Earl Cranston Clark, who wrote songs for the likes of Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, and Tim McGraw, has passed away.
Born in South Carolina, Clark found his rhythm in Nashville. According to an obituary on the Jefferson County Leader, Clark got his start in country music by driving tour buses for country stars like Ernest Tubb, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Jerry Reed. He went from driving tour buses to writing music for some of the most celebrated country artists out there.
Clark wrote songs like "Can't Break It to My Heart" for Tracy Lawrence, "What She Left Behind," which appeared on Tim McGraw's self-titled debut in 1993, and "One Step at a Time" for George Strait. "Can't Break it to My Heart" had more than two million plays, while "Renegades, Rebels and Rogues," sold a million copies.
Clark is also considered one of the country music's most prolific Native American (Lumbee Indian tribe) songwriters. He reportedly had more than 80 songs published by BMI in Nashville.
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Clark is survived by siblings; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. His visitation and funeral services were held on July 14 in Cedar Hill, Mo.
