charlie-daniels-day-declared-by-tennessee-governor-ahead-volunteer-jam

‘Charlie Daniels Day’ Declared By Tennessee Governor Ahead of Volunteer Jam

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee declared Aug. 18 “Charlie Daniels Day,” just days before the famous Volunteer Jam.

The Tennessean reported that the late country singing star would be honored next week in downtown Nashville during the event Daniels helped make possible in the 1970s.

Charlie Daniels died from a stroke in Hermitage, Tenn., on July 6, 2020. He was 83.

The Aug. 18 “A Musical Salute to Charlie Daniels” concert will be a big mix of country, gospel, and Southern rock music. 

Lee told Fox17 that “The Volunteer Jam is a proud Tennessee tradition, and this year we’re bringing music fans together for a special tribute to the legendary Charlie Daniels.”

The governor added that for 50 years, Daniels “shared his talent with people across our country” and that Lee was “proud this celebration will carry on his legacy and showcase Tennessee’s rich musical heritage.”

Though Daniels was born in North Carolina, his longtime manager David Corlew said in a statement that the Country Music Hall of Famer “loved (Tennessee) and that the honor during the event was very appropriate.

‘Charlie Daniels Day’: A Musical Event

Alabama, Randy Travis, The Marshall Tucker Band, and Ricky Skaggs will perform at the Aug. 18 concert at Bridgestone Arena. Also performing will be Chris Young, CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith, Ceric Burnside, the SteelDrivers, Allman Betts Band, Daniels’ longtime backing band, and others.

Over the years, Daniels’ Volunteer Jam grew and had its fair share of live albums in the 1970s and 1980s. Since it began in 1974, notable stars like Garth Brooks, Billy Joel, Little Richard, James Brown and Stevie Ray Vaughan participated.

The Arena’s website also has additional artists slated, including Jenny Tolman, Lorrie Morgan, The Gatlin Brothers, Travis Tritt, Big & Rich, and Travis Denning.  

Twice postponed due to COVID, Volunteer Jam organizers are going full steam ahead into next week. Vaccination proof is unnecessary for the Bridgestone Arena event, but masks are essential for vaccinated and unvaccinated guests.

Tennessee Honors Daniels

Lee’s proclamation also honored Charlie Daniels’ longtime career. The legend’s career went on for more than 50 years.

Daniels won Grammy Awards, Country Music Awards, and Dove Awards over that span. The Grand Ole Opry (2008), Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum (2009), and Country Music Hall of Fame (2016) inducted the star. 

His music translated over many genres. In an interview with Gibson Guitars, he said he tried to learn something from many of the guitar players he admired. The article said,” his own style fuses blues, gospel, country, R&B, and rock — and mirrors his varied tastes.”

Charlie Daniels was the essential Tennessee football fan. In a 2016 interview with the Biloxi Sun-Herald, he shared his love for the Volunteers. He also was a National Rifle Association member and appeared in the organization’s videos.