John Anderson, the beloved hitmaker known for his deep country warble, died on Wednesday at the age of 71. The country great had more than 20 studio albums to his name and throughout his career released a slew of country Number Ones including “Wild and Blue”, “Swingin’,” and “Straight Tequila Night.”
Many of the artists Anderson influenced throughout his prolific career took to social media following news of his death. Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Riley Green, and more mourned Anderson, and honored the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s generational talent.
“I am completely heartbroken by his passing,” wrote McGraw, who said that he had just spoken with Anderson at the Country Music Hall of Fame ceremony in Nashville last Sunday. “There will never be a stylist in music, any music, that was so defining as his. It’s just devastating. All of our love goes out to his family and the country music community. He was and is one of the defining voices in country music.”
In a remembrance, Shelton looked back at his time with Anderson and said, “I am a very lucky man.” He continued, “I got the opportunity to find out that my hero wasn’t just the guy I hoped he’d be. He was so much more than that. John was my friend. I got to see him last Sunday and I don’t even know why but I told him I loved him. That is what fills my heart in this moment. My love and prayers go out to John’s family. This one really hurts.”
John Rich called Anderson his “favorite country artist of all time.” The “man I called ‘Uncle John’ for the past 20 years has passed away,” he wrote in a tribute shared to Instagram. “The great and unmatched John Anderson…He loved Jesus, and his family and his country. He was a massive influence on me in more ways that I can count. I love you, Uncle John.”
In an Instagram Stories post, Riley Green shared a photo of himself alongside Anderson and Dierks Bentley, writing in the caption, “John Anderson, it was an honor to play music with you…appreciate all you did for country music.”
Artists also took to the comments section under the announcement of Anderson’s death on his Instagram page.
“One of my favorite people in this business,” wrote Reba, adding, “I sure will miss you, John. Love you and your music always.” Luke Combs said, “Rest easy John. Thanks for the songs.”
In another post, Parker McCollum said that he had just met Anderson over the weekend. “An absolute legend and one of the greatest to ever do it,” he wrote in the comments. “Beyond grateful to have had the chance to shake his hand. RIP and hope they are swingin up in heaven!”