Joe Diffie, a country music star known for his lighthearted poetry particularly “odes” who got success in the 90s, died from Coronavirus’s complications on Sunday. The news of his death was released by his publicist to CNN.
Diffie was a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The 61-year-old singer made 13 albums of which he had 20 top 10 hits. Sporting a mullet and mustache, Diffie’s crowd-pleasers included “Honky Tonk Attitude” and “If the Devil Danced (in empty pockets).”
Just two days before his death, Joe revealed that he had tested positive for Coronavirus and he is under treatment for the same. In the statement, he asked the people to stay safe from the pandemic and to be cautious, careful, and vigilant during the pandemic. He also wanted some privacy for him and his family for some time until the pandemic is contained.
Joe’s songs were sarcastic and take life as a good old boy, such as his song about pickup trucks and those who drive them, “Pickup Man” of 1994.
Joe’s name and his extensive catalog were turned into a cheeky hook in Jason Aldean’s “1994,” the song of 2012 whose chorus contained the chant “Joe, Joe, Joe Diffie!” Diffie was surprised and told CMT news that he never expected Adlean would make his name as the focus of a song.
He further said, ” It is really an honor to be the focus of a song of Adlean but at the same time it is very discomforting to speak about the unexpected things you know.”
“I was like, are you kidding me right now, it’s kind of flattering, a pretty flattering. It is just one thing to listen to the title of the song or your name. But when we hear our name in a song it’s cool right there, isn’t it,” Joe further told CMT news.
Joe Diffie was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 25 years and was in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
For “Same Old Train,” Joe won a Grammy award in 1998 which is a collaboration with a handful of other artists, including Merle Haggard, Clint Black, Randy Travis, and Patty Loveless.
Mary Chapin Carpenter and Joe were nominated for a Grammy in 1993 for their duet, “Not Too Much to Ask.”
Many famous personalities including singer Travis Tritt expressed their condolences after hearing Diffie’s death.
I just learned that @JoeDiffieOnline has passed away due to complications from the Coronavirus. Joe was a friend and touring partner with me in the 90’s. This comes as a huge shock to all of us in the country music community. Deepest condolences to Joe’s family, friends and fans.
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) March 29, 2020
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