Country Music Legend Stonewall Jackson Has Passed Away

This story has been updated.
One of country music’s critically-important performers from the Golden Era of the 50’s and 60’s, and one of the Grand Ole Opry’s most regular performers throughout the years, has passed on to that big stage in the sky. Stonewall Jackson was not a nickname. He was named after the Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson at birth on November 6th, 1932, though despite rumors, there was no direct relation. Stonewall’s name was famous, though he’s also one of those performers whose music and legacy regularly get unfairly lost in the fray.
Born in Tabor City, North Carolina, Stonewall Jackson had the distinction of becoming one of the first Grand Ole Opry stars to be invited in as a member before he’d secured a recording contract. It happened in 1956 after music publisher Wesley Rose heard Stonewall’s demo recording, and set him up with an audition. Once he began making regular appearances on the Opry and toured around with his mentor Ernest Tubb, Jackson finally landed a deal with Columbia Records, earning his first hit with a song called “Life to Go,” written by an up-and-coming George Jones.
Stonewall would go on to have quite a successful recording career, releasing twenty Top 20 singles over the next many years, including #1’s for “Waterloo” in 1959, and “B.J. and the D.J.” in 1964, and 35 Top 40 hits between 1958 and 1971. His final hit was a cover of Lobo’s “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo.”
Stonewall also has the distinction of taking the Opry to task in 2006 when he sued the institution for $20 million for age discrimination after 50 years as a member. Jackson became a rallying cry for many artists and fans who felt the Opry was abandoning them in their old age, and it helped change the culture of the Opry to embrace aging artists as opposed to pushing them out. The lawsuit was eventually settled for an undisclosed amount, and made large strides for older country performers.
Health had kept Stonewall mostly out of the public eye in recent years. He lived on a farm in Brentwood, Tennessee with his wife Juanita who passed away in 2019.
Stonewall Jackson died on Saturday, December 4th after a long battle with vascular dementia. Saturday night’s Opry is scheduled to pay tribute to Stonewall during the presentation. Funeral arrangements are pending.
“Saddened to hear the news of the passing of fellow Grand Ole Opry Member ‘Stonewall’ Jackson,” Rhonda Vincent said at the news. “He was a real character. His style was reflected in everything he did. I most recently was driving around Nashville and noticed his tour bus parked. Oh, the stories that bus could tell. He made no apologies for who he was. I admired his grit, and how he stood up for what he believed in. My sincere condolences to his family. Rest In Peace.”
At 89-years-old, Stonewall Jackson was the oldest tenured member of the Grand Ole Opry, the only member from the 50’s, and one of country music’s oldest living performers overall. Bill Anderson is now the oldest tenured Grand Ole Opry member, joining in 1961.
December 4, 2021 @ 6:51 pm
I am a firm believer that Stonewall Jackson should already have a bronze plaque hanging as a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Sadly, this never came in this lifetime. He was the last of the genuine honky tonk artists of the 1950’s and 60’s.
In comparing Stonewall to other members of the Hall of Fame I think many could agree his career was just as deserving. Ferlin Husky, Johnny Bond, Jumpin’ Bill Carlisle, Jimmy Dean, Jean Shepard, and maybe others, are examples of Hall of Famers who had a type of career comparable to Stonewall Jackson, as far as commercial success.
One thing I have always pointed to regarding Stonewall is from Joel Whitburn’s “The Billboard Book of Top 40 Country Hits”. According to his research of Billboard magazine the Top-15 country recording artists of the decade of the 1960’s are;
1) Buck Owens
2) George Jones
3) Jim Reeves
4) Johnny Cash
5) Eddy Arnold
6) Marty Robbins
7) Bill Anderson
8) Webb Pierce
9)Ray Price
10) Sonny James
11) Faron Young
12) Porter Wagoner
13) Kitty Wells
14) Stonewall Jackson
15) Loretta Lynn
Notice all 15 are Hall of Famer’s with the exception of Stonewall Jackson. And he should be.
