John Anderson’s family has announced the country singer’s death at 71. His career encompassed five country chart number ones and 22 studio albums, with a revival around Seminole Wind in 1992. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024, Anderson released his final album, Years, in 2020, working with producer Dan Auerbach.
John Anderson, the US country singer known for Swingin’, Seminole Wind and Straight Tequila Night, has died at 71. His family announced his death on social media. Across his career he released 22 studio albums and reached number one five times on the country charts.[1], [2]
Born in Florida, Anderson moved to Nashville after high school to pursue music. He worked manual jobs during the day and performed at night, including a period roofing the Grand Ole Opry, the city’s landmark country venue. His first single appeared in 1975; I’ve Got a Feelin’ followed in 1977.[1]
I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal reached the country top five in 1981 and was the song for which he received his only Grammy nomination. Wild and Blue, Black Sheep and Swingin’ subsequently topped the country chart. Swingin’ also crossed into the US pop chart.[1]
After leaving Warner in the late 1980s, Anderson returned to major success with Seminole Wind in 1992. Three of the album’s songs reached the country top three. Money in the Bank also reached number one. His final album, Years, came out in 2020 with producer Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. Anderson entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024.[1]
