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Vern Gosdin Dies at 74

Vern Gosdin, whose country hits included the chart-topping 'Set 'em Up Joe,' 'I Can Tell By the Way You Dance (You're Gonna Love Me Tonight)' and 'I'm Still Crazy,' died at a Nashville hospital early Wednesday morning. He was 74.

According to Nashville's Tennessean newspaper, Gosdin's administrative assistant Dawn Hall said the singer suffered "a pretty bad stroke" about three weeks ago. He died peacefully in his sleep.

Born in Woodland, Ala., on August 5, 1934, Gosdin was one of country music's most hardcore traditional singers, although his musical career encompassed a variety of genres. A one-time bandmate of The Byrds' Chris Hillman, he also performed with his brother Rex in the California-based band The Golden State Boys, and later as The Gosdin Brothers.

Gosdin charted consistently throughout the 1980s, with hits such as 'If You're Gonna Do Me Wrong (Do It Right),' 'That Just About Does It' and 'This Ain't My First Rodeo.' In 1989, his Top 10 hit 'Chiseled in Stone,' co-written with Max D. Barnes, earned CMA Song of the Year honors.

An obvious influence on a new generation of country acts, Gosdin's 1982 hit, 'Today My World Slipped Away,' became a chart-topper for George Strait in 1997, and Brad Paisley's 2003 album, 'Mud on the Tires,' included his version of Gosdin's 1990 hit, 'Is It Raining at Your House.'

Earlier this year, in an interview with The Boot, Jake Owen said of Gosdin, "He's not as respected as he should be. To me, he's one of the greatest singers I've ever heard interpret a song. He's just got this coolness about him."

"You can't go into a bar room that plays real country music without hearing Vern Gosdin," echoes Jack Ingram. "'Chiseled In Stone' is as sad a country song as 'He Stopped Lovin' Her Today,' and 'Set'Em Up, Joe' is a call to anyone who's ever had a reason to be in a bar like that to begin with ... Vern Gosdin's voice was truth, the hardcore country kind. Any time I heard him on a jukebox, my car radio or my old tape of 'Chiseled in Stone,' I knew there was a lot about life and loss and love left to learn."

Funeral arrangements for Gosdin are incomplete.


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Preacher Bo

I met Vern back in 1991 when me and my wife went on our honeymoon. He was at a restaurant in Nashville and I went over to him and got his autograph. He was a great singer and i always enjoy listening to him sing. I have a lot of songs of his downloaded from Limewire and listen to them every week. He was a master of singing songs with meaning. We will miss you Vern.

May 06 2009 at 9:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
melissa

This news was such a shock. I had no idea he had even suffered a stroke. :( Was just listening to and smiling because of how great "Set 'Em Joe" is. I had the chance to meet him too (and got quite possibly the worst picture ever with him). Wish I had a bit better one now. Sincere prayers to his family and friends.

May 04 2009 at 3:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rdcct

One of the best is gone. RIP Vern

May 04 2009 at 1:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
geneva606

i.have.all.way.love.vern.gosdin.and.he.music.i.will.misse.hem

May 04 2009 at 2:15 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
eaglesnest27

I had a chance to meet Vern in Nashville at the Nashville Palace. He flirted with my wife and then told me I better treat her right or he would kick my butt.. He was drunk .He then autographed a napkin for my wife.. I think she still has it.Well anyway I hope Vern accepted Christ so he can sing in Heaven with the angels.

May 03 2009 at 11:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
spaethbr

i enjoyed his music very much.i feel he should have been showed more AWARDS and RESPECT. "THE VOICE" will be missed very much.
GOD BLESS YA VERN

May 03 2009 at 6:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
eric

my first country concert was vern gosdin opening merle haggard in the middle and george jones as the main act. I said that night that as good as the other two were Vern Gosdin was the best. I know a whole lot of people have tears in their eyes. May god bless you and your family, you will be missed.

May 03 2009 at 1:59 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bustedupmom2

he was one of the greatest singers ever,went to see him in cullman ala. a few years back.could tell he was sick.will never forget your songs. he was one of ala. best

May 03 2009 at 1:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
llanouxjr

One of the greatest ever. Another legend lost. God bless

May 02 2009 at 2:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ms VampiresDaughter

Vern Gosdin did not get the respect he deserved. However I don't believe he cared. His heart sang songs with the pain and heartache only he knew. He lived a good, full life, and I pray his heart is at rest today. He's finally happy in heaven because on his earth for 74 years he was able to share his pain through the beauty of his music. Someone else's pain is someone elses beauty..RIP Vern! you did good :)

May 02 2009 at 12:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply