Former Charlie Daniels Band Guitarist Dies

Posted by Jacob Ryan on 01/17/2011
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Tommy-Crain
John Thomas “Tommy” Crain, a Nashville area native and former Charlie Daniels’ Band member, died on Jan. 13 in Franklin, Tenn. He was 59 years old.
 
Crain contributed on more than 20 albums and helped pen more than 60 songs during the 15 years he spent with the band, according to a press release.
 
Charlie Daniels said Crain will always be a part of the band’s family.
 
“We have lost a good friend and the world has lost a unique, creative and precious human being,” he said.
 
In 1989, Crain parted ways with the band to spend time with family in Tennessee.
 
Crain was preceded in death by a daughter, Ella Helen Crain. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas Crain; a wife, Melissa Williams Crain; a daughter, Ann Crain McDuffee; a grandson, Hunter McDuffee; a brother, Billy Crain; a sister, Sherry Crain Arledge and many nieces and nephews.
 
Crain held employment with Rogers Remodeling and Southbound Trains, both of Franklin, Tenn., at the time of his death.
 
A memorial service for friends and family will be held and donations can be made to the Nashville Local Chapter of Musicians on Call, 131321 Ave. Oxford House, Suite 1002, Nashville, Tenn. 37232.