John Anderson, country Hall of Famer known for 'Swingin,'' 'Straight Tequila Night,' dies
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Set us as preferred John Anderson, a country western star known for his traditional tunes and twangy voice, has died.A representative for Anderson confirmed to The Times that the storied singer-songwriter died in his sleep at his home in Smithville, Tenn., on Wednesday.
He was 71.“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend,” a statement from Anderson’s family read.
“To the world, he was a gifted country music singer whose voice and songs touched countless lives.To us, he was so much more.
He was the heart of our family, the one who made us laugh, loved us fiercely, and made every ordinary moment feel special.We are completely heartbroken.
His music will live on, but for us, his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave his family and the memories we will carry with us forever.Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve this unimaginable loss.”Born in Apopka, Fla., on Dec.
13, 1954, Anderson got his first guitar when he was 7 years old and played in garage bands as a teen.When he finished high school, Anderson packed his bags for Music City.
He gigged at Nashville nightclubs until he landed his first record contract with the support of music publisher Al Gallico; he signed with Warner Bros.Records in 1976.
Over his storied career, Anderson earned 20 top 10 country hits, including five No.1s.
Through the 1980s and ’90s, Anderson was a leader in the explosion of neotraditional country tunes, and honky-tonks were filled with couples two-stepping to hits including “Swingin’,” “Seminole Wind,” “Straight Tequila Night,” “Wild and Blue” and “Black Sheep.”In 1993, Anderson received the Academy of Country Music career achievement award.Introducing the award, Reba McEntire said Anderson was an...