R.I.P. Charlie Daniels

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Country rocker and fiddle player extraordinaire Charlie Daniels has died, age 83.

The Charlie Daniels Bands’ biggest hit was 1979’s The Devil Went Down To Georgia, but there was much more to his career than that one song.

Daniels, was born in North Carolina, but by the 1960s he was one of Nashville’s most in-demand session cats thanks to his prowess with the fiddle (and guitar and bass). Among his most notable work is the three Bob Dylan albums he contributed to (Nashville Skyline, Self Portrait and New Morning) along with Leonard Cohen, who he toured with in 1970.

Charlie Daniels put his own band together and started his own career in 1971. For me, the highlight of his band’s output was the 1974 album, Fire On The Mountain. In addition to the hits, Long Haired Country Boy and The South’s Gonna Do It, it featured the thrilling Caballo Diablo.

By the time the 70s wrapped up, everyone knew who Charlie Daniels was thanks to The Devil Went Down To Georgia. 

Daniels’ political views could be polarizing. In the 70s he backed Jimmy Carter, but he moved further to the right as the years went on. But no one could argue with his musical abilities. Just sit back, listen and enjoy.

Marty Duda

Marty Duda
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