Like Webb Pierce and Faron Young (who like Stonewall, ruffled some feathers) the enshrinement may now come to the legend since he has passed away.
December 5, 2021 @ 2:26 pm
Stonewall is one of those borderline H-o-F cases.
I’d guess that his chances of ever being inducted are not helped by the industry’s current desire to distance itself from its connections to the segregationist old South and symbols of the Confederacy, which his name unfortunately–and maybe unfairly–connotes.
December 4, 2021 @ 7:54 pm
I really can’t put into words how underrated this man was in country music. One of the best hard country vocalists-of his era and used the banjo in a lot of his hits which gave him a distinct sound. If you haven’t already go listen to “Life to Go”, “The Lonesome in Me”, “and “A Wound That Time Can’t Erase” just to show how great he really was.
December 4, 2021 @ 7:58 pm
What a crying shame that he wasn’t recognized more. I purposely did “Life to Go” tonight as a tribute to a killer stylist
December 7, 2021 @ 5:30 am
“Life to Go” came to mind immediately on my learning of Stonewall Jackson’s passing. I just had to listen to it on the spot!
December 4, 2021 @ 9:40 pm
Great country music artist who deserved more credit than he got.
Stonewall, however, probably was well-prepared to meet his maker.
After all, for over sixty years he’d been reminding us that everybody has to meet his Waterloo.
December 4, 2021 @ 9:48 pm
If Country Music ever decides to create a Hall of Fame, I hope they put Stonewall in. He sang from the heart.
November 27, 2023 @ 12:41 pm
So Right
December 4, 2021 @ 11:35 pm
Loved Stonewall Jackson. Seen him many times on the Grand Ole Opry..He was true country and one of my favorite male country performers. He will truly be missed by myself and many.others
I especially loved his song “Don’t be Angry”
That I think was my favorite of his many hits
His family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
December 5, 2021 @ 5:01 am
I got my first guitar when I was 13- when I was 14 the first song I learned to strum was “Don’t Be Angry With Me Darlin'”
I’ve often wondered why he didn’t get more recognition.
December 5, 2021 @ 5:45 am
I’ve seen that tour bus parked out by his pond, and it always made me chuckle. I never got to meet him. It’s crazy to think that someone who is old enough to have a hit in the fifties was still on this earth last week. What a life! Rest easy, Stonewall!
December 5, 2021 @ 5:45 am
Rip, I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water has always been my favirite Stonewall Jackaon song
December 5, 2021 @ 6:00 am
By far my favorite country music singer … Truly underrated musician… Rest I peace Mr Jackson
December 5, 2021 @ 6:48 am
A true great in country music for sure . Always a favorite of mine . R.I.P. Stonewall Jackson .
December 5, 2021 @ 2:33 pm
Hi I Love All those song,
December 9, 2021 @ 6:26 pm
Stonewall Jackson is one of my favorite classic country artists; my favorite Stonewall songs are “Life To Go”, “BJ the DJ”, “A Wound Time Can’t Erase “, and “Why I’m Walking. “
December 5, 2021 @ 6:51 am
North Carolina lost a great son.
December 5, 2021 @ 7:23 am
I used to go to see him at the old KRNT theater, in Des Moines. The last time I saw him was
On a package show at the casino in Tama, Iowa. He always gave a great show, and seemed
to appreciate his fans. RIP
December 5, 2021 @ 7:40 am
Our beloved Opry continues on . It’s so sad to hear the passing of Stonewall Jackson. During my time employed as Janitor over the yrs got to meet and see the legands of music . From Mr Acuff to Bill Monroe and Grand pa so many have gone in past yrs. Let’s celebrate their legacy and continue to keep traditional country music traditional..RIP Stonewall Jackson..
December 5, 2021 @ 7:59 am
He told me that he liked my beard. I got a couple records autographed when I met him and he was a genuinely kind person.
