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Stonewall Jackson, Longtime Grand Ole Opry Member, Dies at 89

Stonewall Jackson, a Grand Ole Opry member and country music singer, has died. He was 89.

Over his illustrious and decades-long career, Jackson released a series of popular tunes, including “Waterloo,” “Don’t Be Angry,” “I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water,” and “B.J. the D.J.,” among others.

Born in Tabor City, North Carolina, Jackson was then raised in Georgia before he eventually made his way to Nashville, according to theAssociated Press.

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Stonewall Jackson, Longtime Grand Ole Opry Member, Dies at 89

Jackson first joined the Grand Ole Opry in November 1956, longer ago than any other current Opry member, the organization noted (The musician became a member of the Opry without having a record deal, perBillboard).

In a 2013 interview withMusicChartsMagazine, Jackson opened up about how he was offered a years-long contract with the Grand Ole Opry during his first invite to play there in the 1950s.

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“I’m not putting down the record end of the business because that’s very important, too,” Jackson said. “But to me, the way I came here and all, the Grand Ole Opry’s been the mainstay in my career. I still love the Grand Ole Opry very, very much.”

“I intend to play it as long as I can still sing ‘Don’t Be Angry,'” the musician added, referring to one of the first songs he sang at the iconic Nashville-based establishment.

A performance at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night was dedicated in Jackson’s honor.

source: people.com