Another tough loss for the country music industry.
According to Billboard, one of the original members of the Grand Ole Opry, and oldest member to date, Stonewall Jackson, has passed away at the age of 89.
The Tabor City, North Carolina native who grew up in Georgia passed away after a battle with vascular dementia.
The 65 year Opry member had a number of hit songs that charted on the Hot Country Songs chart, such as number one hits like “Waterloo” (1959), and “B.J. the D.J.” (1963).
Other top hits of his include his version of George Jones’ “Life to Go” (1958), and “Don’t Be Angry” (1964).
Stonewall was named after Confederate army general Stonewall Jackson, and that was his birth name.
Jackson was known for his love of the Grand Ole Opry, as he even recorded a live album on the stage.
He noted in an interview with Music Charts Magazine:
“I’m not putting down the record end of the business because that’s very important, too.
But to me, the way I came here and all, the Grand Ole Opry’s been the mainstay in my career. I still love the Grand Ole Opry very, very much.”
With Jackson’s passing, Bill Anderson is now the oldest member of the Opry, who has been a member for 60 years.
Rest easy, legend
