Oct 28, 2007

Porter Wagoner dies of lung cancer at Alive Hospice in Nashville, with former duet partner Dolly Parton at his side. Known for his flamboyant rhinestone suits, he hosted an influential syndicated TV show and became an unofficial spokesman for the Grand Ole Opry. He joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2002

Nov 6, 2007

Hank Thompson dies of lung cancer at his home in Keller, Texas. Combining western swing and honky-tonk, he became best known for "The Wild Side Of Life" while earning a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame

Nov 18, 2007

Steel guitarist John Hughey dies of a heart ailment at Hendersonville Medical Center in Tennessee. He played on hits by Conway Twitty, Vince Gill, Dolly Parton and Barbara Mandrell, among others

Nov 29, 2007

Comedic singer Jim Nesbitt dies of a heart ailment at his home in Florence, South Carolina. He earned hits during the 1960s with "Please Mr. Kennedy" and "Looking For More In '64"

Nov 30, 2007

Ralph Ezell dies of a heart attack in South Dakota. He played bass for Shenandoah, which put together a string of hits during the late-20th century, including "The Church On Cumberland Road," "Two Dozen Roses" and "Next To You, Next To Me"

Dec 16, 2007

Dan Fogelberg dies from prostate cancer at his home in Deer Isle, Maine. The pop singer/songwriter recorded a 1985 country album, "High Country Snows," supporting it with a backing group that spawned The Desert Rose Band

Dec 30, 2007

Songwriter Paul Roberts dies in California. He authored the 1943 Elton Britt country hit "There's A Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere"

Jan 6, 2008

Record producer Ken Nelson dies at his home in Somis, California. A former Capitol Records exec, he produced key recordings by Merle Haggard, Sonny James, Buck Owens and Faron Young, earning membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame

Jan 7, 2008

Fashion designer Bill Belew dies of diabetes at the Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California. He created the black leather outfit for Elvis Presley's comeback special and the jumpsuits The King wore on stage in his final years

Jan 8, 2008

Songwriter/producer Clyde Otis, best known for his work with R&B singer Brook Benton, dies at Englewood Hospital in New Jersey. He wrote the country hits "Endlessly," "Till I Can't Take It Anymore" and "It's Just A Matter Of Time"