December 5, 2021 @ 8:07 am
I got turned onto Stonewall Jackson by a close friend, who gushed and gushed about his music and insisted I listen to him and pushed an LP of his on me. No, this wasn’t some hipster friend while at a bar – it was an elderly woman from my small MN hometown, who even met and had a cup of coffee with Stonewall once at a small diner in Iowa after a show. But I had always trusted Bernice’s taste and I wasn’t disappointed, my collection of records expanded with as many digital copies of various albums and songs as I could collect. Bernice passed in 2010 at the age of 82 and now Stonewall is gone too. Rest in peace you ol’ picker…
December 5, 2021 @ 8:22 am
It really sickens me how country music has went very Rogue!!! Singers like Stonewall Jackson, Bill Anderson, and all the other classics are already gone or going. That tradition heart and soul is not there. This hip-hop new kind of country makes me sicker than anything.
December 5, 2021 @ 2:25 pm
BILL IS ALIVE AND DOING WELL. PLEASE DONT MAKE A COMMENT LIKE THAT!!!!!!
December 5, 2021 @ 3:17 pm
WHAAA READ MY COMMENT AGAIN!!! THINK ABOUT WHAT IM SAYING!!!
December 11, 2021 @ 12:59 pm
What about oh Mary won,t you weep for me? My cousin,s favorite song
December 5, 2021 @ 10:36 am
I hate to hear this Stonewall Jackson is a underrated artist that doesn’t get enough recognition, in my opinion. I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water is one of my favorite country songs.
December 5, 2021 @ 5:43 pm
Love to his family. Jesus is LORD AND SOON COMING KING
December 5, 2021 @ 10:52 am
I am a BIG Stonewall fan and play one of his CD’s anytime I am driving .He will definitely be missed by TRUE Country music lovers .His song LEONA is one of my favorites along with “I washed my hands in muddy water”. The sad thing is that very few so called Country Music stations play songs from the older C M Artists. R.I.P. Stonewall .
December 5, 2021 @ 5:17 pm
Leona was the 2nd song I learned to strum to- I play it even these days.
I got to see him once, in a dancehall/bar down here in Houston in 69- remember it to this day.
December 5, 2021 @ 12:12 pm
I remember him. My dad and I would sing his songs when I was young. I still have one of his albums put up. He and Jim Reeves were my favorites to sing with my dad.
December 5, 2021 @ 3:04 pm
I Remember Listenin to STONEWALL Singing His HIT SONG WATERLOO IN THE Early 1961 or 1962. The Song Was Playing on an Old Table Model Zenith Radio.
December 5, 2021 @ 9:07 pm
I have always enjoyed his music. I was talking to my mom the other day about him and telling her how he is still alive. RIP Stonewall. Thanks for many great tunes!
December 5, 2021 @ 9:19 pm
I miss all that old songs that played on the tv and radio. Country music has changed and it’s not that great anymore. We need those songs to comeback to listen and dance to. Stonewall is one and others in country music. Sometimes I don’t care to listen to this kind of country music I like the old honky tonk sound. Rip to stonewall and others that are gone and so is their music.god bless this time we still have.
December 5, 2021 @ 10:18 pm
MY MAMA SPOKE OF YOU A LOT MR.JACKSON!!!!! WE LOVE YOU….& SURELY YOU WILL BE MISSED,,,BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN…..
December 6, 2021 @ 1:55 am
Another super country performer who the “powers that be” in Nashville sadly put aside to cater to today’s so called country garbage. Stonewall always kept it real. He was the real thing. Heaven gained another treasure. RIP Stonewall.
December 6, 2021 @ 7:04 am
I was hoping he would get in the CMHOF before he died. I felt he was overdue for the honor, but with how the CMHOF does their inductions now it was a longshot. A Grand Ole Opry member for 55 years with multiple hits over years and years and not an induction into the CMHOF. This is why I have a problem with Ray Charles getting in this year. People who made their life about country music still haven’t gotten in, but there’s Ray. Taylor Swift will probably get in the CMHOF before Stonewall Jackson or Johnny Horton will.
