Billy Edd Wheeler, renowned country singer-songwriter, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on September 16 aged 91. His daughter Lucy confirmed his passing in a Facebook post. Wheeler was a highly talented and versatile artist who also excelled as an author, playwright, sculptor, and painter. He is best remembered for hit songs such as Jackson, made famous by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, and Coward of the County, recorded by Kenny Rogers.

Throughout his distinguished career, Wheeler received 13 songwriting awards from The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP.) His songs were recorded by various artists, from Jefferson Airplane to Elvis Presley. Wheeler’s song Jackson, rose to No. 2 on the Billboard U.S. Country charts and achieved a GRAMMY Award in 1968 for Best Country & Western Performance Duet, Trio, or Group. Coward of the County, another one of his iconic songs, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1980.

Kyle Young, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame, lauded Wheeler’s uncanny ability to encapsulate an entire cinematic experience within a few minutes through his music. Wheeler was a prodigious talent, leaving a robust legacy of timeless classics.

Our hearts go out to his family and the countless fans mourning the loss of this extraordinary artist. His contributions to the world of music, literature, and art have forever etched his name in the annals of history, and he will be sorely missed.