A somber atmosphere hung over Nashville as three country music stars passed away within a week.
Country music world rocked by 3 deaths in a week: ‘Nashville feels a little quieter’
Country music lost three performers across the past week. (Photo by: Felipe Rodriguez/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)VW Pics/Universal Images Group v
It has been a heartbreaking week for country music with the loss of an up-and-coming star and two unheralded legends of the genre.
The following is a look back at those lost”
Floyd Brown might not be a name that every modern country fan knows, but he made his mark on the music world and had a following.
Brown died on Tuesday, his family said, after a long battle with cancer.
He was 79.
Brown, who was described as a swamp pop/country singer-songwriter-guitarist by The Advocate, became a legend in Louisiana.
“He was one of the greatest,” his niece, Dara Stuart, told The Advocate.
The outlet said he was known for hits such as “Kiss Me Just One More Time,” I Can’t Sleep If I Can’t Sleep With You,” and “There Lies the Difference.”
He had a long career, turning out hits in Louisiana since the 1960s.
“It’s a shock for everyone,” singer Chase Tyler told The Advocate. “I don’t think anyone saw it coming.
“Floyd was a mentor early in my career,” Tyler added. He was always a sweetheart to me and very encouraging to the young artists coming up behind him. “
Tyler told The Advocate that Brown was “underrated as a vocalist, and he was an amazing singer-songwriter.
“He had a lot of success early on, one of the true icons of swamp pop and country in south Louisiana,” Tyler said. “A legend.”
Fans and friends took to social media to remember Brown as well.
“I was introduced to the music of Mr. Floyd Brown when I was a little girl because my family always played his music and went to his club,” Kristel Duncan wrote on Facebook. “Years later, I always appreciated the opportunities to share the stage with him.
“We lost a legend who has influenced a lot of homegrown talent,” she added. “May his songs, and stories we made to them, stay with us forever.”
BILL CODY
Dierks Bentley was among the country music stars who took to social media late Tuesday night to remember legendary announcer Bill Cody.
Cody, a Country Music Radio Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry announcer, died after battling kidney failure and heart failure in a hospital for more than three weeks.
“Country Music has lost one of its pillars,” Bentley wrote on Instagram. “Bill was just as important to the fabric of our music and city as any artist, songwriter or musician. No one loved Country Music, its history and its characters more than Bill Cody. Prayers to his family and Charlie and Kelly and everyone that knew and loved him at WSM and the Opry. “
The Opry also wrote, “We are going to miss him so very much.”
WSM Radio first shared the news of Cody’s death late Tuesday night.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend and beloved WSM voice, Bill Cody,” the statement on Instagram read. “A singular presence on WSM-AM Nashville for more than three decades, Bill welcomed listeners each morning on Coffee, Country & Cody with a broad smile, a conversational ease, and an unerring ability to make both artists and audiences feel at home. He joined WSM in 1994 and had Charlie Daniels as his first in-studio guest. He built more than a morning show; he created a gathering place rooted in his deep love for country music and the people behind it.
“Bill’s voice also became synonymous with the Grand Ole Opry, where he frequently served as host, including Opry Country Classics,” the statement continued. “His work extended across television and syndicated radio, bringing country music to audiences far beyond Nashville. Inspired early on by time spent at a small Kentucky radio station with his father, Bill’s passion for broadcasting became a lifelong calling that ultimately led him to the city he once dreamed about as young boy. His contributions to broadcasting were recognized with his induction into the Country Radio Hall of Fame, a star on the Music City Walk of Fame, and his forthcoming, posthumous induction into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame.”
Cody’s death came just more than a week after his daughter first revealed his health battle.
“Friends. Prayer warrior. I believe in the power of prayer and my daddy needs prayers,” his daughter, Hannah, said in a statement. “A little over 3 weeks ago he was admitted to the ICU in heart failure and kidney failure. After weeks of being on a roller coaster of emotions, tests, dialysis, medications, steps forward and steps backwards, it was determined earlier this week that his only option for survival would be a double transplant, heart and kidney.
“Many prayers have been prayed this week that he would pass all necessary tests to qualify for the transplant list,” the statement continued. “And those prayers were answered.”
Hannah then explained what Cody was dealing with.
“Last night, his strength and ability to pump blood took a downward spiral and we got a call from his doctor early this morning that they were having to intubate him to put him on ECMO (a machine that does the hearts job for him,” she wrote. “This is what we need prayers for. 1.) Pray that he will not experience any of the risks that come along with ECMO — stroke, blood clots, infection. 2.) Pray that the next 48 hours on ECMO gives his body time to rest and gain strength. This is the biggest hurdle for transplant qualification right now. He has to gain strength. 3.) Pray that the transplant team that meets on Tuesdays will find him a candidate for transplant and get him put on the list. We need a miracle and we know God is able. Please if you’re able, stop and pray for these things. Our family can’t thank you enough. We love you all.”
WSM closed out its statement Tuesday night by remembering Cody for his “kindness, humility, and genuine gift of connection.”
“Bill Cody was one of those rare people who didn’t just work in Country Music — he lived it, protected it, and loved it with every fiber of his being,” Tyler Herndon wrote on Instagram. “For decades, Bill was a trusted voice, a champion of artists, a keeper of our stories, and a bridge between generations of country music fans. Whether you were a superstar or a struggling songwriter with a dream, Bill made you feel like you mattered. I was fortunate to call him a friend. His kindness was genuine, his passion was contagious, and his belief in this music never wavered. He understood that country music is more than songs and charts — it’s people, community, and heart.
“Today, Nashville feels a little quieter,” he continued. “The Opry, WSM, and all of us who loved him are feeling this loss deeply. Thank you, Bill, for every conversation, every introduction, every encouragement, and for being such a faithful steward of the music we all love. Your voice may be silent, but your legacy will echo through country music for generations to come.
“Sending love and prayers to Charlie, Kelly, his family, and the countless friends whose lives were better because Bill Cody was in them.”
ANTHONY ENRIQUEZ
Anthony Enriquez, a key member of the popular country music group Shotgun Rider, has died.
Saving Country Music reported that Enriquez was just 36. No cause of death has been reported.
Enriquez founded the group along with vocalist and guitarist Logan Stamford in 2012. He was the lead guitarist and a songwriter.
Fans and followers took to social media to remember him.
“The Texas Music community lost a real one with the passing of Anthony Enriquez,” Galleywinter posted on Facebook. “Many fans first discovered Anthony as one half of the Texas duo Shotgun Rider, but his impact stretched far beyond those years. As a solo artists, songwriter, and supporter of fellow musicians, Anthony continued pouring himself into the music and the people around him.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who knew him through his music and friendship.”
“It’s a Shotgun Rider day!” A.J. Martin wrote on Facebook. “My road brother Anthony Enriquez has joined many of our road brothers and sister in heaven. Most importantly he has joined his father. Those boys had faith in me and gave me the opportunities to really hone in my craft. I really fell in love with the road and music, let alone gained some of the best friends, running around with Anthony and the boys. Gonna miss our long phone calls, and especially your laugh. Rest easy man, and put on one hell of a show up there!”
Shotgun Rider released two EPS — one in 2015 and another in 2016 — before dropping its first full album, “Palo Duro,” in 2018.
Saving Country Music described the duo’s sound as “somewhere between George Strait and the Kings of Leon.”