December 6, 2021 @ 9:00 am
I had the privilage of meeting and talking with Stonewall in Omaha, Nebraska in year 1962, I believe it was ! I had a country western band then and he did invite me to Nashville and said he would do everything he could to give me some help in finding the right partner to get me started into the music business. Well, I didn’t go and wished I had ! But unfortunatley things happen that way sometimes. However, we did become pretty good friends that day I thought and after all these years, I will never forget that day ! He gave me food for thought and will be sorely missed . I’ll see you on the other side Stonewall ! RIP
December 6, 2021 @ 11:13 am
Glad to see that he found a career after the Civil War thing didn’t work out.
December 6, 2021 @ 2:03 pm
I got to hear Stonewall as a very young teenager growing up here in Canada , and fell in love with his music . He will always be one of my favorite singers . REST IN PEACE STONEWALL ????
December 6, 2021 @ 4:02 pm
Jesse McReynolds (92) along with Bobby Osborne (turns 90 on Dec 7th) are all current Opry members who are older than Stonewall.
December 18, 2021 @ 12:13 pm
Maybe, but they were talking about when they joined the Oprah, not just their age.
December 6, 2021 @ 7:22 pm
Sad to read this. Funny and sad that I read it here instead of seeing it on a news piece. Loved his music. It took him a while but he finally met his. A great singer and probably the last person to have that name. A parent would probably have their child taken away if they tried to name them that today. RIP Stonewall.
December 7, 2021 @ 1:44 am
A great sanger.
December 7, 2021 @ 2:50 pm
I used to hear Stonewall Jackson on the radio as a budding buckaroo,and he was an underrated singer,but after the 70’s,he seemed to disappear,whether to age and his,ummm,controversial given name (he was named for Confederate Gen .Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson,which would obviously pose MAJOR problems for him were he a 2021 newbie.Anyway,RIP,Stonewall!!!)
December 8, 2021 @ 11:16 pm
Stonewall Jackson never being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was a disgrace. For years I kept wishing he would be inducted while he was alive. Maybe by the grace of God they will put him in there now. He died on the night of my birthday. I will always remember that and will keep writing trying to get him into the Hall of Fame. It’s the right thing to do. Rest In Peace, Stonewall. Your fans certainly knew your value to country music.
December 9, 2021 @ 4:42 pm
Stonewall it was great having you as part of the family.
December 9, 2021 @ 4:44 pm
Mom always enjoyed seeing you and your band when you all pulled the bus in the driveway to visit and get something to eat. Rest in peace. ????????????❤️
December 10, 2021 @ 5:51 pm
R.I.P.
December 12, 2021 @ 11:23 am
I miss so many of the traditional classic country music singers, I could name so many. But those if us that really enjoy good country music know who they all are.
Wish they all could be singing here yet today. May Stonewall Jackson RIP along with all the other greatest that has gone on before.
December 12, 2021 @ 5:54 pm
Rodney Stewart
Stonewall Jackson was one of the greatest singers in the world he had his own way of singing that nobody else could match Im so lucky to have met him and had my picture taken with him his songs will live on forever. He is a legend in his own time.
December 14, 2021 @ 12:57 am
RIp Mr Jackson,!Was watching the Marty Stuart show a couple of weeks ago and his guest was Stonewall Jackson. Marty is very good about bringing on the older singers and musicians. Your family, friends are in my prayers. Will be greeted in heaven by a bunch of your fellow singers and musicians. A fan of the old music!!
December 17, 2021 @ 8:58 pm
Stonewall was a true gentleman and a great musician .
December 19, 2021 @ 9:16 pm
Country music will use you up, spit you out and forget you. Thats showbiz
March 12, 2024 @ 8:42 am
Stonewall Jackson.An unfortunate name to this great-grandson of Maryland slaves,but Stonewall Jackson was a Country legend.RIP,Stoney,you’ll NEVER be forgotten !!!!!!!
May 28, 2024 @ 2:58 pm
It’s sucking that he’s never on the ballot year after year . In todays hip hop country the pureness is gone . The story in a song is long gone .