So many times we take so much for granted. It was a shock to hear we’ve lost super writer/singer Vern Gosdin. Vern died after suffering a stroke this week. He was 74. Vern Gosdin was the “country singer’s singer.” He was often referred to as “The Voice”. He will be remembered for a long, long time in the creative sections of the music community. Producer/writer Buddy Cannon said, “I think he’s one of the top two singers ever.

It’s him and George Jones and maybe Hank Williams would be in there with them. The salvation of country music would be finding another guy with as much heart and emotion in his voice.” If you’re not aware of Vern’s “Chiseled In Stone” album, and the title cut, get your copy. It is indeed a classic. Vern co-wrote “Chiseled” with Max D. Barnes and it won the CMA song of the year, even though Vern was in his 50’s when he cut the tune. Vern had knocked around the music industry for many, many years before his giant album.

He sung with a family gospel group in the Birmingham area before moving to California with his brother Rex in 1961. They worked various jobs before they joined the bluegrass band The Hillmen with Chris Hillman, who would later found The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and The Desert Rose Band. Then Rex and Vern performed and recorded together as The Gosdin Brothers. The mid-1970’s brought a move to Nashville, where he began his solo career. He recorded for several independent labels and had a few Top Ten singles, some written by Buddy Cannon. Producer Bob Montgomery was itching to cut a traditional country album at Columbia and he signed Vern. This period included his classic, “Chiseled In Stone” and re-ignited his career.

Everybody in the area liked Vern Gosdin. He didn’t have an ego and was always willing to take advice from people on his songwriting. Just like others, he became discouraged as time went on, thinking the music industry had passed him by. He was right. This happens to all artists. Some have a hard time handling the reality.