Josh Turner Shares Heartbreaking Tribute to John Anderson: ‘He Was Like a Father to Me’
Turner was among many country artists who took to social media to pay tribute to the late Country Music Hall of Famer.
Josh Turner, John Anderson; Photo Courtesy Josh Turner
Tributes to Country Music Hall of Famer John Anderson continue to pour in following his unexpected passing, and Josh Turner’s tribute to the late country icon is especially touching.
On Friday, just two days after Anderson’s death at age 71 shocked the country music community, Turner took to social media to remember the kind of man, friend and mentor Anderson was to him. Alongside a gallery of photos spanning several years, Turner opened up about the profound impact Anderson had on his life and career, admitting that paying tribute to his longtime friend was “one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to post.”
“John Anderson was my hero, my friend, my mentor, and was like a father to me. I first met him in 1998 and he has welcomed me with open arms ever since. He always treated me as an equal and never looked down on me for being 22 years younger,” Turner shared.
Turner went on to express his disbelief over the loss, reflecting on the lessons he learned from Anderson and finding comfort in knowing his friend had been happy and full of life in his final days.
“I learned so much from him and I can’t even believe I’m typing these words. I’m so thankful he knew Jesus, he didn’t suffer, and was happy and full of life leading up to this moment. I’ll get to see him again one day but right now, my heart really hurts. Please keep his family in your prayers. He was a one of a kind singer, songwriter, performer, and human being. Long live the music and legacy of John David Anderson.”
Turner’s tribute reflects the lasting impact Anderson had on those who knew him, both personally and professionally. Jason Aldean was another country star who remembered Anderson, sharing how the singer’s music influenced him from a young age.
Aldean revealed that he grew up listening to Anderson’s albums on vinyl with his dad and even learned to play guitar to his music. Over the years, Aldean had the opportunity to meet Anderson and perform alongside him several times, experiences he said he would always be grateful for.
“Pretty devastated to hear John Anderson passed away today. This guy was one of my all time favorites. One of the nicest people I have ever met and one of the coolest and most stylistic singers that has ever graced a microphone. I grew up listening to my dad’s vinyl John Anderson albums and learning to play guitar to them. I was fortunate enough to meet and even get to perform with him a few times over the years and I will forever be grateful. Thanks for the songs that were such a big part of my early years and for the influence you and they had on me and my music. Rest easy bud.”
These are just two of the many tributes shared by artists following Anderson’s passing. Other artists like Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Chris Janson, and more previously took to social media to honor their friend and hero.
The Country Music Hall of Famer and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member died peacefully in his sleep on October 21. Known for his distinctive voice and unmistakable style, Anderson leaves behind a lasting musical legacy that includes beloved hits such as “Swingin’,” “Seminole Wind” and “Straight Tequila Night.”
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
You may also like
Country Next
Playlist
On Repeat
Get the latest country music news delivered straight to your inbox.
