RIP, Charlie
It’s with a heavy heart that Southern Icon Charlie Daniels has died. He was 83.
Charlie was one of my all-time favorites. The very first time I heard “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” as a very young child I knew I was listening to something different; not the Reba McIntyre, Garth Brooks, Clint Black stuff that was normally on the radio. There was an energy, a presence behind the music he made. A soul. Caballo Diablo would be one that hit me later on, about the two wild spirits that couldn’t be broken, ultimately killing one another in the end.
Nothing could touch him live. I’ve often said Charlie was the best musician I’ve ever seen play, even in his older days. Just a couple of years ago I saw him play a 40 minute long duel with each of his instrumentalists in the middle of his set. I’ve seen a lot of great musicians, some you’d know and most you probably wouldn’t, but Charlie was the best of any genre.
As amazing as he was as a musician, Charlie never shied away from his moral code. This nation, under God, and its great people were always a cornerstone of his message, becoming even more outspoken in his older years. Being a Wilmington, NC native, he’s made us proud in the Old North State. And to the rest of the nation, his music is a national treasure. Charlie, you gave us all hope. Rest in peace, big man.
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A great loss.
RIP Mr Daniels.
(and thank you for keeping up the pressure til the end:
https://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/charlie-daniels/charlie-daniels-will-you-stand-tall-or-crawl)
I have a big lump in my throat. Charlie Daniels was posting everyday about patriotism, family, and god. He was a national treasure and his thoughts, ideas, and music will stay with me as his tribute. God make us all more like Charlie Daniels and give us the courage to face the hardships heaped upon us.
I have since the mid 70’s as a very young lad seen well over 700 concerts,never saw Daniels(Missed 1980 show on the Cape by a dogs hair) and was finally going to this summer till cancelled by the virus and all,dammit!
I remember when the song “In America” came out and always thought the stations should pick it up again given the times in this country,RIP charlie.
I am pissed at the Chinese. My daughter and I had tickets to see him May 2nd but the concert was canceled because of a weaponized virus from China.
God speed Charlie.
Agreed… a great loss, not only a fine musician, but a Great American!
Good bye to a true patriot. From his earliest exposure on the radio stations I listened to, Ballad of the Uneasy Rider, he clearly had talent and a great sense of humor. In my youth I mostly identified by his ‘Long Haired Country Boy,’ and as I aged his politics and mine both changed. We grew up, and saw the world for what it actually was. He has stayed outspoken about his beliefs and has not backed down. He is now Home and is spared from the follies that stretch out ahead of us.
I am honored to say I saw Charlie Daniels play in a very small bar in kalifornia in the late 80’s. The place couldn’t hold more than 50 folks. Everyone dancing crazy and the epic Devil in Georgia was played. Burned into my heart.
Happy Trails to Charlie.
Addendum: his hat looked like a mountain, not a 10 gallon hat, it was a effing swimming pool size.
I bet that was an amazing experience! Small venues are always my favorite. You really get to experience the music on a different level.
I’ve seen Shooter Jennings in a large venue and a small one- in the small place, I got to hang out with him just before the opening act took the stage. Ended up hanging out with him for a while, took a couple shots, and talked about some really cool stuff.
One of the greatest of long line of great southern musicians and one great living American to boot. You will be missed Charlie Daniels. Back home with the Father, you be alright!!
god bless Charlie Daniels
we were lucky to see him in Spokane last year.
We’ve lost a real Patriot. RIP CD. Thanks to NC Scout and the rest here at AP.
Amazing musician and person. So many great hits but two special ones to me are
“High Lonesome” and “Running with the crowd” off the”High Lonesome” album.
One of the best country fiddlers ever. My favorite “The South Is Gonna Do It Again”. Still remember hearing that great tune for the first time back in the spring of ’75 on WHAS 840AM out of Louisville. Been playing often & I’m sure you all know why! Let’s remember Charley for the great Southern Gentleman he was & always will be.
4.5