R.I.P. Vern Gosdin: "The Voice" of Country

As reported today, “The Voice” of Country, Vern Gosdin, has died at age 74.

One of his best-known songs, “Chiseled in Stone,” was voted 1989 song of the year by the CMA. In
the tune, an older man tells a younger man who is going through tough
times, “You don’t know about sadness ’til you faced life alone | you
don’t know about lonely ’til it’s chiseled in stone.”

A number of contemporary country stars mourned the loss.

“He was one hell of a country singer and helped me out a lot on my very first tour,” George Strait said in a statement.

Josh Turner called Gosdin a “singer of sad songs… the news of Vern’s death puts me beyond sad,” Turner said. “He was
one of my unofficial vocal coaches. He taught me what ‘country soul
music’ was. Country music has lost one of its ambassadors.”

Fans continue to push for Vern Gosdin to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. You can find more details and join the cause here.

Rest in Peace, Vern Gosdin.

–Lucas Hilbert