Joe Diffie Reflects on Biggest Career Milestone During One of His Final Interviews

Joe Diffie Reflects on Biggest Career Milestone During One of His Final Interviews

Posted on March 30, 2020

We lost a good one.

Joe Diffie passed away on March 29 from complications of COVID-19.

The Oklahoma native topped the charts with “Home,” “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets),” “Third Rock From the Sun,” “Pickup Man” and “Bigger Than the Beatles” in the 1990s. Joe also struck a chord with his Top 5 signature hits “Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die)” and “John Deere Green,” the latter of which became his most requested song at concerts.

Over the course of his 30-plus-year career, Joe earned a number of awards and honors, including:

  • CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year in 1993 for “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair”
  • Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration in 1998 for “Same Old Train”
  • Induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2002

However, Joe was especially proud of one accomplishment—his induction into the Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 27, 1993.

During one of his last sit-down interviews in December 2019, Joe reflected on what being a member of the Opry for 26 years meant to him.

“It’s one of—if not the—biggest milestone in my career,” said Joe. “It makes you feel proud to say you’re a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s just been such a, obviously, revered institution for so long. There’s just something special about it.”

You can listen to Joe’s entire 10-minute interview below from the NCD Writers Room Podcast with Jim Casey.

photo by NCD

Jennifer Nettles Releases Hopeful New Rendition of Broadway’s “Tomorrow” [Listen]

Jennifer Nettles Releases Hopeful New Rendition of Broadway’s “Tomorrow” [Listen]

Posted on March 30, 2020

Jennifer Nettles released a new rendition of the show tune “Tomorrow,” which originally appeared in the 1977 musical, Annie.

Jennifer recorded the song with Tony- and Grammy-winning composer/producer Alex Lacamoire on March 12 as part of an upcoming album of theater songs.

“In this strange and scary moment, I wanted to make an offering in the best way I know how: music,” says Jennifer. “The message of this song feels so true to me. Originally sang by a hopeful child—in the musical Annie—this arrangement has some gravitas. It is a message of hope, but one that comes through wisdom, and wisdom is often won through challenge. . . .These times are uncertain and anxiety-laden. We are worried for our health, for our loved ones, for our finances and for our futures, all the while practicing social distancing, which can be hard on the human psyche and soul. But, as the song sings of hope, the collage video also shows reasons we have hope: We have been through challenging times together as a country before. We have made sacrifices on the fire, we have seen movements and leaders rise from those ashes and we have found ourselves forged by those fires within our communities and families. ⁣I hope this song lets you feel all that you need to feel. And then I hope it reminds you that, indeed, the sun will come out tomorrow.”

⁣Watch Jennifer’s new video below, which was created by Jason Patrick Sands.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

March 30: Live-Stream Show Calendar With Thomas Rhett, Lee Brice, Justin Moore, Caylee Hammack & More

March 30: Live-Stream Show Calendar With Thomas Rhett, Lee Brice, Justin Moore, Caylee Hammack & More

Posted on March 30, 2020

Country stars are trying to do their part to keep us entertained during our self-quarantines (hopefully) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect as some of our favorite stars perform live and chat via social medial.

March 30 (updated throughout the day)

  • Stephanie Quayle: 10 a.m. CT – Facebook
  • Logan Mize: 3 p.m. CT – Instagram
  • Niko Moon: 4 p.m. CT – Facebook
  • Thomas Rhett: 4:30 p.m. CT – Instagram
  • Justin Moore: 5 p.m. CT – Instagram
  • Lee Brice, Tyler Farr, Riley Green, Caylee Hammack & More: 9 p.m. CT – Instagram

photos by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Knox County Health Department

Knox County Health Department

Posted on March 30, 2020

www.knoxcounty.org/health

Knox County’s Safer at Home Order

For more information on Knox County’s Safer at Home Order and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

Click Here to View the Knox County COVID-19 Case Count

Knox County numbers are updated daily at 11 a.m. EDT. State numbers are updated at 2 p.m. CDT daily; there may be a lag in reporting of cumulative numbers at the state level.

Visit the TDH webpage for statewide updates.

Everyone has a role. Learn how you can prepare.

