"The Voice" Vern Gosdin Passes Away
By: Marc Erickson
Country music legend, Vern Gosdin, also known as "The Voice," passed away yesterday in his sleep, after suffering a stroke in early April 2009. He was 74 years old. Gosdin, who won th Song of the Year award in 1989 for his hit single "Chisled In Stone" (watch video here), was much revered by fans and peers alike for his strong country voice. Born in Woodland Alabama in 1934, Vern was the sixth of nine children and was raised on Gospel music and often sang in the church where his mother played piano.
Vern was originally part of the Capitol Records duo The Gosdin Brothers with his brother Rex but after a few years and hits, Vern retired from music. Retirement didn't last long, though as Vern returned to recording in the 1970s before becoming a consistent Top 10 hit maker, often teaming up with renouned songwriter Max D. Barnes, for Compleat Records. After the label failed, Vern signed with Columbia Records and scored an immediate #1 hit with "Do You Believe Me Now" and then "Set 'Em Up Joe," a tribute to Ernest Tubb. Later, Don had the success with the CMA Song of the year "Chisled In Stone."
While the hits dried up as Country music moved more towards today's country/pop/rock sounds, Gosdin remained an active touring artist and released a career-spanning retrospective of music last year entitled "40 Years of the Voice" on his own VGM Records label.
READER'S COMMENTS
Sherrie says:
Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2009
My heart has sunk so low...This man was my dream to my future.. I love him and miss him terribly..You are always in my heart Vern.. RIP.
says:
Posted: Monday, November 9, 2009
pauline says:
Posted: Wednesday, October 14, 2009
i love Vern Gosdin, he's my favorite country male singer. he could always make me cry, loved his music and always will!!
william says:
Posted: Monday, July 13, 2009
I've been a fan of the Voice for 30 years and only heard of his passing today. I guess SoCal isn't Gosdin territory, but Vern sure has had a top spot in my CD collection! Vern! You are missed!
jason says:
Posted: Friday, June 26, 2009
You definably will leave a slow burning memory in my mind....
Sandie says:
Posted: Saturday, June 20, 2009
I have been a HUGE Vern fan from the early 80's. I always thought there was NO one like Vern Gosdin. RIP Vern...you will NEVER be forgotten!
Janine says:
Posted: Saturday, June 13, 2009
I was one of those "I was Country when Country wasn't cool" girls. In1978 I was 20 years old and I went to a George Jones concert and 'No Show Jones" was a "no show". My husband to be caught a glimpse of Vern on stageand I went on down to see him. I whispered in his ear "You're better than George anyday". He smiled and gave me a kiss on the cheek. One of my best memories. I love you, Vern. Thank you for all your wonderful songs and your wonderful voice.
keith sage says:
Posted: Tuesday, May 12, 2009
RIP Old friend we will never forget the lasting memorys you left us,you touched us with your voice like no other.
Rick says:
Posted: Monday, May 4, 2009
Vern was a true artist of the kind they don't really make anymore. Well at least Jamey Johnson is in the ballpark thank goodness!
toker says:
Posted: Saturday, May 2, 2009
There will never be another Vern. He will be truly missed.
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