He was only 62. After an extended battle against stomach cancer, singer-songwriter Eric Roberson passed away at his home.
Kristofferson was a helicopter pilot, Rhodes scholar and Oscar-winning actor who revolutionized country music through his narrative style lyrics that conveyed intelligence, humor, emotional eloquence spiritual longing and male vulnerability.
Toby Keith
Keith began playing music as soon as he could remember after being inspired by musicians who performed at his grandmother’s supper club. Later, after working in the oil industry for some time, Keith turned back to music by forming Easy Money band which played honky tonk circuit in Oklahoma and Texas before releasing its debut single Blue Moon which proved popular but wasn’t enough to secure them a record deal. Keith ventured further afield by busking in Nashville’s Music Row while giving demo tapes to recording companies with no success resulting in no recording contract being signed by 30th birthday or else would give up music completely! Keith promised himself that by 30 years old or else would either secure himself an agreement or quit music altogether!
In 1993, the Easy Money Band emerged on to the country music scene and began receiving regular airplay from country radio stations. Should Have Been a Cowboy was an instant classic that reached number one country music single status; its success led to Beer for My Horses being another successful hit song by Keith; this success led him to writing or co-writing most of his songs as well as multiple acting credits under his belt.
Keith became a country icon by the mid 2000s. He sold more than 25 million albums and scored multiple number one singles on country charts. Additionally, he received numerous awards from the Academy of Country Music as well as being honored with induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.
Keith often displayed his political leanings openly, often speaking out about things other country stars were afraid to say. His strong opinions and song lyrics led to some controversy; for instance, in 2002’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)”, its lyrics alluded that America would firmly take action against anyone who dared insult our nation; such lyrics were later criticised by Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines among many of Keith’s peers in country music.
Margo Smith
Margo Smith may not be well known to young country music fans, but her death marks another blow for the genre. A star of country charts in the 1970s and ’80s, she passed away Tuesday (Jan. 23rd) aged 84 according to Taste of Country.
Smith was known for both her singing career and as an accomplished yodeler; reportedly teaching and helping many singers hone their yodeling techniques including Taylor Ware.
She started playing piano at age six, honing her musical skills and writing songs during this period. By 12 she experienced a profound spiritual conversion experience which altered her outlook on life; after this she decided to focus her music toward Christian genres.
As a songwriter, Smith co-wrote multiple hits for Tanya Tucker and other artists during her early career. She recorded two country albums for Capitol Records during this timeframe as well. Although these releases proved successful, she eventually became tired of country music’s traditional sound and decided to alter her image in order to attract a younger audience by dressing more provocatively and discussing sexual matters more openly in interviews – ultimately leading her career down a new path: pop music.
In the 1990s, she made another change and returned to Christian country music, having first explored it during the early ’70s. She released several Christian albums as well as creating a children’s CD titled Jesus I Love You for children. Smith performed at Christian coffee houses, concerts and pro-life events while providing healing services.
At the core of it all lay her faith, which saw her through many struggles in the music industry. Those close to her recall her as being kind and loving towards everyone around her; music became an expression of that love for Him. On February 2, Harpeth Christian Church will host a memorial service honoring her life; donations can be made in lieu of flowers to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Music City Christian Fellowship in Franklin Tennessee.
Jo-El Sonnier
Grammy-award winner Jo-El Sonnier died at age 77 on January 13 following a heart attack following a performance in Llano, Texas on January 13. Sonnier was known for revitalizing country and Cajun music genres during the 1980s through songs such as Richard Thompson’s “Tear Stained Letter.”
Sonnier was born to French-speaking sharecroppers in Rayne, Louisiana and began playing the accordion at three. By 11, he had written his first song and recorded his first albums as a solo artist. Initially pursued a country career through Mercury Nashville records before transitioning back to independent Rounder Records for solo releases such as “No More One Time” and a cover version of Slim Harpo’s hit “Rainin’ In My Heart”. Ultimately his biggest hits as a solo artist came during his 1980s success with both singles becoming hits due to these releases!
Sonnier earned four Grammy nominations with his traditional recordings, but it was his 1988 album Come On Joe that catapulted him into mainstream success. The title track from Come On Joe reached number 10 on the country charts and established Sonnier as an established presence on the scene.
Sonnier was best known for his singing and recording career; however, he also found time to act in films, such as Peter Bogdanovich’s 1985 classic, “Mask.” For this performance in which he played the part of a musician trying to break through in Nashville, Sonnier received an Academy Award nomination.
Sonnier was an accomplished accordionist as well as being proficient in bass guitar, drums and acoustic guitar. He was highly sought-after session musician; having made appearances on recordings by artists such as Alan Jackson, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr. Sammy Kershaw and Leftover Salmon among many others.
Sonnier was also an author and deeply dedicated to his family, working alongside Bobbye to form the Heart of Texas Foundation which raises money to assist local families in need. They also work to educate children about autism and other special needs. Sonnier leaves behind his wife and two daughters as well as being widely missed in the country music community.
Mojo Nixon
Joe Diffie’s death sent shockwaves through country music last month, but Mojo Nixon, best known as the artist behind 1987 novelty hit “Elvis Is Everywhere,” was also taken last month at age 66 from heart disease. According to a statement released from his family, Nixon experienced cardiac distress while performing onboard Outlaw Country Cruise where he’d performed earlier that day and passed after having had “an extraordinary show, closing bar, taking no prisoners, doing exactly what he desired” as his signature way to go out in style before ultimately passing after closing bar for good – something his family said would end his time on earth as his legacy would never change!
Nixon was an outlier whose country music combined elements of rockabilly and punk. He described himself as an “unabashed outlaw cult hero.” Together with drummer Skid Roper, Nixon and Skid Roper formed the band known for the hit single “Elvis Is Everywhere”, which became a minor hit on Billboard charts and regularly featured on MTV.
As soon as the duo parted ways, he continued their artistic direction in solo albums of his own. He often created joke-laden, country-influenced tunes that indulged redneck stereotypes with mocking lyrics such as: “He’s like Richard Pryor’s stupid cousin if he were white” from 1990’s Otis). Additionally, he voiced Sheriff Lester T. Hobbes in Redneck Rampage video game as an enemy character.
Nixon collaborated with an array of artists such as Jello Biafra and Dave Alvin. Additionally, he hosted Sirius XM radio show Loon in the Afternoon. Dead Milkmen referenced Nixon in their 1988 single “Punk Rock Girl.”
No one could deny Nixon was one-of-a-kind; his spirit remains in musicians who push boundaries and strive for authenticity. Nixon leaves behind his wife Adaire McMillan; sons Rafe Cannonball and Ruben; sister Adair McCleary and granddaughter Adair McCleary as well as The Mojo Manifesto documentary which premiered at SXSW 2022, with a memorial concert scheduled in June in Austin.