by Joseph Jablonski
Charlie Daniels was born on October 28, 1936, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Daniels grew up playing music for different genres like bluegrass, gospel, and even rhythm & blues. Once Charlie graduated high school in 1955, he formed a rock ‘n roll band. Daniels began his musical journey playing southern rock then slowly transferred over to country rock, bluegrass, rock, jazz, outlaw country, gospel, and much more. By the age of 21, Daniels had formed a band called The Jaguars. In 1959, The Jaguars got a recording session with Bob Johnson (who later became the leading producer for Columbia Records. The Jaguars’ first produced song didn’t do all that well, so Daniels decided to move on with his musical journey as a solo artist. As a solo artist Daniels moved to Nashville, Tennessee where he would soon become one of the most famous fiddle players around. Daniels would go on to strive as one of the country’s top superstars. In 2020, Daniels was still playing music and planned on playing a show but due to the Covid-19 pandemic Daniels decided to push his show to 2021. Sadly, he died in July 2020 due to a hemorrhagic stroke.
The famous singer and songwriter made his way to SUNY Geneseo twice, first on March 16, 1974 and again, on May 3, 1978. Daneils played at The Wilson Ice Arena and Schrader Gym. Tickets for the 1974 show were $1.00 for students and $2.00 for the public. In 1978, tickets were $3.50 for students, $4.50 for faculty, and $5.00 for the public. By the 1970s, Daniels was a well-known “outlaw” styled country superstar who was also best known for his musical talents when it comes to the fiddle. Daniels released his best-known song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” in 1979 the year after he came to SUNY Geneseo and in this song his famous fiddle playing can be easily recognized. This is easily Daniels’ most famous song because of his outlawed bluegrass mixture that allows for a specific and unique sound. In the song, you can hear Daniels play his famous fiddle along with his ultimate country rasp of his voice. Throughout the song, Daniels plays his fiddle and sort of talks and sings at the same time making the song so iconic. Daniels is not only famous for his rhythm and musical style but his physical appearance as well. Daniels is known for his hipster long hair and long beard with a cowboy hat to match. Not only did Daniels strive to be the best fiddle player he also plays a handful of instruments like guitar, banjo, and even the mandolin. Throughout Daniels’ musical career he would go on to release countless albums, including many famous hit songs. Some of Daniels’ hit songs include “Simple Man” (1989), “Long Haired Country Boy” (1974), “The South’s Gonna Do It Again” (1974), and “Uneasy Rider” (1973). Even until his death in 2020, Daniels continued to produce and make music.
His visit to SUNY Geneseo had a significant impact because during the 1970s country music was not all that popular with all the many genres surfacing the music world. Daniels shared his fiddle playing talents with the whole campus changing the minds of many when it comes to “outlaw” country music.