BILLY EARL MCCLELLAND

BILLY EARL MCCLELLAND 1950-2013 Billy Earl McClelland, noted guitarist-songwriter and member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, died Thursday, October 3, 2013, from complications following a heart attack, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama. He was 63. Born in Cusseta, Alabama, in 1950, McClelland grew up with dreams of becoming a musician and sharing his music with the world. Fortunately for his audiences, his talent and tenacity allowed him to live that dream. Despite the competitive environment in Nashville's closely knit musician-songwriter circle during the '80s, this son of Alabama laid tracks on sessions with Hank Snow, Willie Nelson, Delbert McClinton, Mel Tillis, Brenda Lee, Townes Van Zant, Tanya Tucker, B.J. Thomas, and many others. Although they were prominent songwriters in their own right, artists such as Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., Jerry Jeff Walker, T.G. Sheppard and others chose to record McClelland's compositions. McClelland was an exclusive writer for Sony Tree Publishing Company, an enviable perch in the aggressive songwriter arena worldwide. Considered one of his most famous tunes, "Old Nashville Cowboy," co-written with Rock Killough and recorded by Hank Williams Jr., is still both a domestic and international favorite on radio playlists. In 1990, Skip McQuinn, renowned producer Chips Moman's top engineer on award-winning Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard albums, set up a recording studio on Memphis' famous Beale Street and tapped McClelland to move to the Bluff City to partner on his projects. McClelland's soul could not have found a better home. His passion for the blues infused many recording, most notably his production of Big Bill Morganfield's first album, engineered by the Mike Durff. Other important projects with McClelland at the helm include Mojo:Saint, a contemporary blues album, with veteran drummer David Brazeal and Wet Willie's bassist Jack Hall. The song "Blue Monday" from that endeavor became the name of a band headlined by McClelland that played regularly. Noted for his onstage charisma, matched only by major solo artists, McClelland was selected to play many blues festivals throughout the Southeast. After working with prominent blues artists such as Bo Diddley and Albert Collins, McClelland released his own album Judgment Day in 2000. Produced by McQuinn, the tracks captured the essence of McClelland's live, intensely soulful performances by placing the musicians in a circle on the studio floor allowing McClelland to effortlessly release the personality of his live performances. All the major blues magazines embraced the album with rave reviews. McClelland is a BMI songwriter and has publishing companies with SESAC and ASCAP. McClelland is survived by his loving partner, Marie Leak, daughters Suzanne McClelland, Jessie McClelland-Shurum, and Jenna McClelland, son Michael McClelland. Grandchildren, Alyssa Healy and Sarah Shurum. Brothers, Paul (Beverly) McClelland, Micky (Marsha) McClelland, and Tommy (Beth) McClelland, numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends. He also leaves behind the mothers of his children, Kathy McClelland and Barbie McClelland. The family would like to express great thanks to Bobby and Vivian Cooper. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2013 from 6-8 PM CST in the Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Parlor. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 12 PM CST in the Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Valley, Alabama at 1:30 PM CST. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. www.FrederickDean.com Funerals & Cremations Since 1900