By Jordyn Smith
The legendary Charlie Daniels and his band will headline the Brazos County Fair on October 16.
Charlie Daniels grew up in Gulf, North Carolina, where he became skilled at several instruments including guitar, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin. He was also fed a steady musical diet, ranging from Pentecostal gospel to local bluegrass, blues to country.
He began his career as a writer and performer in the 1950s. After graduating from high school in 1955, he formed a rock ‘n’ roll band and began performing. Later in the 1960s, he took his talents to the studio. Being a multi-instrument player, Daniels was able to work as a studio musician. Daniels often worked with producer Bob Johntson, who had produced an album for Daniels’ rock ‘n’ roll group back in 1959. Daniels’ most notable studio work was with Bob Dylan. Daniels played on Dylan’s “1969-1970 Nashville Skyline,” “New Morning,” and Self Portrait.”
In 1971, Daniels released his first solo album, “Charlie Daniels.” His breakthrough as a solo-artist came in 1973 with the release of his third record, “Honey in the Rock.” Daniels had his first hit with “Uneasy Rider,” it reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts.
In 1975, the Charlie Daniels Band reached double-platinum status with the album “Fire On The Mountain.” The album included rebel anthems “Long Haired Country Boy” and “The South’s Gonna Do It.” Following several label changes, in 1976 the group signed on to Epic Records’ rock roster. The contract became the largest ever given to a Nashville act at the time. With the support and loyalty of the label, Charlie Daniels released the mega-hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” in the summer of 1979. The single would go on to reach platinum status, topping both the country and pop charts. It also won Daniels a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal, three Country Music Association awards, became an international phenomenon, and became a staple in the movie Urban Cowboy. Daniels would even make an appearance in the hit movie. With the success of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” it propelled the album “Million Mile Reflections” to Triple Platinum status.
Since the huge success of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” The Charlie Daniels Band has consistently toured and released new music. The song has transcended through generations, allowing the Charlie Daniels Band to grow their audience. Charlie Daniels, over the years, has become a huge influence on country music and southern rock. He has set the tone for what is expected out of artists. His love for both genres is known and well-respected.
On January 19, 2008 a dream became a reality for Charlie Daniels as he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It is considered to be one of country music’s highest honors.
After years and years of successful records and tours, the Charlie Daniels Band shows now inclination of slowing down, and now they’re bringing their can’t-miss show to Aggieland.
