The legendary guitarist behind a whole host of famous country songs has passed away at age 88. As reported by Saving County Music, Wayne Moss was a Nashville session player who worked with many country artists throughout his guitar career. He tragically died on Monday, April 20.
Wayne Moss was born on February 9, 1938 in West Virginia. He always wanted to be a musician: he grew up playing in bands in Charleston. But his heart was set on country music. He moved to Nashville in 1959 to pursue a music career.
And he certainly found one. He was scouted out by Hall of Fame piano player Hargus "Pig" Robbins, who hired him as a session musician. Moss ended up opening his studio, Cinderella Sound, where he worked as a record producer and songwriter. His studio became legendary due to his diligence and hard work.
You're probably asking, "just how much music did he help make?". Well, the honest answer is, it's easier to say what artists he didn't work with rather than the ones he did. But, some of his most famous credits on songs as a guitarist include: Bob Dylan's "I Want You"; Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman"; Dolly Parton's "Jolene"; and Waylon Jennings's "Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line".
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Tributes Have Poured in For the Famous Guitarist
Despite his name being relatively unknown unless you're a guitarist, his death has kicked up something important: just how influential he was.
Commentors on social media were keen to mention his pure skill. One wrote, "An iconic player and a sweet man. Rest easy Wayne!". Another commentor wrote, "Hadn't heard of Mr. Moss,but if he was the "Pretty Woman" guitarist,that alone made him a Country music icon.RIP,Wayne!!!"
The guitarist was also mentioned by the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Kyle Young. A post on social media reads, "Wayne Moss was a guitarist of dexterous skill and sophisticated taste, who contriuted to Bob Dylan's 'I Want You', Roy Orbison's 'Oh, Pretty Woman', and many more. A studio owner, a musical torchbearer, and a creative pathfinder, he left his own resounding stamp on music history."
Rest in peace to an absolute legend.
