Yesterday, outlaw country music star, Billy Joe Shaver died of a stroke. Tanya Tucker, a long-time friend and admirer of Shaver, posted a moving tribute on Instagram. In the lengthy post, Tucker mourns the death of the country star, holding none of her emotions back.
“It’s a sad day and I’m just so torn between raising hell and lowering heaven a little bit,” she says. “I felt it all the way from Nashville to Waco when he passed”. Tucker, the 62-year-old country star, maintained a long time friendship with Shaver despite the 20 year age gap.”
“I have a lot to say about Billy Joe Shaver. He’s written so many songs, and I’m so glad I got to write a few of them with him. The whole songwriting community has suffered a huge loss today and most importantly the fans of country music. Billy was one of a kind, he wasn’t like anyone else.” Tucker and Shaver performed the song “Played the Game Too Long” on Shaver’s 2007 album Everyone’s Brother. While they worked together extensively, there are very few songs officially credited to them both.
Celebrity Reactions To Billy Joe Shaver
In addition to Tanya Tucker, many other country music stars shared their condolences on social media. On Wednesday, Willie Nelson shared an audio clip from a conversation between him and Shaver on his radio show in 2012. On Thursday, Jason Isbell shared his admiration for Shaver along with the sadness of his passing.
As the news of Billy Joe Shaver’s death continues to devastate the country music world, artists continue to pay their respects. Shaver, who was the pioneer of outlaw-country music, is still an inspiration to fans young and old. Responsible for writing Waylon Jennings Honky Tonk Heroes, Shaver’s songwriting has grown the genre tremendously. From his lyrics to his lifestyle, Billy Joe Shaver’s legacy will live on.
