It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since we lost the legendary Joe Diffie.
Growing up in the 90’s, Joe’s music was a staple of my childhood. From “John Deere Green” to “Pickup Man” and “Third Rock From the Sun,” and even songs like “One More Breath” and “I’m Not Through Losin’ You,” Joe’s music served as the soundtrack for a generation that grew up on 90’s country and still listens to his songs today.
Of all of the artists that we’ve lost to this damn virus, it’s been Joe Diffie that’s personally hit me the hardest, just because of the role that his music has played (and still plays) in my life.
And not only that, but Joe always just seemed like an everyday guy – one that made some of the most iconic music of the 90’s, but also a guy you could have a beer with or who you’d see out mowing his yard next door. Like an average American dad. And I loved that about him.
Well to his children, Joe Diffie WAS dad.
And on the anniversary of his death, Joe’s son penned a heartfelt letter to his late father on his dad’s Facebook page, recalling the memories he made with Joe and the hole his passing has left behind.
Hey Pops,
It has been a while since we last spoke, but I talk to you every day. I know this sounds funny, but I know you are there and silently listening.
I hope you see that I have tried my best to do all the right things to ensure that your family is taken care of. I hope that you smile when I stand at my kitchen counter and sing harmony through tears to every song you ever recorded and recall every moment of standing next to you on stage for all those years. I want you to know that I am so appreciative that I had the opportunity to to spend 13 years on the road with you, I will cherish every second that I was able to spend on that bus with you.
We had so many great experiences traveling the country, I learned so much in that time spent with you. I miss the moments standing on stage and watching in awe as you consistently wowed the crowd with you talents, I miss hanging on the deck listening to you rattle off useless information that only Jeopardy contestants would know. I miss the late night texts talking about football and cooking, explaining every recipe and ingredient proudly, or just checking in or sending you my latest achievements so I could hear you say you were proud of me.
I miss standing at your house and having a song pop in your head and have you sing and change the words just to make us laugh. I miss watching you light up every time your grandchildren walked In to the room.
Mostly I miss you. You are and will for ever be my hero and I will work hard to ensure that your music and legacy continues to touch people and can live on through your family.
I love you Pops,
Your son
Joe Diffie, man.
What a loss.
Cranking up the John Deere Green a little louder today.
