What a special tribute.
Keith Gattis, a gifted songwriter who wrote for the likes of Kenny Chesney and George Strait, and a talented singer in his own right, passed away back in April at the age of 52.
Gattis reportedly died from injuries sustained during a tractor accident, and left behind his wife Penny and their two young children.
Gattis’ songwriting was utilized and praised by country music artists such as the aforementioned George and Kenny, as well as Willie Nelson, Randy Travis, Kid Rock, Miranda Lambert, Randy Houser, and Wade Bowen, just to name a few.
It was a devastating loss for country music, and last week, some of those artists in The King, Randy Houser, Wade Bowen, Jon Pardi, Jack Ingram and more got together for a special concert at the Brooklyn Bowl Nashville to celebrate his legacy.
And in a beautiful tribute to the writer, they all gathered at the end of the show to sing his song “El Cerrito Place,” which was originally recorded by Gattis for his Big City Blues album in 2002. Later, Charlie Robison recorded a version in 2004 for his Good Times record.
In 2012, Kenny included his popular rendition of “El Cerrito Place” on his Welcome to the Fishbowl album, and it was subsequently released as the third single, where it peaked at #10 on the U.S. Billboard Country Airplay chart.
There’s something so special about all of these well-respected, very talented artists and writers coming together in honor of their friend with such a gorgeous song, and you should definitely take a few minutes out of your day to check it out.
RIP Keith Gattis.
Keith Gattis’ original:
And the Kenny Chesney version:
