Another month of 2020, another kick in the nuts for the country music world.
We’ve already lost Kenny Rogers, Joe Diffie, Jerry Jeff Walker, John Prine, Billy Joe Shaver and of course the great Charlie Daniels. And just this past weekend, we lost one of the first country singers I ever remember listening to: the great Doug Supernaw.
In 2019, Doug announced that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung and bladder cancer. His wife Cissy announced that he had entered hospice care in October 2020, and on November 13 it was announced that Supernaw had passed from his cancer.
After his passing, several 90’s country legends took to social media to pay tribute to Supernaw.
RIP Doug Supernaw. We traveled a lot together back in the day. One of a kind. Ride on in peace. -T
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) November 13, 2020
Hate to hear about the passing of #DougSupernaw. His music is part of that #90sCountry that inspired me to come to #Nashville and pursue music for a livin’. Sending love to the family. Rest easy bud and thank you for stayin true to country music. pic.twitter.com/ujKSxgvCaY
— Craig Campbell (@craigcampbelltv) November 14, 2020
Dang it. RIP Mr. Doug Supernaw. pic.twitter.com/o8zTkPxtHm
— Bri Bagwell (@BriBagwell) November 14, 2020
Doug Supernaw has gone home … rest easy brother pic.twitter.com/WPw2b4KEzH
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) November 13, 2020
I’m sad today for the loss of my friend Doug Supernaw. He went to be with Jesus early this morning.
Cissy, Jade and I will be here for you. Whatever you need! This one hurts. pic.twitter.com/QSmv5wJRRp
— Doug Stone (@dougstonetour) November 13, 2020
Rest In Peace Doug Supernaw. God bless your family all those who loved you.
— Clay Walker (@ClayWalker) November 13, 2020
You probably remember Doug for his biggest hit (and his only #1), “I Don’t Call Him Daddy.”
The poignant song (originally recorded by none other than Kenny Rogers) tells the story of a conversation between a divorced father and a son who promises his dad that his new stepfather will never take his place.
And if you grew up watching CMT like I did, you probably remember this heart wrenching video.
Or you may remember “Red and Rio Grande,” Supernaw’s tribute to his native Texas.
But for me, my favorite Doug Supernaw song has always been “Reno.”
This song is everything that made 90’s country music great: heartbreak and a healthy dose of steel guitar. The lyrics are a masterful comparison of a love interest to the ruthless casinos of Reno – but “either one I choose, lady or Reno, either way I lose.”
Supernaw faced a number of personal and legal challenges later in life, but began performing live again within the last few years and even returned to the studio to re-record some of his biggest songs for a greatest hits album.
His comeback was cut short by his cancer diagnosis, but Supernaw ultimately went out the way he wanted: In Texas, somewhere between the Red and Rio Grande.
