The country music world lost an icon today.
52-year-old singer, songwriter, musician, and producer Keith Gattis passed away yesterday, Sunday, April 23rd. The cause of death has not been released.
Gattis was a powerhouse songwriter, co-writing songs for the likes of George Strait, Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Kid Rock, Randy Houser, Randy Travis, Gary Allan, Sara Evans, Charlie Robison, Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers Band, Jack Ingram, and more.
One of those songs was “El Cerrito Place,” which was recorded by Charlie Robison and Kenny Chesney and peaked at number 10 on the US Country Airplay chart with Chesney’s recording. Other songs penned by Gattis include “I Got a Car,” “Let It Go,” and “Goin’ Goin’ Gone” by George Strait, “What Whiskey Does” by Randy Houser, and more.
As his own artist, he charted one single, “Little Drops of My Heart,” while signed to the label RCA Nashville in 2002.
According to Saving Country Music, Gattis joined Dwight Yoakam’s band in 2002, and played guitar and bass on Yoakam’s Blame The Vain album.
He also produced music for Wade Bowen, Randy Houser, Waylon Payne, Cory Morrow, Jason James, Micky and the Motorcars, and more.
Needless to say, Keith Gattis left an impressive mark on the country music industry, and his legacy will continue to live on through the art he’s created. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.
A number of country artists have also shown their condolences and paid their respects as well:
“El Cerrito Place”
