Nashville Guitarist and Songwriter, Mac Gayden, Dead at 83

Mac Gayden has died. The songwriter and guitarist, best known for co-writing “Everlasting Love” and performing with Bob Dylan, died on April 16, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum announced on Instagram. He was 83.

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Gayden’s cousin, Tommye Maddox Working, told The New York Times that Gayden died at his Nashville home. The musician died due to complications of Parkinson’s disease, Gayden’s cousin said.

According to a bio published by the museum, Gayden served as a bridge “between Nashville’s country, R&B, and rock music communities.”

The musician began his career with Charlie McCoy & the Escorts. Along with Buzz Cason, Gayden went on to pen songs for R&B singer Robert Knight, including the hit “Everlasting Love.” He also wrote tracks for artists including Bobby Bare, Clifford Curry, and Porter Wagoner.

Elsewhere, as a guitarist, Gayden shared his talents with J.J. Cale, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Tammy Wynette, and Steve Young.

Throughout his career, Gayden also performed as a solo artist. He was also a member of bands including Area Code 615 and Barefoot Jerry.

Gayden wrote about his life and work in his 2013 memoir, Missing String Theory: A Musician’s Uncommon Spiritual Journey.

Mac Gayden Is Remembered

Kyle Young, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, paid tribute to Gayden in a statement.

“Dylan’s producer Bob Johnston called Mac Gayden ‘the best guitar player I ever heard’ and a ‘genius genius genius.’ And who could argue?” Young said. “Gayden’s innovative wah-wah slide guitar playing crystalized J.J. Cale’s ‘Crazy Mama,’ and his bluesy touch deepened records by Kris Kristofferson, Charley Pride, and Linda Ronstadt.”

“As a founding member of Area Code 615, Mac’s fingerprint was recognized at a time the world was becoming acutely aware of the blinding array, and virtuosity, of Nashville’s first-call Cats,” he continued. “His soulful songwriting eschewed genre, revealing a depth that reflected the whole city, and gave life to R&B classics such as the indelible ‘Everlasting Love’ and ‘She Shot a Hole in My Soul.’”

Young’s statement concluded, “His sheer musicality was a dazzling force, and his spirit a gift to us all.”

Per The Times, Gayden was preceded in death by his daughter, Kellie. He is survived by his kids Oceana, Mac Jr., Kathryn, and Kimberly, as well as his wife of five decades, Diane Boyte. The outlet reported that Gayden is also survived by nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two siblings.

Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum