Country music has lost a few too many legends this year.
Country Music Hall of Famer John Anderson passed away yesterday. He was 71 (10/21/26). You might know his hits “Seminole Wind”, “Swingin'”, and “Straight Tequila Night”.
And know “Swingin’” very well. I used to stand up in the car as a kid when that song came on the radio. It’s how it was meant to be sung in the car. At least until my mom yelled at me to sit down, because it was clearly unsafe.
The news comes as a shock, because John was just seen on Sunday at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Medallion Ceremony. He passed in his sleep.
His family broke the news in a statement on his socials. An official cause hasn’t been shared.
Tim McGraw was obviously shocked from the news of John’s passing. Especially considering how they were just hanging out together at the Country Music Hall of Fame for his induction ceremony. Tim had a lot to say in a post on his Instagram.
“I was talking with John Sunday night at the HOF ceremony. He was in such good spirits. We talked, we laughed, we sang his songs that I loved so much together, just goofing off.
I am completely heartbroken by his passing. There will never be a stylist in music, any music, that was so defining as his. It’s just devastating. All of our love goes out to his family and the country music community. He was and is one of the defining voices in country music. So great. I am completely shook.”
Rest in peace to one of the best to ever do it in country music. You’re going to be missed, John Anderson.