Tony Joe White, the songwriter behind such hits at “Polk Salad Annie” and “Rainy Night in Georgia,” died on Oct. 24 at his home in Leiper’s Fork, Tenn., according to the Tennessean.
Over his 50-year career in genres spanning country, rock, and R&B, Tony Joe White penned a number of tunes for stars such as Elvis Presley (“Poke Salad Annie”), Brook Benton (“Rainy Night in Georgia”), Dusty Springfield (“Willie and Laura Mae Jones”), Eric Clapton (“Did Somebody Make a Fool Out of You”), Tina Tuner (“Steamy Windows”), Willie Nelson (“Problem Child”), Kenny Chesney (“Steamy Windows”), Robert Cray (“Don’t Steal My Love”) and more.
Tony Joe White scored a Top 10 hit in 1969 with his recording of “Polk Salad Annie.”
“He wasn’t ill at all,” said his son, Jody White via the Tennessean. “He just had a heart attack . . . There was no pain or suffering.”
In recent years, Tony Joe White performed at Nashville’s AmericanaFest, including a BMI rooftop show at this year’s event.
Tony Joe White is survived by his wife, Leann; children Michelle, Jim Bob and Jody; and several grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
photo courtesy of Erika Goldring/BMI