Helpful facts

  • There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a new coronavirus that hasn’t previously been seen in humans.
  • There is still more influenza and other respiratory illness circulating in our community than COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet):
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
    • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs by people in close contact.
  • For the vast majority, symptoms of COVID-19 are mild. Fever and respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath, are some of the common symptoms. Other typical cold symptoms such as a runny nose and a sore throat are generally not associated with COVID-19.
  • Those who are not sick do not need to be seen by a medical provider or tested.
  • If you are sick, click here.

Knox County Health Department

As a public health agency, Knox County Health Department works to promote and protect the health of everyone in our community. They track and monitor diseases, conduct extensive health education and outreach, provide and connect people with care, enforce food safety and air quality laws and regulations, prepare for public health emergencies, and more — all with the goal to ensure the conditions in which every Knox County resident can be healthy.

Contact Knox County Health Department at 865-215-5300 or [email protected].

Audio: Darrell Taylor talks ’19 season, NFL Draft prep on The Nation

Audio: Darrell Taylor talks ’19 season, NFL Draft prep on The Nation

Posted on March 29, 2020

Tennessee Vols OLB/DE Darrell Taylor was a guest on The Nation with Chris Low and Austin Price to discuss his preparation for the NFL Draft amid the COVID-19 period the country is in, where teams project him to play, his senior season at the University of Tennessee and much more.

Vols OLB/DE Darrell Taylor / Credit: UT Athletics
Country Stars Remember Joe Diffie, Including Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw & More

Country Stars Remember Joe Diffie, Including Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw & More

Posted on March 29, 2020

A number of country artists shared their sentiments regarding Joe Diffie, who passed away from complications of COVID-19 on March 29.

Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Scotty McCreery, Chris Young, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley and many more shared their love on social media and via statements.

Carrie Underwood
“Absolutely no words for the loss of Joe Diffie. The music and legacy he leaves behind are legendary. Prayers for his family and friends.”

Keith Urban
“Can’t believe the news about Joe Diffie ……. my heart breaks for your family and friends – and fans ……. count me right in there too – you were THE REAL DEAL JOE.”

Tim McGraw
“I loved Joe… His music, his spirit, and his love for music… One of the most influential vocalist of our time in country music. So many great songs… However “Ships That Don’t Come In” always gets me.”

Scotty McCreery
“Always great when you meet someone you’re a huge fan of, and they exceed all of your expectations. Joe was the man. I’ve loved his music since I was a kid, and he will be missed. John Deere Green will be on repeat for awhile.”

Brad Paisley
“I’m devastated by the loss of my friend @JoeDiffieOnline. I can’t find adequate words. But the records he made, that voice, the twinkle in his eye, and our memories cannot be taken away by this disease. Please celebrate his music today everyone, go listen again to his records.”

Luke Bryan
“Country music lost a legend today. Joe Diffie was one of the greats.”

Travis Tritt
“I just learned that @JoeDiffieOnline has passed away due to complications from the Coronavirus. Joe was a friend and touring partner with me in the 90’s. This comes as a huge shock to all of us in the country music community. Deepest condolences to Joe’s family, friends and fans.”

Clay Walker
“Heartbroken over Joe Diffie dying today…one of the greatest singers and an even better person…all my love and prayers go out to his family.”

Justin Moore
“So sad to hear of the passing of @JoeDiffieOnline. To his family, friends, road crew, band, etc, Thoughts and prayers being sent your way. Thanks for inspiring guys like me to follow in your footsteps Joe. RIP Pickup Man.”

Carly Pearce
“I can’t even begin to find the words. RIP @JoeDiffieOnline – you meant so much to our country music community and were such a dear friend to my husband. May your spirit & songs live on in us.”

Toby Keith
“We are feeling it now. Oklahoma boy Joe Diffie has passed away from this virus. My kids grew up around his parents. My prayers will be with his family. A great traditional voice will live on cuz I’m putting his music on now. Here’s a beer to ya, Joe. Go get your reward.”

Trace Adkins
“Oh my God. One of the all-time GREAT vocalists. Joe Diffie was my friend. RIP, buddy.”

Phil Vassar
“We just lost one of the best singers this town has ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with Joe Diffie’s family.”

Jay DeMarcus
“How can this be??? Another dear friend & legend gone?!! @JoeDiffieOnline has passed away from Coronavirus. He was an incredible talent, loyal friend & one of the best souls you’d ever want to meet…. God be with us all during this time, RIP”

Sara Evans
“I am so sad about Joe Diffie. I always loved working with him and just got to see him and visit with him recently at The Opry. Praying for his family and loved ones.”

