Not quite two weeks ago (3/29/20) we lost Country Music Icon Joe Diffie. Jason Aldean talks about what a big influence Joe was on him.

Joe passed away from complications of COVID-19. It was a tragic loss to the Country Music Family. Anybody who has followed Jason Aldean’s career knows how big an influence the 90s superstar country singer-songwriter had on him.

“For anyone who’s been around country music for any length of time, and especially in the 90s, you know, everybody knows Joe Diffie’s probably one of the best vocalists that we’re ever had in country music,” Jason stated in an interview prior to the death of Joe. “Being a teenager of the 90s, you know, I grew up playing bars back then and playing a lot of those songs. ‘Hony Tonk Attitude’ and ‘John Deere Green,’ ‘Third Rock from the Sun.’ I mean, I came up in the clubs playing all that stuff.”

What is Jason’s favorite Joe Diffie song?

“Favorite Joe Diffie song? Probably ‘Home,’ which I believe was his very first single,” Jason shares. “Which I think kind of just showed what kind of vocalist he was. I think, you know, ‘Ships The Don’t Come In’ and ‘Home’ and some of that stuff like early in his career I thought were amazing.”

In 2013 Jason included a tribute to Joe Diffie called “1994” on his Night Train album. The music video for the song also featured appearances from fellow country music stars. Their appearance showed the influence Joe Diffie had on them as well. Watch the music video for “1994” by Jason Aldean below.

Rest In Peace Joe Diffie, you will be missed, but thanks to your music you will never be forgotten.

By: Buck Stevens