Country Legend Charlie Daniel's Dies From Stroke at 83

Charlie Daniels died at 83-years-old at the Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, due to a hemorrhagic stroke. A press release from his representatives confirmed the news of his passing, although Daniels will always be remembered – as a legend of Country music. 

A Country Legend

Daniels’ career began as early as the 1960s and 1970s, playing as a session musician in Nashville, later going on massive tours with his five-piece band in the early ‘70s, going as far as doing 250 shows a year all around the United States. 

1979 saw Daniels’ greatest hit - “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” - which told the tale of a young man named Johnny who challenged the devil to a fiddle-playing contest. The song hit No. 1 on country charts that year and No. 3 on the pop charts, alongside being voted single of the year by the Country Music Association. 

Daniels received plenty of awards for his career, including being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Musicians Hall of Fame, as well as becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The man also received a Dove Award for gospel albums and a Grammy Award for best country vocal performance. 

But Daniels wasn’t only doing music – he has supported US veterans since 2014 through his The Journey Home Project, aimed at helping veterans when they most need it without the burden of bureaucracy that agencies have. He also worked with the Jason Foundation – a Nashville-based nonprofit related to mental health and suicide. 

Daniels has performed in hundreds of places not only at home but abroad as well – at the White House, at the Super Bowl, all across Europe and quite often in the Middle East for troops. Despite his passing, Daniels left his mark on the world forever not only through his music, but also his actions in aid of those in need.