This country and Southern rock superstar is best known for his massive crossover hit, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” However, Charlie Daniels is also a card-carrying representative of the Grand Ole Opry and a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. As a prolific guitarist, singer and fiddler, Daniels continues to sell out concerts and play everyone’s favorite ditty, even after 60 years in the limelight. Part of his appeal is the casual, accessible and down-home quality of his shows. He perpetually attempts to play his best and devotes himself to pleasing fans and improving his skill, all while providing a high-energy environment that gets people on their feet, dancing, clapping and singing along. Tickets to his current North America tour will no doubt please fans. Still crafting new pieces, Daniels and his merry band of Southern rockers released Hits of the South in 2013, and the all-original album Take Back the USA, with its nationalistic spirit, in 2012.
Daniels’ songwriting talent is legendary. Beginning in the early 1950s, he penned songs for prominent musicians, while simultaneously playing backup for legendary artists Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Hank Williams, Jr. Upon turning 21, Daniels sang with his first official band, the Jaguars, while earning a living as a session musician. His first big break was “It Hurts Me,” a song that he co-wrote and was recorded by Elvis Presley. From there, Daniels released his self-titled first album in 1971. Dozens of albums followed, with several going platinum, including Fire on the Mountain, Million Mile Reflections -- featuring “The Devil Goes Down to Georgia" -- and Full Moon. His latest collection continues to draw a strong audience, and his famous boot-stomping, devil-besting anthem endures, just as he does, with contemporary artists covering the tune to wide acclaim.
