Charlie Daniels, R.I.P.

A few weeks ago, a legend in country music, a
true God and Country gentleman, and my very
favorite country music performer, Charlie Daniels,
took his fiddle and his clear, distinctive voice
up to heaven. Aged 83, Daniels had a hemorrhagic
stroke on July 6 from which he didn't recover.

Daniels, a member of the Country Music hall of Fame
as well as the Grand Ol' Opry in Nashville, Tennessee
was a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist who was
also a farmer, a proud southerner who represented the
best of the south, the music, and the culture of the
region. With the Charlie Daniels Band, they de-
lighted audiences all over the country, including in
nearby Waukesha, Wisconsin, having appeared at the
Waukesha County Fair (Your admiring Peasant wanted
so much to go, but I couldn't get out of a commitment
scheduled for that very evening; it would be the only
opportunity to see Charlie in concert). Of their many
hits, a particular favorite with their fans was
"The Devil Went Down To Georgia" (also a favorite
of mine). Whenever Daniels, a stalwart conservative,
was a guest on Sean Hannity's radio show he and
Sean would break into that very song to the delight of
your favorite Peasant and the fans of both men.

Charlie Daniels and his band toured for forty years,
spreading their Southern rock blended with classic
country storytelling everywhere they played. Daniels
was also a tireless advocate of servicemen and women,
as well as a fearlessly outspoken champion of the unborn
and many other conservative causes. He said that although
he was a longtime Democrat and a supporter of President
Jimmy Carter, Daniels left the Democrats when they began
their leftward march. Charlie Daniels loved his country,
and his country loved him back! Even people who weren't
country music fans, many of whom hardly ever listened
to it, became fans of Charlie Daniels, his band, and country
music itself.

Your saddened Peasant misses Charlie not only for his music
but for his patriotism, his faith, his storytelling, and good cheer.
What a contrast to so many performers around in the wake
of his passing who take for granted or put down our wonderful
country, even though the success they enjoy would have been
difficult, if not impossible, to achieve in many other countries.
And what toe-tapping music! I bet right now that ol' Charlie
has the angels line dancing to his songs and tunes.

Rest well, Charlie. Yours was a life well-lived. R.I.P.


MEM