Country music world hit by 20th death this year

It has been a heartbreaking year for country music, and this week the ever-growing list of performers and figures who have tragically died grew once more.

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The latest loss was William “Rusty” Golden.

The son of The Oak Ridge Boys legend William Lee Golden, Rusty followed in his father’s footsteps in country music before transitioning to gospel after having heart issues later in his life.

His death pushed the number of figures and performers who have died in 2024 to 20.

Below is a look at those that the country music world has lost:

Norah Lee Allen

It has been an emotional year for The Oak Ridge Boys, and things took a particularly heartbreaking turn on Easter.

According to Taste of Country, Norah Lee Allen, the wife of lead singer Duane Allen, died Sunday morning after battling an illness for “an extended period of time.” The site reported that she had been at Vanderbilt Hospital when she died.

Allen reportedly shared the news on social media Sunday.

“This morning, my wife of 54 years and 8 months took her last breath of air on planet Earth,” he wrote. “Norah Lee went to be with Jesus at 7:28 am, Easter morning. She had not been feeling well for some time. Her family all spent the night with her last night at Vanderbilt Hospital. We took time singing with and to her, telling her stories, and loving her every second that God let us share her here on this Earth.”

The Grand Ole Opry took time to remember Allen, too.

“During (Wednesday’s show), we paused to remember a beloved member of our Opry family we lost earlier this week, Norah Lee Allen,” a post on the Opry’s X page, formerly Twitter, read. “For decades, Norah Lee added her voice to Opry performances as one of our background vocalists, our Opry Singers.

“She was also a member of our family as the wife of Duane Allen of Opry group The Oak Ridge Boys,” the post continued. “She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her and all who knew her voice here at the Grand Ole Opry.”

Fran Boyd

Fran Boyd, a country music groundbreaker and champion of the genre, died earlier this month.

She was 84.

Billboard wrote that she died on March 9. The site said that Boyd “played a key role in shaping and advancing the (Academy of Country Music) from its early years in California in the late 1960s, through the start of the millennium.”

Boyd was reportedly the first paid employee of the ACM, coming onboard in 1968 as executive secretary. She worked her way all the way up to executive director. Per Billboard, she “oversaw nearly every aspect of the annual (ACM) awards” show.

She worked for the ACM for more than three decades before retiring in 2002.

The Academy of Country Music posted on X, formerly Twitter, regarding Boyd’s death.

You can see that post, here.

“Fran Boyd played an essential part in the Academy’s history, stretching way back to the 1960s and steering the ship through decades of change, innovation, and growth, all while fostering an incredible passion for country music,” Gayle Holcomb, ACM Board Sergeant-At-Arms told Billboard. “Fran will always be remembered as a champion for our industry, its artists, and this organization. On behalf of the ACM Officers and Board of Directors, I send our gratitude, prayers and condolences to the Boyd family.”

Don Cason

Singer, hit songwriter, producer and author Buzz Cason died in June.

He was 84. No cause of death was reported.

“Buzz Cason never concerned himself too much with musical boundaries,” Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young said. “He just lived and breathed music. As a singer, songwriter, producer, and publisher, he helped shape and expand the sound of Nashville in countless ways across seven decades.”

Cason’s career in music began in the 1960s when he helped found The Casuals, known as Nashville’s first rock band. He then pursued a solo career and went on to sing backup vocals for the likes of Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, John Denver and Roy Orbison, according to Taste of Country.

As a songwriter and producer he combined with the likes of Dolly Parton, the Oak Ridge Boys, Martina McBride, Mel Tillis and Jimmy Buffett. His biggest hit song, “Everlasting Love,” was co-written with Mac Gayden. Taste of Country said that song is one of the few to make the Billboard Hot 100 in four consecutive decades.

Larry Collins

Larry Collins, a former country music child star turned legendary guitarist and song writer, died on Jan. 5.

He was 79. Per reports, Collins died of natural causes.

He first made his splash in country music alongside his older sister, Lorrie, when they formed the “The Collins Kids” duo when Larry was just 9 years old. They recorded a series of hits — “Hop, Skip and Kump,” “Hoy Hoy,” and “Beetle Bug Bop” — with music catering to children. The became regulars on “Town Hall Party” in 1954 and they performed together into the 60s.

