Country music is a genre that has a wide variety of singers and songwriters, and everything in between. With so much new talent in the industry, it is hard to forget the people that have made the genre what it is today and paved the way for the industry. In all of our interviews with artists, one thing has remained consistent across the board, the influence that old-school artists have had on her respective music journeys.

The late Charlie Daniels is one of those artists who deserves recognition in both life and in death for his work as an influential singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist. Daniels is recognized for his contributions to Southern rock, country, and bluegrass music. His number-one song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” is one of the most iconic songs out there and is often covered by more modern-day country music artists, though no one can do it quite like the original.

Throughout his career, Daniels was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Since the 70s, he has written songs for iconic artists like Elvis Presley and played guitar, bass, fiddle, and banjo on recordings by artists like Bob Dylan and Ringo Starr. Of course, he is probably most recognized as the leader of his band, simply named the Charlie Daniels Band, where he fused together all of his influences to create a unique sound that newcomers often try to embody and imitate.

Most importantly, Daniels was an icon. He found a way to be unapologetically true to himself, while still resonating with fans for over forty years. We know his legacy will span another lifetime, as he will remain a fixture in the country music scene forever.

Our hearts go out to the Daniels family, and we are hopeful that he will continue to bring a broader audience to the genre through his unparalleled music and talent.

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