90’s Country Music Legend Joe Diffie Dies from Coronavirus at Age 61
Just only two days ago, Joe Diffie announced that he tested positive for the Coronavirus.
“I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment,” Diffie said at the time. “My family and I are asking for privacy at this time.”
Diffie posted a public statement on his instagram additionally urging fans to be careful during this time. Joe Diffie passed away from complications due to the Coronavirus Sunday, March 29th.
The country music star was most famous for several of his songs including “John Deere Green“, and “Pick Up Man.”
Joe Diffie’s Career:
90’s icon Diffie, born into a musical family in Tulsa Oklahoma started as a demo singer in the 1980’s, later signing with Epic records in Nashville, Tennessee. He moved to Nashville after loosing his job and started to work for the Gibson guitar plant while singing on demos for songs which later became hits for Vicky Van Shelton, Alabama, and Billy Dean, and Holly Dunn. Throughout his career, he charted 35 singles on the billboard hot country songs, several of which toped as number one.
- Home
- If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)
- Third Rock from the Sun
- Pickup Man
- Bigger than the Beatles
His albums include:
- 1990–1991: A Thousand Winding Roads
- 1992: Regular Joe
- 1993: Honky Tonk Attitude
- 1994–1996: Third Rock from the Sun, Mr. Christmas, and Life’s So Funny
- 1996–1998: Twice Upon a Time and Greatest Hits
- 1999–2000: A Night to Remember
- 2001–2004: In Another World and Tougher Than Nails
- 2004–2013: The Ultimate Collection and Homecoming
The artist has also co-wrote song with numerous country singers such as Tim McGraw, George, and Marty Stuart. Diffie is best described as a neo-traditionalist country singer singing anything from ballards to bluegrass. Additionally, Diffie was a grammy winning 25 year Grand Ole Opry member.
Joe Diffie’s death due to Coronavirus is the first reported in the country music community. As of Sunday afternoon, over 33,000 people have been effected by the Coronavirus worldwide. There are 1,537 cases in the state of Tennessee (home of Joe Diffie.)
Even though Diffie has not had a top hit since the early 2000’s, he made a measurable impact on countless country fans and singers. In 2012, Jason Aldean released “1994” which was somewhat a tribute to Joe Diffie.
Not much more is known about the death of Joe Diffie or the Coronavirus complications at this time. His family has requested to please respect their privacy. To all out there, stay home, and stay safe!
