The world of country music is mourning the loss of a renowned songwriter, Wayland Holyfield.
According to Music Row, the musician passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024. He was 82 years old. He was renowned for collaborating with some of the biggest stars within the country music industry, like George Strait, Reba McEntire, Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings, The Judds, and many more.
He reportedly died at home in his sleep.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Holyfield, thanks to his family, has been immersed in music since he was a kid. Throughout his childhood, he learned how to play the violin and bass; then, he joined a local band called The Rebels.
Initially, the songwriter didn't pursue music as he worked at an ad agency upon graduation from the University of Arkansas, but he wasn't happy with his job.
Later, Holyfield decided to make his dreams come true and became a musician. He first toured with The General Store and moved to the music capital, Nashville, in 1972.
It was around the same time when he got his first hit after working with Johnny Russell on the track "Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer."
He was also the genius mind behind the song "You're My Best Friend" by Don Williams.
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The musician didn't stop there. He went on to amass major hits until the 1980s with the songs "I'll Need Someone to Hold Me (When I Cry)," "You're the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had," "Put Your Dreams Away," "Don't Count the Rainy Days," and many more.
Holyfield's best efforts paid off as he was named ASCAP's Country Songwriter of the Year in 1982. He sealed his iconic status upon being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992.
The songwriter was best remembered for his love for his home state of Arkansas as he wrote "Arkansas (You Run Deep in Me)" for the state's sesquicentennial in 1986.
In addition, he was also praised for advocating for the songwriting community as he was elected to the national ASCAP Board of Directors and later became the president of the Nashville Songwriters Association International.
The outlet noted that Holyfield had health problems over the past few years, but they have not hindered him from working as a musician in the country music industry.
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