Sounds Like Nashville Contributing Writer Chuck Dauphin Dies at 45

Award-winning writer Chuck Dauphin died Wednesday, Sept. 18 of complications with diabetes. He was 45 years old.

Dauphin was a contributing writer with Sounds Like Nashville since 2015, writing nearly 300 features about artists including Amy Grant, The Oak Ridge Boys, Trisha Yearwood, Naomi Judd, Chris Janson and others.

“The Sounds Like Nashville family, as well as our friends throughout the industry, are feeling a deep sense of loss after Chuck’s passing. He was a kind, generous, thoughtful man, respected by all those who knew him. There will never be another like him,” said Sounds Like Nashville’s Joshua Ickes and Lauren Laffer.

Dauphin was best known for his insightful interviews and unique questions, becoming a pillar in the country music journalism family. In 2014, Dauphin was award the CMA Media Achievement Award, a honor voted on by CMA member publicist that honors journalists promoting country music.

“I can’t carry a tune or play an instrument, but I have always loved telling people about music — whether a superstar like Tim McGraw or Lee Ann Womack, a legend like Kenny Rogers or a brand-new artist that nobody has ever heard of — yet,” Dauphin told Billboard previously.

“We are so proud of Chuck,” Dauphin’s father, Charles F. Dauphin, Jr., said in a statement late Wednesday night. “He accomplished so much and was loved by so many. Our deepest thanks to everyone who showed their love to Chuck. We know he felt your prayers and support.”

Many of the artists Dauphin had interviewed and formed relationships with over the years issued their own condolences after learning of his passing.

“If ever you needed a friend… or a kind word… you could count on Chuck Dauphin,” said Randy Travis. “A gentleman through all the years of my career, who always focused on the best in everyone. Chuck was a gift to this world and leaves us all better because he crossed our paths. Rest now in peace and perfect health, Brother Chuck — Forever and Ever, Amen.” 

Dauphin, who was also a contributing writer for Billboard, Rolling Stone, The Boot, and others, was in and out of the hospital and rehab for the past 13 months after having his foot amputated due to complications with diabetes and an infection.

He is survived by his father Charles F. Dauphin, Jr., his stepmother, Marcia Dauphin of Savanna, Ill., a stepson Zach Heath of Kentucky, stepdaughter Isabella Heath of Pennsylvania, stepbrother Lyle Klein (Dee Dee) of Carthage, Ill., a stepsister, Deanna Deal (Eric) of Freeport, Ill., an uncle Burt Dauphin of Savanna, Ill., two aunts, Diana Chaplin of Baileyville, Ill. and Gloria Roberts of Freeport, Ill. and several cousins.