Country music has lost another legend. Walt Aldridge, the famed songwriter behind hits such as "Modern Day Bonnie And Clyde" by Travis Titt, has sadly passed away, aged 70. FAME Recording Studio & Publishing Company, where Aldridge worked for almost two decades, released a heartfelt statement confirming the news
on their Facebook page.Videos by Wide Open Country
"We are deeply saddened to say that our dear friend and colleague Walt Aldridge has passed away. We cannot possibly put into words how much Walt meant to the the FAME family!" FAME wrote. "There was a time in the 80's when Walt's songwriting along with Robert Byrne, Tommy Brasfield and Mac McAnally carried the most of the weight of the Muscle Shoals Music industry through a difficult time in our history."
Aldridge spent over 60 years in the music industry, which also coincided with a 10-year stint as a professor for the University of North Alabama. Of course, he worked in the entertainment industry department.
Throughout his legendary career, Aldridge penned 56 top-40 songs on Billboard's country charts and obtained seven number-one CMA certificates. There aren't many songwriters who can match Aldridge's accomplishments within the industry, especially when factoring in his incredible longevity.
Walt Aldridge Loved the Outdoors
While many know Aldridge for his work, outside of music, he enjoyed the quiet life. Morrison Funeral Homes & Crematory noted some of his other pastimes in his obituary.
"Walt's other interests included hunting, fishing, traveling, and woodworking," the obituary read. "But his most loved hobby was his garden. He proudly grew his vegetables and flowers every year. He often said it made him feel connected to his own Dad. More than anything else, though, he loved his family! His greatest joy came from time spent with them."
Aldridge is survived by his wife, Stephanie, his six children and nine grandchildren. However, he's also survived by the millions of music fans who will undoubtedly continue to listen to the songs he penned for decades to come.
His legacy will live on through his work, both as a writer and as the lead vocalist of 80s band The Shooters, where they charted multiple singles.
