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Country Songwriting Legend Larry Bastian Dies at 90
Celebrated country music songwriter Larry Bastian, renowned for his collaborations with Garth Brooks on chart-topping hits such as “Friends in Low Places” and “Rodeo,” has died at the age of 90. In a career spanning decades, Bastian penned some of country music’s most beloved songs.
Son’s Tribute and Legacy
The news of the esteemed songwriter’s passing was shared by his son, Nick Bastian, on Facebook. Nick confirmed that Larry Bastian died on Saturday, April 6, in California.
In his social media tribute, Nick Bastian wrote, “The Lord called Dad home.” He further reflected on his father’s influence, stating, “He taught us at a very young age gun safety, along with teaching us hunting and fishing. He let us be boys, which seems to be a dying thing these days.”
Nick’s tribute continued, emphasizing his father’s lasting impact on his own parenting: “Thank you Dad for inspiring in how I raised my kids. I took them to work with me and raised them to be free range country kids and now they are raising theirs the same way. I love you Dad.”
Collaboration with Garth Brooks on Hit Songs
Garth Brooks, reflecting on their enduring partnership in 1995, lauded Bastian as “one of music’s greatest writers of all time.”
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The country music icon stated, “If one looks down the list of music’s greatest writers of all time, I couldn’t imagine the list being complete without the name of Larry Bastian.”
Beyond the celebrated hits “Friends in Low Places,” “Rodeo,” and “The Dance,” Bastian also co-authored the immensely popular track “Unanswered Prayers” with Brooks and fellow songwriter Pat Alger in 1991, solidifying his place in country music history.
“Unanswered Prayers” Story
Brooks’ deep admiration for Bastian led him to share the story behind “Unanswered Prayers,” featuring the songwriter, in the liner notes of his 1994 compilation album, “The Hits.”
Recounting the song’s creation, Brooks wrote, “Pat Alger and I worked on this song quite a long time without a hook, without the line. We passed it by Larry Bastian, and it was as if it was meant to be. Larry, his wife, Myrna, and I were taking a walk down 18th Avenue, and he looked at me and said, ‘Oh, that’s simple. This song should be called ‘Unanswered Prayers’ because some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.’”
Brooks further revealed the personal significance of the song, stating, “This is probably the truest song I have ever been involved with as a writer. This actually happened to my wife and me when we went back home to Oklahoma. Every time I sing this song, it teaches me the same lesson…happiness isn’t getting what you want, it is wanting what you’ve got.”
Broad Songwriting Career and Philosophy
Throughout his distinguished career, Larry Bastian penned songs for a constellation of country music stars, including Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Reba McEntire, and Buck Owens, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal within the genre, in addition to his significant collaborations with Garth Brooks.
Songwriting Drive and Success
In a 2020 interview on “The Paul Leslie Hour,” Bastian offered insights into his songwriting approach, stating, “That type of drive, first off, you have to know that you can do it. There was no doubt in my mind that I could write a song. I think you have to be that driven to succeed, and then there’s a lot of luck.”
He further remarked on the unpredictable nature of hit songs, adding, “They have a saying, ‘You can’t get out of the way of a hit song,’ and that’s so right.”
Passing Amidst Brooks Allegations
Bastian’s death occurs as Garth Brooks faces ongoing sexual assault allegations from his former makeup artist, creating a somber backdrop to the celebration of the songwriter’s life and impactful career.