Charlie Daniels, country music legend, dies at 83

By Saige Miller on July 6, 2020
Charlie Daniels
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 14: Charlie Daniels performs at the 34th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Concert and Show at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on October 14, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

By: Saige Miller

Southern country rock star Charlie Daniels died Monday at the age of 83 after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. Daniels was admitted to the Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, where he was pronounced dead July 6.

Daniels was most known for his hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” The multidimensional track showcased Daniels’ instrumental talent. His twangy voice accompanied by the intense fiddle made the song a smash.

The use of his most prominent instrument, the fiddle, paved Daniels’ path to creating a whole new genre of Southern rock music.

The musical genius landed himself into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Musicians Hall of Fame. He was also a Grand Ole Opry member.

Fans and supporters described Daniels as an “outspoken patriot, beloved mentor, and a true road warrior,” who used his music to show support for the military, underprivileged children, and others in need. In 2014, Daniels co-founded The Journey Home Project, a non-profit organization that connects veterans to health care, education and career resources.

Not only did Daniels dedicate himself to important causes, but he also influenced some of the biggest names in music history. He played alongside Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Ringo Starr.

His latest musical endeavor was in collaboration with the Beau Weevils on an album that added a contemporary twist to Daniels’ retro Southern rock. Just last month, Daniels performed a “quarantined edition” song off the album titled “Geechi Geechi Ya Ya Blues.

Before his death, Daniels planned on releasing a new single “This Ain’t No Rag, It’s a Flag.”

However, the lyrics, “This ain’t no rag it’s a flag, and we don’t wear it on our head,” concerned concert organizers. The song has yet to be released.

Since his music career began in the 70s, Daniels has created 32 full albums.

Around the site