One of the most beloved voices in the trucking world, Red Simpson, has passed away at the age of 81.
Simpson was known as a great writer, a creator of the “Bakersfield Sound” and a superb country singer; one of the few who called himself a trucker country singer. His albums were built around the life of a trucker and his most beloved songs included “(Hello) I’m a Truck,” “Roll Truck Roll,” “The Highway Patrol,” “Diesel Smoke, Dangerous Curves,” and “Nitro Express.”
Simpson started out writing music and had written his first song by 14. He was first asked to write about trucking by singer Bill Woods, and soon wrote the top 10 hit “Gonna Have Love,” for Buck Owens. From there on out he sometimes wrote for others and other times for himself, but regardless of who was playing, Simpson was doing a great deal to steer the growth of the “Bakersfield Sound.”
Simpson suffered a heart attack on December 18th and though he was thought to be recovering, he passed away on January 8th.
Source: gobytrucknews, overdriveonline, countrystandardtime, rollingstone
Image Source: Wikipedia
May you rest in peace Red…your Music was my Co Driver for many a year when I was on the Road and for that I’ll always be grateful…I’m retired now but still have you on full Volume in my Car…you left behind a Legacy that will be very hard to equal and no doubt Generations to come will still have the pleasure of listening to your Magical Voice…Keep on Truckin’ Red…
This comment won’t mean anything, but I remember I never listened to Selena’s music until she passed away. Now, I will be able to explore Red Simpson and his full legacy, even though this is not the best way to learn of him. Rest in peace.
I sure have appreciated red Simpson. He sang as if he lived from a truckers perspective. You will be greatly missed but always remain a legend.
He’s off to slow her down by rubbing her side,,,his ride on the nitro express has delivered him to trucker heaven. I enjoy his music as I traverse our great land. Couldn’t do it without him and the other greats of yesteryear! Thx
Thank you for your music sir. You died way too young. Wish the stupid radio stations still played real music like yours.You helped a lot of tired truckers stay awake till they got safely to their destination. God Bless you Red Simpson and RIP
RIP Sir. I grew up listening to you. Now that I’m driving a truck it means even more to me.
I was a very young child the first time I heard Red sing “Roll Truck Roll” on my uncle’s 8 track player in that old cabover he drove. I’m now a 30 year veteran driver, and I still have his music. I feel good every time I hear that steel guitar intro. RIP Brother Red…