Country Artists We’ve Lost in 2012

Country Artists We’ve Lost in 2012

(Earl Scruggs)
As one-half of legendary bluegrass duo Flatt and Scruggs, Earl Scruggs brought the music Bill Monroe popularized to the next generation. The legend invented a three-finger picking style that replaced the traditional claw hammer style most banjo players used. His best known songs are ‘Foggy Mountain Breakdown’ and ‘The Ballad of Jed Clampett,’ but perhaps his greatest contribution is how he spread the bluegrass gospel wherever he went. He was comfortable at the Grand Ole Opry, or playing with legends like Bob Dylan or Elton John. Earl Scruggs died in March at the age of 88.

(Billy Strange)
Billy Strange can be heard on great records from Elvis Presley to Willie Nelson and Roy Rogers. He also was instrumental in the careers of Nancy and Frank Sinatra, having started a publishing company for the performers and helping to cut famous tracks like ‘These Boots Are Made for Walking’ and ‘Something Stupid.’ Additionally, Strange had a role in the 1980 Loretta Lynn biopic ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter.’ The multi-talented artist died in February at the age of 81.

(Danny Morrison)
Songwriter Danny Morrison died in February after a heart attack sent the 67-year-old to the hospital. His resume of hits is lengthy, including ‘Blaze of Glory’ by Kenny Rogers and ‘Is it Cold in Here’ by Joe Diffie. Additionally, he wrote cuts for Alabama, Lee Greenwood, George Jones, Reba McEntire and Johnny Paycheck. “Danny was a very unique and creative individual,” his friend Tom Long tells Music Row. “He had an inspiring wit, a huge heart, and a love for music and especially songwriters. He carved his own notch in Music Row history.” Morrison is survived by his wife, Sherri West.

(Cois 'Pee Wee' Moultrie)
One of few remaining survivors from Hank Williams‘ playing days died on Jan. 15, 2012. Cois ‘Pee Wee’ Moultrie partnered with Williams when the two were just teenagers. Recently, their recordings of ‘Fan It’ and ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’ were uncovered for the ‘Hank Williams: The Legend Begins’ box set. Moultrie only played with Williams for a few years, but even after a stint in the Army he continued to keep playing music recreationally. “He always had a gig on Friday and Saturday nights,” Patti Bayless, his youngest daughter, told the Destin Log. “It was fun even though at the time I was in college and liked rock ‘n’ roll.” Moultrie is survived by his wife, two daughters, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was 89-years-old at the time of his death.

(Charlie Collins)
Longtime Roy Acuff band member Charlie Collins died on Jan. 12, 2012, days after suffering a massive stroke. The 78-year-old was playing music up to his final days. The night prior to his stroke, Collins took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry, much like he’d done regularly for 45 years. He played with Acuff from 1966 to 1992 and also performed with Opry acts like Brother Oswald and the Square Dance Band. The Caryville, Tenn. native got his start on stage after joining the Pinnacle Mountain boys following a stint in the Army. His nickname in those days was ‘Peanut the Fiddler.’ “Music and the Opry, that was his life,” his friend and musical collaborator Mike Webb said. “I’m so grateful that he was able to work, right up until the end.”

(Taste of Country: By Billy Dukes)