Singer-Sonwriter Billy Joe Shaver Dead at 81

You may not know Billy Joe Shaver, but he had an impact on country music in the 70's. The country music singer and songwriter was born in Corsicana, Texas in 1939. After getting out of the Navy, Shaver attempted to hitchhike to California. After numerous attempts to head west, he decided to cross the highway and try east. He found a ride and found himself in Nashville.

He became a songwriter in Nashville, making $50 a week. After some time, his songs peaked the interest of Waylon Jennings. Jennings ended up putting most of Shaver's songs on his album Honky Tonk Heroes. After Jennings, other artists began to take notice of Shaver's music. Elvis Presley and Kris Kristofferson were among the many that began to use his songs for their albums.

His actual recording career never really took off as an artist, but his songs never stopped getting picked up by fellow musicians. He will be missed by all of country music. He passed away from a massive stroke in Waco, Texas today.