Country musician Daryle Singletary, who hit the Top 5 on the country charts three times in the mid-1990s, has died at his home in Lebanon, Tennessee, at age 46. The cause of death has not been officially announced.
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In 2015, he released his most recent solo album “There’s Still a Little Country Left,” a title that sums up his musical philosophy. Singletary was a traditionalist in a genre that has blow-dried the twang from its roots.
Fellow Georgian and country musician T. Graham Brown said in a statement, “"What sad news to hear this morning! Daryle was a good friend of mine and one of my favorite singers! Our prayers are with his family."
Born in Cairo, Georgia, on March 10, 1971, Singletary moved to Nashville in the early ‘90s looking for his big break in the music business. He got a boost from Randy Travis, who recorded a song that Singletary had done as a demo. His deal with Giant Records was the result.
"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,” Travis said in a statement released by 117 Entertainment Group. “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."
In 1995, he released his self-titled debut album, which provided the Top 5 country hits “I Let Her Lie” and “Too Much Fun.” “Amen Kind of Love,” from the 1996 follow-up album “All Because of You,” matched that chart placing, but subsequent singles never climbed that high. “The Note,” a Top 30 hit in 1998, remains a fan favorite.
He continued recording, though much more sporadically. His latest work was a collaboration with bluegrass musician Rhonda Vincent called “American Grandstand.” It’s a pedal-steel and fiddle-soaked affair that recalls some of the great country duets of the past.
Vincent called him “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.”
More reaction to Singletary’s unexpected passing from the country music community, via the singer’s publicist:
"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."
-Ricky Skaggs
"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."
-John Anderson
"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."
-Pam Tillis
"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."
-Darryl Worley
"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."
-John Berry
"Prayers for Daryle Singletary's family. We've lost a talented and great man."
-Aaron Tippin
"Daryle was a very nice man and a GREAT country singer. My condolences to his family."
-Larry Gatlin
"I'm saddened to hear of Daryle's passing. What a great guy and a fine country singer!"
-Rudy Gatlin
"Daryle has definitely left his mark on country music, not only with his great songs and classic baritone voice, but his legacy will live on in the voices of the new generation of entertainers he has inspired."
-Craig Wayne Boyd
"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."
-T.G. Sheppard
"Our hearts are so broken over the loss of Daryle. His voice was so pure and authentically country. Our prayers will be with his wife and children at this terrible time. Life is so uncertain. What a sad reminder for us to tell those we love how much they mean to us, while we still can."
-Kelly Lang
"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."
-Rhonda Vincent
"Daryle was one of the nicest people in the music business and what a great voice."
-Larry Stewart, Restless Heart
"The country music community suffered a terrible loss this morning. Daryle Singletary, one of the finest and purest country voices of all time, passed away at much too young an age. We were fortunate to be on several shows through the years with Daryle. I used to see him at The Station Inn when he would sit in with a band called 45 RPM. Please join us in offering prayers for his wife and family."
-Greg Jennings, Restless Heart
"So few voices heard these days evoke the real heart and soul of country music. We lost one of those rare voices this morning. May God bring peace and comfort to Daryle Singletary's family and all those who loved him."
-Dave Innis, Restless Heart
"Truly saddened today for Holly and their four beautiful children, along with his mom and dad. Daryle Singletary, was a man's man. He was in all respects, one of the greats. A country music singer's singer. We will miss our friend and hold close his loving family in prayer. Until we meet on the shores of the everlasting Rest In Peace."
-Marty Raybon, Shenandoah
"Sorry to hear that a great country voice has passed away. God bless you, Daryle Singletary."
-Sammy Kershaw
"We have lost one of our great singers. Great guy. We are praying for his family."
-Moe Bandy
"I'm shocked and very saddened by the passing of my friend Daryle Singletary. We have known each other for close to 25 years. He is definitely one of the very best voices I ever had the opportunity to share a stage with, and his love of COUNTRY music will be greatly missed!"
-Mark Wills
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