Charlie Rich was a country singer who had a string of hits in the 1970s, including “Behind Closed Doors” and “The Most Beautiful Girl”. He was known for his eclectic style of music that blended influences from rockabilly, jazz, blues, soul, and gospel. He also had a reputation for being unpredictable and rebellious, sometimes clashing with the music industry and his fellow artists. But how did he die and what were the circumstances surrounding his death?
The Final Days of Charlie Rich
According to Country Thang Daily, Charlie Rich was on his way to Florida with his wife Margaret Ann in July 1995. They had planned to visit their son Allan, who was recovering from a motorcycle accident. They stopped at a motel in Hammond, Louisiana, for the night. Rich had been suffering from a chronic cough for some time, but he did not seek medical attention. He also had a history of alcoholism and drug abuse, which may have contributed to his poor health.
The next morning, Margaret Ann found him dead in their bed. He had died in his sleep from an acute pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot that travels to the lungs and blocks the blood flow. He was 62 years old.
The Legacy of Charlie Rich
Charlie Rich was one of the most talented and versatile singers in country music history. He had a rich and soulful voice that could express a range of emotions and moods. He also played several instruments, including piano, guitar, and saxophone. He wrote many of his own songs, as well as songs for other artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash.
He won several awards for his music, including two Grammys, four Academy of Country Music Awards, and three Country Music Association Awards. He was also inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
However, he also faced many challenges and controversies in his career. He struggled with depression and addiction, which affected his personal and professional life. He sometimes acted erratically and impulsively, such as when he set fire to the envelope containing the name of the Entertainer of the Year at the 1975 CMA Awards, which turned out to be John Denver.
He also had difficulty fitting into the mainstream country music scene, as he experimented with different genres and styles. He was often labeled as an outsider or a rebel by the industry and the media.
Despite these difficulties, he left behind a legacy of music that influenced many artists across genres. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers of all time by critics and fans alike.
Charlie Rich cause of death was a tragic end to a brilliant life. He will always be remembered as the Silver Fox who sang from his heart.
