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Obituary for Larry Bastian, Celebrated Country Music Songwriter, Passes Away at 90
Larry Bastian, the prolific country music songwriter celebrated for penning hits for Garth Brooks, has died at the age of 90. Bastian, a significant figure in the country music landscape, passed away on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy of enduring songs and collaborations.
Celebrated Collaboration with Garth Brooks
Bastian achieved widespread recognition for crafting some of the most iconic and successful songs for country music superstar Garth Brooks. Their creative partnership resulted in numerous chart-topping tracks that have become staples of the country genre.
Key Songs Co-written with Brooks
- Unanswered Prayers
- The Dance
- Friends In Low Places
- Rodeo
Among their most notable collaborations were Unanswered Prayers, The Dance, and Friends In Low Places, all of which became major hits. “Rodeo” also stood out as a smash single, lauded for its memorable lyrics and catchy melodies.
In a 1995 statement, Garth Brooks lauded Bastian’s songwriting prowess, stating, ‘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.’
Wider Musical Impact
Beyond his work with Brooks, Bastian’s songwriting talent extended to collaborations with other prominent artists in the country music scene. He also joined forces with Conway Twitty on “Saturday Night Special,” Sammy Kershaw on “Yard Sale,” and Craig Morgan on “Look at Us.”
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His songwriting expertise was sought after by a diverse range of performers, including Janie Fricke, David Frizzell (with Merle Haggard), Reba McEntire, George Jones, Neal McCoy, and Rhett Akins. He mentored and supported numerous singers throughout his esteemed career.
The Genesis of “Unanswered Prayers”
The long-lasting friendship and professional rapport between Bastian and Brooks began many years prior to their greatest successes. Brooks was initially collaborating with songwriter Pat Alger on a song exploring themes of gratitude and divine wisdom, but they struggled to find the right direction.
It was Bastian who provided the crucial insight. Recalling the moment, Brooks stated, ‘He looked at me and said, “Oh, that’s straightforward. This song should be called Unanswered Prayers because some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers,”‘ as documented in the liner notes of his 1994 greatest hits compilation, The Hits.
From Biologist to Songwriter
Prior to his successful songwriting career, Bastian worked as a biologist. His transition into music was encouraged by figures like Buck Owens, Dewayne Blackwell, and Brooks himself.
‘There was no doubt in my mind that I could write a song,’ Bastian shared in a 2020 interview with The Paul Leslie Hour. He further reflected on the industry, ‘I think you have to be that driven to succeed, and then there’s a lot of luck. They have a saying, “You can’t get out of the way of a hit song,” and that’s so true.’