dual personalities

Well, that long-haired country boy Charlie Daniels (1936-2020) died yesterday.

Before becoming a superstar on his own, Charlie worked as a Nashville session musician, including playing guitar and electric bass on three Bob Dylan albums during 1969 and 1970.

I bet you didn’t know that.

Skilled on guitar, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin, Daniels was also known for his song-writing over his long career and was honored as a BMI Icon at the 53rd annual BMI Country Awards. Throughout his career, his songwriting garnered 6 BMI Country Awards. He also made a musical guest appearance in the Veggietales episode “Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Samson’s Hairbrush,” writing, producing, and performing the Minnesota Cuke theme song.

As Marty Stuart said on Instagram yesterday, “Charlie Daniels will forever be remembered as a true American folk hero. The joy he brought to our lives is inestimable. I admired Charlie for not only standing up for what he believed in but living it out on a day to day basis. We’ve lost a true statesman. Connie and I send our love and prayers to Hazel, the family and Charlie’s extended musical family.”

This 1970s classic says it all.

So a toast to Charlie Daniels. Into paradise may the angels lead thee; and at thy coming may the martyrs receive thee, and bring thee into the holy city Jerusalem.