Songwriter Jim Weatherly has died aged 77.
The country singer, who wrote the chart-topping hit song Midnight Train to Georgia, died at his home in Tennessee on Wednesday.
Music Row mogul Charlie Monk told the Tennessean the tragic news of the musician’s death.
Jim’s wife Cynthia asked Monk to share the news on behalf of the family.
The cause of his passing has yet to be confirmed.
Jim’s niece Catherine wrote on Facebook: “My ‘Uncle Jimmy,’ as I called him, has been called home to be with His Heavenly Father.
“Jimmy was undeniably so special in our family… He was a brother to my Mom, my Uncle Shan Weatherly, and my Aunt Sherrie Winter.
Midnight Train to Georgia songwriter Jim Weatherly has passed away (Image: WireImage)
“He was also, I know, like a father figure to them.”
Catherine continued: “We are grateful for Jim’s love and his legacy will continue to live on.
“Please pray fervently for his wife, Cynthia Weatherly, and his children, Zack and Brighton, as well as our family.”
Jim was born on March 17, 1943, in Pontotoc, Mississippi.
He began writing songs as a teenager before pursuing a successful career in music.
Jim began writing songs as a teenager (Image: WireImage)
Jim was a championship-winning Ole Miss quarterback before earning a living as a musician.
He was responsible for penning some of Gladys Knight & The Pips’ greatest hits.
These included Neither One of Us Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye, Midnight Train to Georgia, and You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me.
Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond, and Garth Brooks have all recorded their own versions of Midnight Train to Georgia.
Weatherly recorded record over 12 albums of his own in 50 years.
The star’s biggest solo hit was 1974’s I’ll Still Love You.
His music was also used in films and television shows such as Broadcast News, The Deer Hunter, Modern Family, Chicago Hope and Ally McBeal.
Tributes poured in for the country star after the news of his death was announced.
Senator Roger Wicker tweeted: “Gayle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Jim Weatherly.
“From his days as a quarterback at Pontotoc High School and Ole Miss, to his decades of writing chart topping hits across several different genres, he has always been a standout talent – a favourite son – of whom we could all be proud. My prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
