Country's Mel McDaniel is in need of prayers, the Opry
member's family says. (Photo courtesy of Mel McDaniel
Web site.)
Author's Note: Since this story was written, a benefit concert and silent auction for Mel McDaniel has been set for Aug. 13, 2009, in Nashville. To learn more, please click here.
Country music's Mel McDaniel, 66, was in a Nashville-area hospital in a medically induced coma on Wednesday, July 8, according to news wire reports.
The Grand Ole Opry performer has a history of health woes--many of which originate with the singer's 1996 near-fatal fall into an orchestra pit during a concert in Louisiana--and just last month, on June 16, he suffered a heart attack.
Per one online alert from Country Weekly, McDaniel's wife, Peggy, contacted the magazine's Nashville office on July 6 to request for Mel from his fans "as he battles for his life." The music pub further reported that Peggy described her husband's medical condition as "not good" at that time.
A native of Checotah, Okla., the same hometown as country-starlet Carrie Underwood, McDaniel's voice is best known by country fans on classics such as "Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On,” “Stand Up!” and “Louisiana Saturday Night.”
Before making a name for himself in country music, McDaniel sang for oil-field workers in Alaska in the '70s. Since then, he has been a regular performer on the Grand Ole Opry since 1986 and, aside from his solo hits, he's penned songs with the likes of Earl Scruggs, Conway Twitty and Kenny Rogers.
Where to send cards and letters: According to information posted on the musician's Web site, cards of support are requested and may be mailed to McDaniels' attention at Two Rivers Campground, 2616 Music Valley Drive, Nashville, Tenn., 37214.
Video viewing: To view a vintage music video of one of the artist's hits, simply scroll below.
Music video for "Stand Up!" hit single by Mel McDaniel, complete with its story introduction and crew.
Comments
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers going out for our dear friends... Country Music Star, Mel McDaniel and his ("Angel") wife. Peggy. Mel was just in the studio with me last month recording a duet ....looking and singing FANTASTIC as ever! He (and Peggy) are truly one of the nicest ...and most REAL people in the music business ...and I am just heartbroken over the news.
My friend, my hero, and a legend.
I am heart broken and searching for the words.
No one has worked harder and deserves more respect.
This man was so kind, caring and trully amazing, my thoughts and prayers are with him and ofcourse his loving wife. Many years ago I used to drive semi, while I was driving I often would run into several of the country artists on the road, when I spotted their buses I'd holler over who we got there in the fancy stage coach, I must've run into Mel oh gosh at least 30plusx's and always he was so kind, he would laugh and ask me if I was following him, which ofcourse was cute as could be as I was going the opposite direction, oh what a kind soul. I just adored his music and it makes me so happy to think back to those times as I do know he was always so happy as he knew how high I regarded him. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, I pray God touches this kind soul and heals him so he can again sing at the Opry. God Bless You All!
This is heartbreaking. He is so very young to have had some of the woes he has encountered. My prayers are with him and his family.
Dee Hopkins
My husband and I followed Mel and his band for alot of years,enjoying his music,wonderful company on the bus. He always looked forward to Mr. Bob's tomatoes(he even taught me how to peel one) and melons. Mel and his wife are in our prayers. God Bless........
I am a long time fan of Mel and would like to add my prayers for Mel and his wife.
I wish they would do another benefit in Oklahoma so I could go.
IN NOBLESVILLE IN. PRAYERS ARE WITH THE MEL AND HIS FAMILY. I LOVE HIS MUSIC AND HOPE FOR THE BEST.
how,s mel we hope he comes back to do what he & the world loves, sing. linda charlie,nashvill tn
Folks! Is anyone out there having an update on Mel's health???
Please keep me posted - and thank you!
Last I heard, Judith, Mel McDaniel was at home and being cared for by family.
Lisa L. Rollins
Prayers go out to his family. One note is that he is from OKMULGEE, OK.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!