Photo by Alysse Gafkjen
“John Anderson was very soulful. The songs he sang came to life with his truly unique voice and he represented what country music really is. An unmistakable, fun loving artist from the deep south who loved to sing and perform and was embraced by the country music community as one of the best who ever played the Opry. We will miss him, but his songs will live on forever In our hearts. RIP John Anderson”
- Lee Greenwood
“I am in shock. Just Sunday, John and I were at the Country Music Hall of Fame, laughing and sharing funny George stories and reminiscing about all the wonderful memories we’ve had together. We even took photos together, and now he’s gone. My heart is broken. I’m hurting so much for Jamie. I love them both dearly, and I will forever cherish those memories.”
- Nancy Jones
“I first met John in Florida at the Suwanee River Country Fest. I was touring with Josh Turner, and I could not have been more surprised. I stepped off the bus in the morning and there stood John Anderson, in the flesh, holding an enormous Osceola turkey by its legs! It was quite the sight! He was grinning from ear to ear. He wanted to show Josh the bird and he was about to knock on the door. It was the best possible way to meet one of your country music heroes! He was an absolute larger than life character in every sense, and I relished every moment I got to be around Him. Rest easy, John!”
– Jim VanCleve
Appalachian Road Show
“The world lost one of the most unique voices to ever grace a country song yesterday. I had the pleasure of sitting on John Anderson‘s bus one night after a show just passing the guitar back-and-forth, singing some of our favorite country songs to each other. I’ll never forget what he said to us that night… ‘I like you boys, y’all are old-school!’ RIP John Anderson.”
– Heath Wright
RICOCHET
“John Anderson – legend an amazing songwriter. God bless you, John!”
– Andrew Farriss
“I simply can’t believe that John Anderson is no longer with us. He was truly one of the voices that shaped my childhood. ‘Swingin’’ and ‘Seminole Wind’ were on the radio constantly at our house. He was a lyrical stylist in every sense of the word. My musical world was a better place simply because he was a part of it. Rest easy, sir.”
– Kody Norris
The Kody Norris Show
“Say hello to heaven John Anderson. We sure had a great time in the early ‘80s cutting the song “In The Jailhouse Now”.
– David Frizzell
“John & I didn’t cross paths directly at different events, but I always admired his unique style and sound. He had a great image that made country what it is and remembered for. His part is ageless!”
– Janie Fricke
“I love artists that are identifiable the moment you hear you hear them. It's a rare gift and John was a perfect example. I became an instant fan before we moved to town. In his case, it's no cliche to say that he was truly one of a kind. I'm so proud to have worked with him on the road and become friends. His passing leaves a gaping hole in originality. May God bless his family in this hour of sadness. We'll all miss you, brother.”
– T. Graham Brown
“Today I’m shocked, stunned, and deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of John Anderson. I saw John Sunday evening at the Country Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. We talked for several minutes and exchanged phone numbers to get together soon. He was upbeat and looked great. I am a big fan of his singing and will miss his friendship forever.”
– William Lee Golden
The Oak Ridge Boys
"I once got to write with John around Thanksgiving time (I remember because of a picked over turkey carcass in the office fridge). We had never met and we got on like old spirits reconvening - and after a couple hours of really being open and honest with each other, we took that honesty to a song we wrote fairly quickly called "WORLD OF WONDER." That song is our testament to two strangers being vulnerable with each other... (I asked for the turkey carcass to take home and make soup... & I did). The only other time I saw john, he came over to the farm to sing on our song "WORLD OF WONDER" as a duet with me - during the COVID-19 lock down Nov. 2020 (no masks). Man, did he knock out his vocal in the kitchen - BAM!
When we were finished and saying good bye he would NOT take money for the session and was just as sincere and kind as can be in his support for me. That voice, the writing (Seminole Wind, etc.) and his big spirit is an inspiration to me."
– Darrell Scott
