The Georgia-born singer passed away Monday at age 46.
The C&I crew would like to extend condolences to the fans, friends and family of country music artist Daryle Singletary, who died Monday at his home in Lebanon, Tennessee. The singer, a Georgia native best known for his hits “Too Much Fun” and “I Let Her Lie,” was 46 at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife Holly; children Jonah, Mercer, Nora and Charlotte; parents Roger and Anita Singletary; brother Kevin Singletary; sister-in-law Melinda Singletary; in-laws Terry and Sandy Mercer; and brother and sister-in-law Tony and Kristy Rowland.
Several Nashville notables took to Twitter or issued statements Monday to commemorate Singletary. Among those paying their respects:
Randy Travis: “I love Daryle Singletary’s heart and soul — for life, for others and for true country music. Co-producing his first LP was a highlight in my career. He is one of the best and made me a better artist. My love and prayers are sent to Holly and the family. Thanks for the memories, brother.”
Rhonda Vincent: “Daryle Singletary — one of the single greatest singers who ever sang a song. I loved singing with him. We shared a kindred spirit on and off the stage. I will miss him dearly. Rest in Peace my friend.”
Ricky Skaggs: “Daryle was one of the best country singers in Nashville. I was saddened when I heard the news. Just saw him at Mel Tillis’ memorial service. I hugged him and told him that I loved him. What a shock! It made me realize that life is a gift, and none of us are promised tomorrow. I'll miss him.”
John Anderson: “Daryle was a fine singer who always knew exactly what to do with a song. His vocals conveyed authentic emotion right on par with the greats. It was my pleasure to share the stage and the studio a few times with him over the years. His greatest accomplishment and treasure was his family. He loved to talk about his four children, and my thoughts and prayers are with Holly and the kids.”
Pam Tillis: “So fortunate we got to hear Daryle Singletary one more time at dad's memorial, and I’m so sad we lost another classic country singer and a good man. My heart is hurting for the family. He was one of my favorite singers and everyone that knew him said he was a great man. I wish I could have known him better. He was admired by all of us for representing traditional country music.”
Darryl Worley: “I am simply silenced by the news of Daryle’s passing. He was my friend and brother in Christ. I loved him for exactly who he was. He was undoubtedly the best friend a real country song could ever have, and honestly, I don’t know if our industry can stand to lose him at this time. He was the ‘Keeper’ of the lost tradition, and we all loved him for it.”
John Berry: “Well, like a lot of you, I awoke to the heartbreaking news of the passing of my fellow Georgian, Daryle Singletary. I am truly shocked by the news. I didn't know Daryle as a personal friend but I sure knew that voice. Man, could he sing a country song. ... As a matter of fact, any song Daryle sang became a country song.”
Jeannie Seely: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of an amazing family man, vocalist and friend. Daryle has one of the best voices ever to grace country music. He’s the only person besides Johnny Paycheck who could properly sing ‘Old Violin’ with the necessary emotion and talent.”
T.G. Sheppard: “So very sad to hear about the passing of Daryle Singletary. Country music has lost another great voice, but his music will live forever in the hearts and minds of anyone who ever heard him sing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Bobby Bare: “We’re gonna miss the man with the golden voice.”
Here is a link to Rolling Stone’s list of 10 essential Daryle Singletary songs.