Per reports, Lorrie had her first child in 1961 and stepped away from music to focus on family. The duo did reunite years later in the 90s.

While Lorrie, who died in 2018, focused on building her family, Larry moved on to a solo career where he made, perhaps, his biggest mark as a songwriter. He is credited as the co-writer for “Delta Dawn,” which became Tanya Tucker’s first hit song among other songs.

Allison Cornell

Allison Cornell died in February.

She was a part of Shania Twain’s band for years.

“Allison Cornell was such a talented and wonderful person,” Twain wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “It was a privilege, as an artist, to have her on stage with me through a lot of my touring career. Feeling very sad. Allison’s memory will live on but sadly another beautiful human has gone too soon. Rest in Peace (heart emoji).”

A post on Cornell’s artist management page also addressed her death.

“It is with great sadness that we say farewell to Allison Shropshire Cornell,” the post began. “Rest in Peace. Heaven has opened up its gates to an incredible talent!”

Gene Elders

Gene Elders, a longtime fiddle player in Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait’s legendary Ace in the Hole Band, has died.

No cause of death has been reported.

It was the second heartbreaking death to rock Strait in a day’s time after his manager, Erv Woolsey, also passed away.

“Hard to believe we lost two of our music family members on the same day,” Strait posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Our Ace in the Hole treasured band member Gene Elders passed away yesterday afternoon shortly after we lost Erv. All of our prayers go out to both families. We loved him so much.”

Elders’ website said he played in Strait’s band since 1984. It said he also played in Lyle Lovett’s Large Band for 11 years, and also played on recordings for Joan Baez, Lucinda Williams and Dan Fogelberg.

Fans took to social media following the news to remember Elders.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to watch Gene Elders play that haunting fiddle outro on ‘Amarillo By Morning’ live several times,” one person wrote. “The arena goes dark except for a long spotlight on Gene, it sends chills every time. RIP Gene Elders.”

“Today was a devastating day for the Strait camp,” another person wrote. “Our hearts are hurting. Rest in Peace Gene Elders. Rest in Peace Erv Woolsey. We will miss you both.”

Tom Foote

George Strait revealed in may that a member of his operation had died for the third time this year.

The latest death was Tom Foote, a former drummer for Strait’s Ace in the Hole band and the singer’s longtime road manager.

The singer announced the death on Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter.

“We lost another one of our good friends and a huge part of our musical journey yesterday,” Strait wrote. “Tom Foote, our one-time drummer and long-time road manager for around 48 years, suddenly passed away at his home after our rehearsal. The band and I were with him most of the afternoon, and he was great. Just doing what he loved to do which was making sure we were taken care of. 2024 is taking its toll on the Ace in the Hole group. We’re all heartbroken to say the least. Rest in peace brother Tom. You will be hugely missed. I’ll see you down the road amigo.”

Foote was reportedly the drummer for a band that hired Strait to be its new singer back in 1975. That band eventually became the Ace in hte Hole Band. He reportedly stayed on as drummer through 1983 when he moved into his role as road manager.

“So sorry to hear this,” one person responded to Strait. “Prayers for peace and comfort!”

“My prayers for his family and yours,” another wrote.

“I’m so sorry about your (loss),” another wrote. “This year has really been a trying year for you and your group king George. My prayers are with you all. Hold on … keeping playing that true country music. Your long time fans love it. Prayers going up.”

And there were plenty more responses like that. You can see them here.

Foote’s death comes after Gene Elders, a longtime fiddle player in Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band, and Erv Woolsey, his manager, both died within a day of one another back in March.

Kinky Friedman

Kinky Friedman was a legend, and if you don’t believe it, just check the headlines.

Friedman, 79, died Thursday. He had reportedly been battling Parkinson’s disease for years.

He was a country music singer. He ran to be the governor of Texas. He wrote books. He wrote songs. He was a satirist. One story described him as a “rabble rouser.”

And his name … well, the guy was unique.

“Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends,” a post to his X, formerly Twitter account, said on Thursday. “Kinkster endured tremendous pain and unthinkable loss in recent years but he never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit. Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung.”

A close friend of Friedman’s, Kent Perkins, told The Associated Press that he “died peacefully.”

“He smoked a cigar, went to bed and never woke up,” he said.

Perkins called Friedman “the last free person on earth.”

“He had an irreverence about him,” he said. “He was a fearless writer.”

As a performer he toured with the likes of Bob Dylan.

He put out 18 albums, the first coming in 1973 and the last dropping in 2018.

William “Rusty” Golden

William “Rusty” Golden, the son of legendary Oak Ridge Boys performer William Lee Golden, died on July 1.

He was 65.

He died at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, according to a press release shared by the band.

“This is the hardest thing ever for a father to have to face,” William Lee Golden said in the release. “I love my family more than anything. Rusty was a great musician, a talented songwriter, and a wonderful son. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for the days ahead. I love you, son.”

Rusty Golden followed in his father’s footsteps as a musician, singer and songwriter. He even earned an RIAA Gold record as a songwriter on The Oak Ridge Boys’ Bobbie Sue album.

He moved into gospel music later in life after undergoing a quadruple bypass.

William Lee Golden also posted on his X account, formerly Twitter, about his son’s death.

“We thank you all for your love and support of Rusty over the years and kindly ask for privacy for our family during this difficult time,” he wrote.

You can read more about his life and accolades here.

Wayland Holyfield

Wayland Holyfield might not be a name that most country music fans know, but that probably should not be the case.

Because the guy was an icon.

Holyfield died on Monday, according to multiple reports. He was 82.

So, what made Holyfield so iconic in the country music world?

Well, the guy was one of the greatest songwriters the genre has ever seen. Holyfield helped write 14 No. 1 hits and had more than 40 songs reach the Top 10 during his time, according to Taste of Country.

The site said Holyfield wrote songs for some of country music’s most legendary performers including George Strait, George Jones, the Judds, Brooks & Dunn, Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Waylon Jennings, Conway Twitty “and many more.”

“Wayland Holyfield — who died May 6 — wrote sons of unflagging devotion, including the Don Williams hit “You’re My Best Friend” and Anne Murray’s “Could I Have this Dance,” the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Holyfield was devoted to his wife, to the craft of songwriting, and to advocating for the rights of his peers.”

Mark James

Mark James, a legendary songwriter and hitmaker, died on June 8.

He was 83.

James, who was a Houston native, died on June 8 at his home in Nashville.

James won a pair of Grammys in 1983 for his “Always on My Mind,” which was performed by Willie Nelson. He also wrote the hits, “Hooked on a Feeling,” and “Suspicious Minds.” He is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“Mark’s legacy and zest for life will live on in the hearts of those who loved him; and through his timeless lyrics and melodies that have been the soundtrack of lovers for generations,” his family said according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Along with being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he was also named by BMI as one of the Songwriters of the Century for 2000. He is also a member of the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame, the New York Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, according to the Hollywood Observer.

Along with Nelson, James wrote hits for the likes of Elvis Presley, B.J. Thomas and Brenda Lee.

Toby Keith

Toby Keith died on Feb. 5 following a battle with stomach cancer.

He was 62.

It was tragic news, especially, for a man who battled so bravely such a horrible disease, but if there’s any solace to be found for his fans, it could be in some of his final words. Because, in his final days, Keith sat down with News 9 in Oklahoma to talk about his journey.

He was noticeably thinner as he talked about battling cancer, gave his thoughts on dying and, yes, even talked about death.

He called cancer a “long dark hallway,” but he also approached the subject in a way that only a man at complete peace could. And that is something he pinned on faith.

“You take it for granted on the days that things are good, and you lean on it when days are bad,” he said. “It has taught me to lean on it a little more every day.”

And that is when Keith talked about thinking about, at times, the possibility that he might die.

“I was going through all the chemo, radiation, surgery, and I got to the point where I was comfortable with whatever happened,” he said. “I had my brain wrapped around it, and I was in a good spot either way.”

That, he said, was a point that people with faith are not able to so easily get to.

So, if there is any comfort in news like this, perhaps it is that Keith had faith. And, mentally, he was prepared and comforted by his faith.

Mojo Nixon

The headline in Rolling Stone called Mojo Nixon an “unabashed outlaw cult hero,” and if you dig into the story you quickly find out that’s just about a perfect way to sum the guy up.

Nixon was one heckuva interesting guy.

