History of Charlie Daniels in Timeline
"Charlie Daniels was a celebrated American singer, musician, and songwriter renowned for his unique blend of rock, country, blues, and jazz music. His pioneering sound significantly contributed to the Southern rock genre. He is best known for his chart-topping hit "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." Most of his work, including seven of his eight Billboard Hot 100 singles, was attributed to the Charlie Daniels Band.
October 28, 1936: Birth of Charlie Daniels
Charles Edward Daniels was born on October 28, 1936.
July 1963: Jerry Jackson Records "It Hurts Me"
In July 1963, soul singer Jerry Jackson recorded Charlie Daniels' song "It Hurts Me".
January 12, 1964: Elvis Presley Records "It Hurts Me"
On January 12, 1964, Elvis Presley recorded a version of Charlie Daniels' song "It Hurts Me".
September 20, 1964: Marriage to Hazel Juanita Alexander
Charlie Daniels married Hazel Juanita Alexander on September 20, 1964.
1969: Collaboration with Bob Dylan
Charlie Daniels collaborated with Bob Dylan on his album "Nashville Skyline" in 1969.
1970: Release of Debut Album
Charlie Daniels released his self-titled debut album in 1970.
1970: Collaboration with Ringo Starr
Charlie Daniels worked with Ringo Starr on his album "Beaucoups of Blues" in 1970.
1970: Debut Album and Southern Rock Influence
In 1970, Charlie Daniels released his self-titled debut album, which music critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine called a pivotal recording in the development of Southern rock.
1971: Collaboration with Leonard Cohen
Charlie Daniels collaborated with Leonard Cohen on his album "Songs of Love and Hate" in 1971.
1973: "Uneasy Rider" Hits Top 10 and First Volunteer Jam Concert
In 1973, Charlie Daniels achieved a Top 10 hit with "Uneasy Rider" and organized the first Volunteer Jam concert.
1976: Supporting Jimmy Carter
In 1976, Charlie Daniels showed his support for Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign by performing at his fundraisers.
1977: Progressive Country and Early Country Rap
By 1977, Billboard magazine recognized the Charlie Daniels Band as a major force in progressive country music.
1977: Performance at President Jimmy Carter's Inauguration
Following President Jimmy Carter's win, Charlie Daniels Band performed at his inauguration in 1977.
September 1979: "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" Tops Charts and Wins Grammy
In September 1979, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning Charlie Daniels a Grammy Award.
January 30, 1980: Serious Arm Injury
On January 30, 1980, Daniels experienced a severe arm injury while working on his farm, breaking his right arm in three places and two fingers.
1980: Appearance in "Urban Cowboy"
Charlie Daniels appeared as himself in the film "Urban Cowboy" in 1980.
1982: Release of "Windows"
Charlie Daniels released the album "Windows" in 1982.
1989: Release of "Simple Man" and Controversy
The release of "Simple Man" in 1989 brought Charlie Daniels another gold album, but the title track sparked controversy due to its lyrics about vigilantism.
1995: Release of First Christian Album
Charlie Daniels released "The Door", his first Christian album, in 1995.
1999: Induction into North Carolina Music Hall of Fame
In 1999, Charlie Daniels was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
2001: Release of "This Ain't No Rag, It's a Flag"
Charlie Daniels released the patriotic song "This Ain't No Rag, It's a Flag" in 2001, in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks.
2001: Prostate Cancer Treatment
In 2001, Charlie Daniels successfully underwent treatment for prostate cancer.
2002: Induction into Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame
In 2002, Charlie Daniels was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame.
2003: Support for Iraq Invasion
In 2003, Charlie Daniels expressed his support for the invasion of Iraq.
October 18, 2005: Honored as a BMI Icon
Charlie Daniels was honored as a BMI Icon at the 53rd annual BMI Country Awards on October 18, 2005.
2005: Release of First Bluegrass and Gospel Album
Charlie Daniels released his first bluegrass and gospel album, "Songs from the Longleaf Pines", in 2005.
November 2007: Invitation to Join Grand Ole Opry
Charlie Daniels received an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in November 2007.
January 19, 2008: Induction into Grand Ole Opry
Charlie Daniels was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on January 19, 2008.
2008: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry
Charlie Daniels was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2008.
2009: Featured in GEICO Commercial
Charlie Daniels was featured playing the fiddle in a GEICO commercial in 2009.
2009: Induction into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
In 2009, Charlie Daniels was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
January 15, 2010: Stroke and Hospitalization
Charlie Daniels was hospitalized after suffering a stroke while snowmobiling in Colorado on January 15, 2010, and was released two days later.
March 25, 2013: Pneumonia Diagnosis and Pacemaker Implantation
On March 25, 2013, after being diagnosed with pneumonia, Charlie Daniels was hospitalized for tests that revealed the need for a pacemaker. He received the pacemaker and was discharged a few days later.
2013: Concerns about US Intervention in Syria
In 2013, following chemical weapon attacks in Syria, Daniels urged caution in US military response, calling for a thoughtful approach to avoid repeating past mistakes in the Middle East.
2016: NRA Ad Appearance
Charlie Daniels appeared in an ad for the National Rifle Association (NRA) in 2016, directed at the Iranian government.
2016: Release of "Night Hawks"
Charlie Daniels released the Western swing album "Night Hawks" in 2016.
2016: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame
Charlie Daniels was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016.
March 2017: Announcement of Memoir
HarperCollins announced the upcoming release of Charlie Daniels' memoir in March 2017.
April 7, 2017: Support for Military Action in Syria
On April 7, 2017, following President Trump's strike on Syria, Daniels tweeted his approval, stating the world had changed and America would no longer be seen as weak.
October 24, 2017: Release of Memoir "Never Look at the Empty Seats"
Charlie Daniels' memoir, "Never Look at the Empty Seats", was released on October 24, 2017.
September 28, 2018: Awarded MMP Music Award and Inducted into MMP Global Entertainment Hall of Fame
On September 28, 2018, Charlie Daniels received the MMP Music Award and was inducted into the MMP Global Entertainment Hall of Fame in Biloxi, Mississippi.
November 6, 2018: Release of "Let's All Make the Day Count: The Everyday Wisdom of Charlie Daniels"
Charlie Daniels' book of inspirational quotes and stories, "Let's All Make the Day Count", was released on November 6, 2018.
2019: Criticism of New York's Reproductive Health Act
In 2019, Charlie Daniels strongly criticized New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for signing the Reproductive Health Act, which legalized late-term abortion under certain circumstances.
July 6, 2020: Death of Charlie Daniels
Charlie Daniels passed away on July 6, 2020.