Tuesday, July 7, 2020

In Memoriam: Charlie Daniels

Rest In Peace, Charlie Daniels. You have been an inspiration to me, for a long time. I saw the Charlie Daniels Band play a free concert at the Minnesota State Fair back in 2003, and first saw him and his band play on an old Austin City Limits episode that was taped in 1981.  He and his band came out on stage decked out in cowboy hats, western dress shirts, and jeans, playing Gibson Les Paul electric guitars, and from that moment, something inside me said, that’s what I want to be. A cowboy who plays rock and roll music. His deep faith, and his writings on current events, and philosophy, also inspired me to become aware of my own patriotism and love for my country, and also, to look deeper into my spiritual life. 

His music blended a lot of styles and influences.  Rock and roll, blues, rhythm & blues, traditional country, bluegrass, gospel, a little bit of everything.  One of the pioneers of bringing American roots music back to the consciousness of the mainstream music industry.   A person who loved God, and loved his country, and fervently also supported the men and women of the United States military, you sir, are one of a kind and a true hero. God Bless You. You have joined the angel band and there is a part of heaven that is rocking and rolling tonight, as you join your band mates and friends, Taz DiGregorio and Tommy Crain, and friends the Caldwell brothers from the Marshall Tucker Band, the Allman Brothers, Gregg and Duane, and the members of other bands you played and toured alongside such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, who are no longer with us, Ronnie Van Zant, Steve and Cassie Gaines, Leon Wilkeson, Billy Powell, all of you made the genre of southern rock what is was and is. You have made it home. Rest In Peace. 



There are so many great Charlie Daniels Band songs, yours truly will have to do a Spotify Sunday or two to cover them all.  Here are a few of my favorites.

“Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye”


"Trudy"


"The Legend of Wooley Swamp"


“Simple Man”


“In America”


"Saddle Tramp"


“Long Haired Country Boy”


“The South’s Gonna Do It Again”


"The Devil Went Down To Georgia"


Once again, Rest In Peace Charlie Daniels.  You will be greatly missed.  You have returned home, and joined the angel band.

 

 

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