Jimmy Buffett and Tina Turner were the most famous singers to earn an in-memoriam mention at the 2024 Grammy Awards, but nearly two dozen country hitmakers, songwriters or musicians died last year.
Each deserves a place during the Grammy telecast. 2023 was a particularly devastating year for country songwriters, as Kyle Jacobs and Keith Gattis both died unexpectedly. The great Mike Henderson’s death was less of a surprise, at least to those who knew him best.
Related: 19 Country Stars Who Died in Tragic Crashes
Scroll down to learn what each accomplished, and stop and pay tribute to legends including David Crosby, Gary Rossington and Jerry Bradley. Every year the Grammy Awards create a little controversy when somebody gets left out. If they’re country, you’ll find them on this list.
Country Singers Who’ve Died In 2024:
The first month of 2024 has brought a few more sad deaths. Tom Smothers of the Smothers Brothers and ’70s hitmaker Margo Smith are among the stars who passed. Each dedicated their lives to music and entertainment, and each deserves recognition one final time.
The 2024 Grammy Awards air on CBS on Feb. 4 at 8PM ET.
Remember: The best way to watch the 2024 Grammy Awards is on TV, with ToC on your phone!
2024 Grammy In-Memoriam: Country Artists To Remember
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
R.I.P.: 40 Country Singers and Songwriters Who Died Too Soon
These country singers had so much more to give. See 40 country singers who died much too soon: Keith Whitley, Mindy McCready, Troy Gentry and more.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes