The country music community was shocked on Monday (February 12) with the news that Daryle Singletary had died at the age of 46.
The singer died at his Nashville home from a, so far, undisclosed cause. The event was described as “sudden and unexpected”.
The country community quickly reacted to the news.
“Rough morning for me. One of my favorite singers, Daryle Singletary, has passed away this morning unexpectedly. He’s the one who convinced me to move to Nashville. Praying hard for his family✝Love you Daryle” – Josh Turner
“We’re gonna miss the man with the golden voice.” – Bobby Bare
“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
“Daryle Singletary was one of my very favorite country singers. I just saw him and hugged his neck at Mel Tillis’ memorial. I’m so thankful for that. Go rest high Daryle! All our prayers are with your family now!” – Tanya Tucker
“Just got word that Daryle Singletary has passed away. Rest in peace Buddy, you sang country like country should be sung.” – Charlie Daniels
Rhonda Vincent, with whom Singletary just released a new song, said “Daryle Singletary — one of the single greatest singers who ever sang a son. 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.”
Singletary was in Cairo, Georgia and began singing gospel music with his cousins and brother at an early age.
In 1990, he moved to Nashville to try and become a country singer. After a time of singing at open-mic nights, he started working as a demo artist. Randy Travis was the first to take notice of Daryle, recording his “An Old Pair of Shoes” and helping him get signed to Giant Records.
Singletary released his self-titled debut in 1995, reaching the country top ten with two singles, “I Let Her Lie” (1995 / #2 Country) and “Too Much Fun” (1995 / #4 Country). His second album, All Because of You, included his third and final top ten hit, “Amen Kind of Love” (1996 / #2 Country).
After his third album, Ain’t It the Truth, Daryle was dropped by Giant, even though it was his highest charting, and signed with Audium/Koch for the 2002 set That’s Why I Sing This Way. He recorded three more albums between 2007 and 2015 with his final solo set being There’s Still a Little Country Left (2015). His album with Rhonda Vincent, American Grandstand, was released last July (2017).
Singletary was a dedicated proponent of a traditional country sound, a stance that ran against the trends in Nashville. Still, he was greatly admired by those who felt that their was still a place in music for that style. Daryle said “There are still people out there who want to hear traditional country music. I’ve been fortunate to be able to always keep it real and not have to compromise.”
The singer is survived by his wife, Holly, two sons and two daughters.
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