Bellamy Brothers
We were devastated to hear about the passing of @JoeDiffieOnline today. We met Joe and became friends with him right after his first hits in the early 1990s. We will miss him so much and are sending our prayers to his family.

Kelsea Ballerini
“Consistently one of the kindest artists to run into. This is really, really heavy. Thinking of his beautiful wife and family.”

Morgan Wallen
“Joe Diffie man…. Our love for mullets made me feel connected to you in a special way. Rest easy brother.”

Chris Young
“I used to drive back and forth from Texas to TN listening to nothing but  @JoeDiffieOnline songs… I was lucky to get to know him…”

Cole Swindell
“2020… damn. RIP Pickup Man. So sad. We lost Joe Diffie.”

Oak Ridge Boys
“Oh no … Joe Diffie has passed away …. This is a tough one…”

John Rich
“Joe was a real true honky-tonk hero to every country artist alive today. No one sang our music better than he did, and to see his life and artistry cut short is beyond tragic. He was loved, cherished and respected by all of country music and beyond. Thank you for all the great memories, brother Joe.”

Big Kenny Alphin
“So tragic and sad to lose such a nice guy and cherished voice of country music. God Bless you Joe Diffie.”

Deanna Carter
“I am so heartbroken to hear of Joe Diffie’s passing. Wow. Just shell shocked. I loved him as an artist & as one of the best singers ever. He was a powerhouse that stopped people in their tracks, both on & off stage. Was hoping to do some more shows with him this year. Such an incredible loss for our community….. Thoughts & prayers for his family & for everyone dealing with this illness.”

Eddie Montgomery
“So saddened to hear the news of our dear friend, Joe Diffie. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joe’s family and loved ones during this time.”

Colt Ford
“I really stopped in my tracks for the first time when I got the news of Joe passing away. We spoke a week ago and he said, ‘Don’t worry, Colt, I’m gonna be fine.'” He was one of the best country singers I have ever heard, and an even better guy. Rest Easy, Joe.”

Ricky Skaggs
“I was saddened to hear that my friend and fellow Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie passed away today. Joe was a great singer, songwriter, and entertainer that left his mark in Country Music. His clear voice and unique singing style made him immediately recognizable. We will all certainly miss him.”

Larry Gatlin
“Joe Diffie. A great friend. A great man. A great singer. A GREAT loss.”

Pam Tillis
“One of the best artists 90s Country ever served up. I worked fairs all over the country with Joe. It’s sort of like losing a classmate. Recently he sang a song with me, Lorrie Morgan and Darryl Worley, ‘Summer Wine.’ It was a perfect performance. He never hit a bad note and was just a regular guy. We all loved him. RIP, Joe Diffie.”

T.G. Sheppard
“So tragic to hear that another great legend’s voice has gone silent. He was and will remain one of country music’s great vocalists. It’s truly a sad day for our industry. Joe please tell our friends Kenny Rogers and Jan Howard we love them and to send down a prayer for all of us during this difficult time on earth. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Tara and their family.”

Collin Raye
“I am deeply saddened at the news of Joe Diffie’s death. He and I were labelmates on Sony Epic Records for many years. We worked together a lot over the years. I can honestly say that Joe was one of the truly good guys in our business. A real gentleman, and obviously, one of the greatest Country Music singers who ever lived.  His records, ‘Home’ and ‘Ships That Don’t Come In’ are among my favorite records of all time. I am honored, and humbled, to have known him. May God Bless and comfort Joe’s family and welcome him into Eternity. We’ll miss you, Brother.”

Aaron Tippin
“I am in total shock and disbelief at the passing of my friend, tourmate and Country legend, Joe Diffie. My heart is broken and I’m praying for his family and for our country as we deal with this horrible pandemic. You will be missed, Joe. Rest in Peace.”

Sammy Kershaw
“I keep saying almost every night on stage Joe Diffie is the best Country voice in Country Music today. Gonna miss Joe. God bless him. Love you brother.”

Darryl Worley
“I knew this was bound to hit close to home. Today it did. I just heard the news of Joe Diffie’s passing. I am sick in my spirit because I can’t bear the thought of not hearing that voice for a while. He was a dear friend and he understood me and my convictions. Most of all, he accepted me for who I am and I felt the same about him. There’s no filling his shoes and he will be missed by many. I loved him like a brother, and I’m thankful that I know where he is. My brother, I look forward to seeing your sweet face again. Please pray for the family and loved ones devastated by this terrible loss.”