He died on Feb. 7 at the age of 66, and even how he went was out of the ordinary. He was a host aboard the Outlaw Country Cruise and his family said he suffered a “cardiac event,” that took his life.

“How you should live is how you should die,” the family told Rolling Stone. “Mojo Nixon was full-tilt, wide-open rock hard, root hog, corner on two wheels + on fire. Passing after a blazing show, a raging night, closing the bar, taking no prisoners + a good breakfast with bandmates and friends.

“A cardiac event on the Outlaw Country Cruise is about right… & that’s just how he did it, Mojo has left the building,” they added. “Since Elvis is everywhere, we know he was waiting for him in the alley out back. Heaven help us all.”

Rolling Stone wrote that Nixon “enjoyed a supremely weird yet singular career.”

His big break came in 1987 with his hit novelty song “Elvis is Everywhere,” that became a regular on MTV.

He put out six albums alongside Skid Roper, and five more solo projects. He also served as a DJ for SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country for years, too.

Joe Scaife

Legendary country music hitmaker Joe Scaife died in June, according to The Tennessean.

He was 68. No cause of death was given.

According to Taste of Country, Scaife produced such hits as “Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson, and Billy Ray Cyrus’ mega-hit, “Achy Breaky Heart.” The site said he also helped K.T. Oslin, Montgomery Gentry, Shania Twain and Toby Keith, among others, deliver hits.

The Tennessean said he helped deliver records that sold more than 80 million copies.

“You were the coolest hang there ever was,” his daughter, Jaela Scaife Harris, wrote on Facebook. “Anyone who knows me know that there is no one in the world I love more than Joe Scaife. Words will never do him justice. He was the absolute coolest, most down to earth, incredible dad I could have ever asked for. I don’t know how I am going to make it without him, but I know he is going wide open on his boat in heaven. I love you so much daddy and I can’t wait to see you again. Happy first Father’s Day in Heaven.”

You can see her post here.

In a separate post she thanked everyone “who has helped us through this difficult time.”

“There will be a celebration of life at a later date on Music Row,” she added.

Margo Smith

Margo Smith might not be a name that most young country music fans know, but if you Google her you will see “legend” right there next to her name.

Sadly, the headlines will also mention that she has died at the age of 84. According to multiple reports, Smith actually passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 23. A cause of death has not been reported.

Smith was reportedly a kindergarten teacher in Ohio for around a decade before her career took off.

Known as “The Tennessee Yodeler,” she then churned out 18 studio albums between 1971 and 2005.

Smith was named ASACP Country Artist of the Year in 1979 and won the CCMA Living Legend Award in 2001.

The Academy of Country Music tweeted Monday about her death.

“Please join the Academy in mourning the passing of Country star Margo Smith,” it said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. “Nominated for ACM Most Promising Female Vocalist in 1976, she had two #1 hits in the 1970s: “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You” and “It Only Hurts for a Little While.” Boasting a show-stopping talent for yodeling, she was known as “The Tennessee Yodeler.” We send our love and healing to her family, friends and fans.”

Jo-El Sonnier

Jo-El Sonnier might not be a name that most fans of modern country music would know well but read up and it doesn’t take long to realize the guy was a legend.

Check out the videos of performances and it becomes obvious, too, that seeing him perform in person was a high-energy affair.

He put his heart and soul into a show, and apparently, he did that right up until the end. Sonnier died back on Jan. 13, and now new details are being reported and it turns out he actually died after a performance.

Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Executive Director Mike Shepard told WWL Radio New Orleans that the 77-year-old Sonnier “died doing what he loved.”

“Jo-EL’s death on stage after a successful encore is actually the only way a musician should go out,” he said.

The station reported that Sonnier, a singer/songwriter who played the accordion, had a long list of accolades that included a Grammy in 2015 and an ACM Male Vocalist of the Year nomination. He was reportedly inducted into seven different Music Hall of Fames and worked as a studio musician for a long list of stars including Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash.

“He loved the idea of being honored for his music,” Shepard told WWL, “being honored for what he loved to do, pure as his heart.”

Roni Stoneman

Country music legend Roni Stoneman died on Feb. 22.

She was 85. No cause of death was given.

While her name may not be familiar to modern-day country music fans, Stoneman was known as the “first lady of the banjo,” and was a popular performer on the hit TV show, “Hee Haw.”

