The country music community continues to mourn the loss of Keith Gattis.
The 52-year-old singer, songwriter, musician, and producer passed away tragically on Sunday, April 23rd in a tractor accident, and leaves behind his wife Penny, along with two young children, his 8-year-old daughter McKenzie and 4-year-old son DeLaney.
It’s absolutely heartbreaking for his entire family as they mourn their beloved husband and father, and in an effort to help ease the financial burden during this horrific time, a GoFundMe has been set up for his young family.
They have already received $188,444 out of their $200,000 goal, and if you feel so inclined, you can learn more about it and donate HERE.
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.
The description in the GoFundMe also included details for a memorial service, and the celebration of life will take place Sunday, April 30th at the Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery at 5110 Gallatin Pike South in Nashville.
Visitation will be from 11-2 p.m. with a service immediately following.
RIP Keith Gattis
“El Cerrito Place”
A number of country artists have also shown their condolences and paid their respects as well:
