Porter Wagoner (1927 - 2007)

At the age of 80, Grand Ole Opry legend and all-around good guy Porter Wagoner has passed away. He wrote some fabulous songs which reflect his easy-going personality and cutting sense of humor. Check out "The Cold Hard Facts of Life", and "I've Enjoyed as Much of This as I Can Stand". There's a detailed obituary here and reminiscences from his peers (including his musical partner, Dolly Parton) here. I feel especially lucky because my wife and I were able to see him perform twice this year - once at the Opry on our trip to Nashville, and again at MSG when he opened for The White Stripes, which we saw the night after we were married. Porter was there for us when we needed him - as he was for so many couples and kids and music lovers who stopped by the Opry for a night's entertainment. He always delivered, strutting on stage in a dazzling Nudie suit, welcoming us to the show, cracking a few jokes, and then laying into one of his classics ("Green, Green, Grass of Home", maybe?) with his sturdy baritone. He made you feel at home. For what it's worth, his music will always have a place in ours.