The country music community lost a great one as Jerry Jeff Walker died after a years-long battle with throat cancer.
Walker became a household name back in the 1960s after writing the song, “Mr. Bojangles,” which turned into an instant hit that was covered by the likes of Bob Dylan, Sammy Davis Jr., Neil Diamond and more. The country legend is also known as one of the artists who created the landscape of Texas country music, alongside Willie Nelson.
Many people in the country music realm took to social media to honor Walker for his contributions to the genre. The Country Music Hall of Fame published an in memoriam video on IGTV, in which they passed on the story of how Walker made it big and progressed the music scene in Austin, Texas.
Mark Wystrach, lead singer of Midland, remembered the singer-songwriter with a poignant black-and-white photo of Walker with his wife, and some kind words honoring his legacy.
“What a career, what a body of work, what a duo…What a legend. Thanks for all the good times…They shall live on. Thoughts go out to Susan and their kids and grandkids,” Wystrach wrote.
“On My Way to You” singer Cody Johnson reminisced on the impact Walker has made in his life, from playing in the background on his first date with his now wife to landing in Los Angeles with his band.
“I think it’s safe to say that if you’re an artist from Texas, he’s played some role in shaping your music. Thank you Jerry Jeff for making music that made us love, smile, and feel inspired,” Johnson said.
Margo Price also paid tribute to the country icon, tweeting, “blastin Jerry Jeff Walker records while cookin dinner tonight. ride high wild one.”
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Susan Walker, and his children, Django and Jessie Jane. Walker was 78 years old.
