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Jake Owen, Jon Pardi and others are paying tribute to Keith Gattis, a country artist and songwriter — known for penning classics performed by Kenny Chesney and George Strait, among others — who died over the weekend. He was 52.
The beloved Texas-born songwriter died on Sunday (April 23). His cause of death was not immediately clear as of publication time on Monday (April 24). Gattis penned music throughout his career that was released by George Jones, Willie Nelson, Gary Allan and many others. He also produced for Waylon Payne, Kendall Marvel, Wade Bowen and Randy Houser, among other artists, per his bio.
“Losing people in our lives is never something we can get used to. Losing someone in this business, is even harder bc of what they brought to everyone around them. [Keith Gattis] brought it all,” Owen wrote in a tribute to Gattis on Instagram. “He was the guy you wish you could be as cool as. From his own records, his style, his swagger,.. Keith was always himself. I really admired him and I wish I would (have) told him that. It’s hard to only be left with memories.
“My thoughts and condolences go out to Keith’s family and friends who are coping with such a tragic loss. We lost a good one here in Nashville,” he continued. “Y’all send love for Keith Gattis today. Play his records. Remember that we aren’t here forever. Be good to people. Hug someone. Tell them ya love em. 🙏🏼”
Pardi also posted a tribute to the late country artist, writing in his honor: “King of cool, showed me what a b bender sounds like and dirty rock n roll telecaster sound is. Hero and a friend ,but gone to soon. See you in honky tonk heaven my friend… still in disbelief. Sending all of my love to Penny and the family. Keep on rocking Gattis. ✝️”
On her Instagram story, Sheryl Crow remembered Gattis as “a wonderful person, an incredible talent, and a well loved friend to all who knew him. He will be missed.”
“There’s always one.. that changes everything. Keith Gattis was one of those,” Ashley Monroe wrote in a tribute. “My heart is breaking for his beautiful family, who was his whole world. I’m thankful I knew him, and thankful for all the brilliant music he made …that I will never stop listening to.”
“The Nashville community lost a giant,” Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne wrote in an Instagram caption on Monday afternoon. “Keith Gattis was the most real person you’d ever meet in your life. An extraordinary talent on every level. He’s the reason I play B Bender Tele. He lent me his for the our Port Saint Joe record and I’ve been hooked ever since. (Guitar pickers: Listen to Dwight Yoakam’s Blame The Vain to hear Keith’s B Bender mastery) Was lucky to get know you, Keith. You and your music have made an impact that will outlive us all. 💔”
RaeLynn shared the link to a GoFundMe page that was organized to support Gattis’ family. Hundreds of people raised more than $107,000 as of Tuesday morning (April 25).
“Keith Gattis was one of the first people in Nashville who believed in me,” Kacey Musgraves wrote on her Instagram story on Monday. “He was one of my first producers. We wrote some of the very first songs I was so proud of. He truly widened my creative scope, introduced me to so many wonderful people, and helped me hone my natural voice. He was genuinely so kind, patient, and talented as an artist in his own right — not to mention a father and husband. I am beside myself at this loss as many people are. He was one of the good ones. Life can be so cruel. Hug your people.”