Country and southern rocker Charlie Daniels has died at the age of 83.
Daniels’ death was confirmed by his publicist. Multiple news outlets are reporting the cause of death as a hemorrhagic stroke.
“Few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than Charlie Daniels,” read a statement from the musician’s representatives. “An outspoken patriot, beloved mentor and a true road warrior, Daniels parlayed his passion for music into a multi-platinum career and a platform to support the military, underprivileged children and others in need.”
Born in 1936, Daniels was raised on a steady diet of bluegrass and gospel music. The musician played various instruments throughout his youth, including guitar, fiddle and banjo.
Daniels’ professional breakthrough was 1964’s “It Hurts Me,” a song he co-wrote with producer Bob Johnson and which became a hit for Elvis Presley. From there, Daniels spent many years working as a session musician in Nashville, contributing to works by Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and the Marshall Tucker Band, among others.
Daniels released his self-titled debut solo album in 1970, forming the Charlie Daniels Band two years later. The novelty song “Uneasy Rider” became the group’s first hit, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973.
Still, the biggest song of Daniels’ career was 1979’s “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” The track became a massive mainstream success, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming Daniels’ signature tune. It also scored the musician the only Grammy of his career, earning Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
In total, Daniels released 32 studio albums across five decades, along with several live albums, compilation releases and Christmas LPs. In 2016, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
