Country

Died On This Date (August 23, 2006) David Schnaufer / Respected Dulcimer Player

David Schnaufer
DOB Unknown – August 23, 2006

David Schnaufer was a folk musician whose instrument of choice, the dulcimer, can be heard on countless country, Americana and bluegrass recordings.  During the ’80s, he moved from Texas to Nashville where he became one of the most in-demand studio players.  Over the years he’s played on records by the likes of the Judds, Kathy Mattea, Hank Williams Jr., Alison Krauss, and Cyndi Lauper.  He was also a member of alt-country band, the Cactus Brothers which included members of Walk The West.   During the mid ’90s, he became a music professor at Vanderbilt University.  David Schnaufer died of lung cancer on August 23, 2010.  Fellow Cactus Brother, Paul Kirby passed away in 2011.



Died On This Date (August 21, 2008) Buddy Harman / Session Drummer

Murrey “Buddy” Harman
December 23, 1928 – August 21, 2008

As part of Nashville’s storied A Team of studio musicians, Buddy Harman’s drums can be heard on some 18,000 recordings.  Throughout his career, Harman played on the biggest hits by such greats as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard to name just a few.  Harman died of congestive heart failure at the age of 79.

Watch an interview of Buddy Harman at Namm.org

Thanks to Dan Del Fiorentino at NAMM for the assist



Died On This Date (August 19, 1979) Dorsey Burnette / Rockabilly Pioneer

Dorsey Burnette
December 28, 1932 – August 19, 1979

Dorsey Burnette was born into a musical family that included brother, Johnny Burnette.  But early on in life, the brothers pursued another dream, boxing, each becoming Golden Gloves champs.  In 1949, they met fellow pugilist, Paul Burlison who also shared an interest in music.  They soon formed the Rock and Roll Trio which would become one of the foundations of American rockabilly.  Dorsey continued to perform with the group and later as a solo artist well into the ’70s.  His music found a home with rockabilly, pop and country fans alike.  Dorsey Burnette died of a massive coronary on August 19, 1979.  He was just 46.

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Dorsey Burnette

Died On This Date (August 15, 1990) Lew DeWitt / Statler Brothers

Lew DeWitt
March 12, 1938 – August 15, 1990

dewittLew DeWitt is best remembered as a singer and guitarist in the Statler Brothers.  He also penned a handful of their songs, including “Since Then,” and “Flowers On The Wall” which made it to #4 on the Billboard singles chart in 1965.  The song found a new audience thanks to its prominent placement in Pulp Fiction in 1994.  In 1982, DeWitt left the group for health reasons.  In 1990, DeWitt passed away after years of struggle with  Chron’s disease.

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Statler Brothers: The Definitive Collection - Statler Brothers

Died On This Date (August 14, 2006) Johnny Duncan / Country Singer

Johnny Duncan
October 5, 1938 – August 14, 2006

johnny-duncanJohnny Duncan was a prolific country singer and guitarist who could count 14 studio albums to his name.   Born into a talented family that included cousins Eddie Seals, Dan Seals and Jimmy Seals, Duncan knew early on that he wanted to be a professional singer.  He got his chance while working as a disc jockey outside of Nashville when he was signed to Columbia Records.  Over the years he charted over 30 singles, included several popular duets with Janie Fricke.  As a writer, he had songs covered by Charley Pride, Chet Atkins, Conway Twitty and Marty Robbins.  Johnny Duncan suffered a fatal heart attack on August 14, 2006.  He was 67.

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Johnny Duncan