Stoneman was a native of Washington, D.C.

She was the daughter of Ernest “Pop” Stoneman, who was reportedly one of the first performers to make a career of recording country music.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and CEO Kyle Young said country music was “a birthright and her life’s work.”

“The second youngest of 23 children born to Hattie and Ernest ‘Pop” stoneman, Roni was an integral part of a bedrock country music family, who were longtime fixtures in the country music scene of Washington D.C.” Young said. “For 18 years on ‘Hee Haw,’ she stole scenes as both a skillful banjo player and as a comical, gap-toothed country character. She was a great talent and a strong woman.”

Banjo News said Stoneman said she glued picks to her fingers so she could play the banjo faster.

Jeremy Tepper

Jeremy Tepper, a legend in the country music world, has died on June 14.

He was 60.

Tepper reportedly suffered a heart attack. Variety reported that his wife, singer Laura Cantrell, announced that he died on social media.

Tepper occupied multiple roles across his years, working as a musician, journalist, executive and finally the program director of SiriusXM’s “Outlaw Country,” according to Variety.

“Jeremy Tepper, a beloved member of SiriusXM, profoundly influenced us with his unwavering dedication to music and innovative spirit,” SiriusXM said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. “His contributions, in shaping Outlaw Country and Willie’s Roadhouse, are beyond measure. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this time.”

Stevie Van Zandt also posted on X following Tepper’s death.

“Lost my good friend Jeremy Tepper last night,” he wrote. “An incredibly tragic loss so young. He ran my Outlaw Country station on SiriusXM brilliantly. It is actually quite a complicated format and he made it look easy. Our deepest condolences to Laura and his family and friends.”

Variety referred to Tepper as a “music lifer.” According to the site, that trek began when he was the frontman for the band World Famous Blue Jays and then co-founded the record label, Diesel Only, in 1990. He also served as the country music critic for Pulse! Magazine and was the editor of the Journal of Country Music, per Variety.

The site said he had been the format manager for SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel since 2004. It noted that he also worked with the “Willie’s Roadhouse” and “Road Dog Trucking” channels.

Erv Woolsey

Legendary country music figure Eugene Ervine “Erv” Woolsey has died.

He was 80.

Woolsey reportedly died Wednesday from complications following surgery, according to multiple reports.

While Woolsey may not be known to country music fans as an artist, he was one of the genre’s most influential managers. Most notably, he was the long-time manager of Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait, as well as stars Lee Ann Womack, Dierks Bentley, Ronnie Milsap and Clay Walker.

Strait posted about Woolsey on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday.

“My manager for around 45 years and most importantly my friend for even longer, Erv Woolsey, passed away this morning,” he wrote. “He had complications from surgery and just couldn’t overcome it. He was a very tough man, and fought hard, but sadly it was just too much. We will miss him so very much and will never forget all the time we had together. Won’t ever be the same without him.”

According to a Billboard report, Woolsey worked for several labels before moving to Nashville in 1973 and become the head of promotions for ABC Records. The site said that Woolsey helped guide the careers of several top artists there, but it was during his time as the owner of The Prairie Rose, a club in Texas, that he first met Strait and began to book him for regular shows at there.

Billboard said Woolsey worked for MCA in the 1980s and helped artists such as Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty and the Oak Ridge Boys find radio success. And, then in 1981, he reportedly got MCA records to sign Strait.

He wasn’t just a manager, though.

Per Billboard, Woolsey did write “I Too Deep” for Strait and also had a hot country chart topper that he wrote, “I Can Still Make Cheyenne.”

Arch Yancey

Arch Yancey, a Country Radio Hall of Famer, died in March.

He was 88. No cause of death was reported.

Country Air Check reported that Yancey died on Monday.

The site said that Yancey got his first break way back in 1955 when he beat out Johnny Cash for a job at WBIP in Boonesville, Mississippi. The site reported that just three years later, Yancey was at Top 40 KNUZ-AM in Houston.

He reportedly spent 31 years on the air before retiring in 1989.

Country Air Check reported that, among his awards, he won Gavin Country Personality of the Year in 1971 and was ACM Personality of the Year in 1982.

It said he was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2006.

“It was one big blur of good times,” Yancey said back in 2005 of his career. “It was pretty wild.”