Tanya Tucker
“Sometimes I hear bad news, and over and over again in that cold empty space, I think if I wait a minute or two, the news will change, but it’s final. Joe Diffie, one of our best singers and my buddy, is gone. We are the same age, so it’s very scary. I will miss his voice, his laughter, his songs. My thoughts go out to his entire family. I’ll love you always Joe and am so grateful you were in my life.”

Steve Wariner
“I’m heartbroken and in shock just like all of you over this awful news. Joe Diffie possessed one of the most incredible pure country voices on the planet, and he was always so much fun to be around. My prayers are with his family at this sad time. Rest In Peace ol’ pal.”

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

John Prine Hospitalized With COVID-19 Symptoms: “His Situation Is Critical”

John Prine Hospitalized With COVID-19 Symptoms: “His Situation Is Critical”

Posted on March 29, 2020

Singer/songwriter John Prine, 73, has been hospitalized after suffering from COVID-19 symptoms.

John’s family released a statement via Instagram on March 29: “After a sudden onset of COVID-19 symptoms, John was hospitalized on Thursday. He was intubated Saturday evening, and continues to receive care, but his situation is critical. This is hard news for us to share. But so many of you have loved and supported John over the years, we wanted to let you know, and give you the chance to send out more of that love and support now. And know that we love you, and John loves you.”

John’s wife, Fiona, revealed she tested positive for COVID-19 on March 19.

John is a two-time Grammy winner, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, PEN New England Lyrics Award recipient, and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee. His songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band and many others.

Joe Diffie Dies at 61 After Complications From COVID-19

Joe Diffie Dies at 61 After Complications From COVID-19

Posted on March 29, 2020

Two days after confirming he tested positive for COVID-19, Joe Diffie, 61, died on March 29, according to a statement from his PR company:  “Grammy-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29, from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19). His family requests their privacy at this time.”

Joe topped the charts with “Pickup Man,” “Home” and more in the 1990s. In 2019, Joe celebrate his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Joe recently released his new vinyl album, Joe, Joe, Joe Diffie, which features many of his past hits. Joe is survived by his wife, Tara Terpening Diffie, and seven children from four marriages.

Nash Country Daily editor in chief Jim Casey sat down with Joe in December 2019 for a podcast, which you can listen to here.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood to Headline Live Concert Event on CBS on April 1

Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood to Headline Live Concert Event on CBS on April 1

Posted on March 29, 2020

After Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood broke the Internet on March 23 during their at-home concert on Inside Studio G via Facebook Live, the tandem has decided to take their talents to CBS on April 1 for a prime-time TV special, Garth & Trisha Live.

During the special, Garth and Trisha will perform live from their home recording studio. Garth will share details about how viewers can make song requests for the special on Inside Studio G on March 30.

More than 5.2 million viewers watched Garth and Trisha’s concert on Inside Studio G on March 23, repeatedly crashing the site, which spurred the idea for the CBS special.

“We’re seeing how big things can be when we all do them as one. In addition to the special, we and CBS will donate $1 million to charities to be determined, combating the COVID-19 virus,” said Garth and Trisha.

Garth & Trisha Live will be filmed without a live studio audience. The special will involve a minimal crew practicing social distancing and will be filmed with extensive safety precautions in place.

Garth & Trisha Live  will air on April 1, 8–9 p.m. CT (delayed PT), on CBS.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Grand Ole Opry Member Jan Howard Dies at 91

Grand Ole Opry Member Jan Howard Dies at 91

Posted on March 29, 2020

Longtime Grand Ole Opry member Jan Howard, 91, “passed away peacefully” on March 28 in Gallatin, Tenn., according to a statement from the Opry.

Jan scored a number of Top 20 hits in the 1960s, including “Evil on Your Mind,” “Bad Seed,” “Count Your Blessings, Woman” and “My Son,” which served as an ode to her son, Jimmy, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968.

Jan was member of the Grand Ole Opry for 49 years—inducted on March 27, 1971.

Graveside services will be private with a celebration of life service to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Overwatch Alliance Veterans Foundation, 1000 North Chase Drive, Goodlettsville, TN, 37072.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Country News

Weather

  • Forecast
  • Currents
  • Planner