Townes Didn't Wait Around To Die

On this date back in 1997 the music world has lost one of its greatest songwriters. John Townes Van Zandt better know as Townes Van Zandt died of a cardiac arrhythmia after falling weeks before down concrete steps at his home and not taking immediate medical attention. Townes later went into the hospital with his ex-wife and friends and had surgery after finding a injury to his leg. After the surgery his ex-wife Jeanene signed him out of the hospital against doctors orders. Townes was extremely irritated after being in extreme pain and being a lifelong alcoholic ordered his wife to get him drink. After drinking a flask of vodka and smoking a joint Townes son Will found him not breathing and looking dead. Townes died 44 years to the day of his idol Hank Williams death who also had a bout with alcohol. I've picked Waiting Around To Die to honor Townes is one of the most powerful songs and videos I've seen. From his beautiful voice eerily foreshadowing his life story to the black man shedding a tear behind him listening to the songs lyrics unfold, touching him in a way no other song has ever done before. Not too many songwriters can sing their own lyrics and bring a man to tears but here Townes did just that. RIP Townes may you never be forgotten.