Jody Payne, guitarist who toured with Willie Nelson for 3 decades, dies at age 77

Jody Payne, a guitarist who toured with Willie Nelson for more than three decades, has died. He was 77.

Nelson publicist Elaine Schock told The Associated Press she received an email from Payne’s granddaughter Saturday saying the guitarist died that morning.

According to a 2011 profile in The Mobile Press-Register, Payne toured with Nelson from 1973 to 2008. He retired to Stapleton, Ala., with his wife Vicki. There he continued playing music, teaching the guitar at a local music store.

More details on Payne’s death were not immediately available. A call to Payne’s home was not answered.

A post on Willie’s Nelson’s Facebook page about Payne’s death Saturday said, “Our friend will be missed.”

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles