Country music hitmaker Mark McGuinn has died at the age of 58. As reported by Taste of Country, he was most well known for his 2000s smash hit "Mrs. Steven Rudy".
His passing was confirmed via an obituary on Legacy.com. There, they explained that his country music career had begun following what was a promising soccer career.
"His teammates often spoke of his uncanny ability to play effortlessly while maintaining remarkable control of the game," the obituary explained. However, "an unfortunate but serendipitous injury ended his soccer career."
But this injury would prove to be life-changing for him, as he ended up moving to Nashville. There, he "made country music history" with his debut single, "Mrs. Steven Rudy", which was a smash hit.
Per the obituary, the song "became the first Top 10 country hit by a new independent-label artist in more than 40 years". As well as this, "his self-titled debut album also set records for an independent-label release."
Following his hit, he made other songs that hit the Top 40 but didn't generate the same amount of success that his debut did.
His cause of death has not been confirmed. He is survived by his children, Ella Rose and Charlie.
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Tributes Poured in for the Country Music Hitmaker
Tributes have poured in for the country music hitmaker.
One person on social media wrote, "'Mrs Steven Rudy' is an all-time classic song. Mark deserved a bigger career than what he had. What a talent. He will be missed, RIP."
Another posted a photo of himself with McGuinn. "I met Mark Years Ago when He was in Town in Lynchburg, VA at a Place called Cattle Annies that Later changes it's name to Phase 2. Rest Easy Mark and thanks for the Music you Played See You Again on Heavens Shore My Friend."
Someone on social media even said that they were going to honor the country music star by playing his hit song in the gym in the wake of his passing.
This is a true loss to the country music scene. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who knew him. May he rest in peace.
