Jody Payne, Longtime Guitarist for Willie Nelson, Dies in Alabama

From 1973 to 2008, Jody Payne played guitar in Willie Nelson's Family band. The Kentucky-bred musician died over the weekend in Alabama, where he lived with his wife, teaching guitar lessons. Willie has posted several tributes to his old bandmate on Facebook, starting with, "Sad to report that Jody Payne...

By Kiernan Maletsky

August 13, 2013

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From 1973 to 2008, Jody Payne played guitar in Willie Nelson's Family band. The Kentucky-bred musician died over the weekend in Alabama, where he lived with his wife, teaching guitar lessons.

Willie has posted several tributes to his old bandmate on Facebook, starting with, "Sad to report that Jody Payne passes away. Our friend will be missed."

Payne's resume also includes recording credits with Hank Snow and Leon Russell. He was most famous in Willie's band for his duet with the legend on Merle Haggard's "Working Man Blues."

Payne died of heart problems. He was 77 years old.

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