Country music legend Jack Greene, best known for his 60s hit “There Goes My Everything,” died Thursday at his home in Nashville. He was 83.
USA Today reports the longtime performer passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Born in Maryville, Tennessee, Greene developed an early passion for music, purchasing his first guitar at age 10, and forming his own band, The Peach Tree Boys, at age 20.
Nicknamed the “Jolly Green Giant,” both for his lofty stature and bubbly personality, Greene began his professional music career as a drummer for the legendary Ernest Tubb in 1961. A few years later, Jack kicked off his solo career, opening shows for Ernest playing guitar and singing.
Greene released his first solo record in 1964 and made his chart debut in 1965 with “Ever Since My Baby Went Away,” which peaked in the Top 40.
In 1967, Jack’s single “There Goes My Everything” catapulted him to solo stardom, landing at No. 1 on the music charts for seven weeks, and earning him Male Vocalist, Single and Album of the Year at the first-ever CMA Awards.
Though Greene’s success cooled off considerably toward the end of 1970, he continued to record and appear on the Grand Ole Opry, where he had been a member since 1967.
He sang “There Goes My Everything” at his final Opry performance on Dec. 16, 2011.
Greene lived his final days with his dedicated manager serving as his caretaker.
Following Jack’s passing, several country stars took to twitter to offer their condolences.
Blake Shelton wrote:
“Very sad to hear about the passing of Jack Green. He and I performed his song “Statue of a Fool” at the Opry years ago.. True hero.”
Musician Chris Young added:
“It’s just sad he’s gone.”
Listen to Jack Greene Sing “There Goes My Everything” below: