passing of Charlie Daniels, who died yesterday (Monday, July 6th) at the age of 83. Daniels died at a Nashville area hospital after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. According to his publicist, funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days. Daniels is survived by his wife, Hazel, and son, Charlie Daniels, Jr.
Daniels and his Charlie Daniels Band were most widely known for the chart-topping hit, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia.” He became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008, the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2009 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016.
The Hall of Fame induction was particularly meaningful to Daniels, who at the time told us he thought it was an unachievable dream. “The best way I know how to describe it is…This is a dream you don't even let yourself dream. You may dream it, but you never get to the point of thinking it's ever gonna come true, because it may not. And if it does, it may do it after you die and you not know anything about it. So you know that in advance and just go ahead with the rest of your life and just hope that it happens.”
An outpouring of love and memories came from artists within the country music world as soon as Daniels' death was announced. Here are just a portion of those tributes:
Jason Aldean: “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!”
Luke Bryan: “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.”
Tim McGraw: “Oh man, sad to hear about #CharlieDaniels passing…I grew up on his music… brilliant songs and smokin' records. And always, without fail, every time I had the pleasure of being around him, he was one of most genuine, kind and thoughtful folks I've ever run across. The word “legend” gets tossed around so easily these days, but not in this case… he was #BeyondLegendary . . .”
Carrie Underwood: “I’m sad for the world and for his family…but I’m smiling a little because the angel band in Heaven just got themselves one heck of a fiddle player…see you again, one day, sweet Charlie Daniels.”
Montgomery Gentry's Eddie Montgomery: “We just lost the greatest American hero I've ever known. He brought me and T-Roy to the game!!! I'm so proud that I got to call him a friend! My heart is truly broken. I'm so glad I got to talk to him last week. Rest easy, my brother.”
John Rich: “Daniels showed the rest of us what it means to be a great human being. He found redemption, then lived a life devoted to serving God, his family, and fellow countrymen. He was much more than his music. He was kind and strong and had a powerful soul that will be sorely missed here on earth, but no doubt has received eternal glory in Heaven. We will always love and miss him forever. God bless you, Mr. Charlie.”
Trisha Yearwood: “I grew up on the CDB, and I know I'm blessed to call Charlie and Hazel friends. Love and strength to this family. The world mourns with you. RIP Charlie. xoxo”
Keith Urban: “Getting to shred with @TheChrisLeDoux AND @CharlieDaniels on the same stage was one of the most magical nights ever. Go rest high Charlie – and blessings today to all of your family. With love and friendship always.”
Little Big Town: “Charlie – you were a true gentlemen and the absolute kindest of souls. Always giving on and off the stage. This is such a heartbreaking loss for all of us but mostly for his family and band. You all are in our hearts and prayers.”
Martina McBride: “Prayers for Hazel, Charlie’s family and his CBD road family. Charlie allowed John to film him doing an intro of me for my showcase for RCA Records back in 1991. He didn’t know me at all. He was just that generous and kind. One of a kind he was.”
Chris Janson: “I’ll never forget my last phone call with @CharlieDaniels. What a supreme Gentleman. What a great mentor, American, Christian, music man and fellow @Opry member. He was a great influence on me personally and professionally. RIP.”
Jake Owen: “Charlie Daniels was the nicest country artist I’ve ever had the chance to spend moments around. His music and talent speaks for itself, but boys and girls it’s the legacy you leave behind and your character. It doesn’t get better than Charlie Daniels. Rest In Peace Charlie.”
Luke Combs: “The country music flag is flying at half mast today. RIP Charlie Daniels.”
Travis Tritt: “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.”
Gretchen Wilson: “I never met a better man than @CharlieDaniels. He was so inspiring in so many ways. May he Rest In Peace along side his Creator and continue to inspire!”
Chris Young: “Absolutely gutted to hear the news of @CharlieDaniels passing this morning… what a life lived, and what an incredible human being. He will be sorely missed.”
Scotty McCreery: “Rest In Peace Charlie Daniels, my fellow North Carolinian. I was honored to receive NC’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from you backstage at the Opry in 2017. Thank you for your sharing your talent and your kindness with all of us.”
Runaway June's Natalie Stovall: “Charlie Daniels was the epitome of a Southern gentleman. He was kind, welcoming & so sweet. Playing “Devil” with him will forever be a highlight of my life. The Devil is Pissed as Hell with how loud the angels are rejoicing in Heaven. I’ll do my best to make you proud.”
Tracy Lawrence: “Heartbroken from the news of my friend @CharlieDaniels passing this morning. Heaven’s gate opened wide as that golden fiddle was laid in his hands. So much respect for Charlie. The musician, the songwriter but mostly, the man. You will be missed. God bless your life & legacy.”
Brantley Gilbert: “The world lost a true legend today…. Your boots won’t ever be filled, but your legacy will live on forever…. thank you.”
Dustin Lynch: “Blowing the speakers out today with this legends tunes. An honor to share many nights @opry with you CD and forever grateful. You will be missed!”
Trace Adkins: “Today I have a very heavy heart as I reflect on the legendary Charlie Daniels. It’s true that meeting your heroes is dangerous because more often than not, they disappoint you. Charlie was the exception. I absolutely cherished his friendship. I could write a book about the positive influence he had on my life, but today I’ll just say that I miss him already. Love you, Charlie.”
