The Austin music scene has lost a legend. Freddy Powers, performer and songwriting partner to Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, passed away after a 12-year battle with Parkinson’s disease yesterday. He was 84 years old. While Powers had a hand in writing some of country music’s biggest hits, he is best known for writing “Let’s Chase Each Other Around the Room” and “Natural High,” both number-one songs for Haggard.
Besides composing with Haggard, he was also his rhythm guitarist for over twenty years. For Willie Nelson, he co-produced his 1981 LP Somewhere Over the Rainbow and performed with him during his performance at Austin City Limits in 1984.
Powers was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2004. Soon after, he started the Freddy Powers Parkinson Organization for Texans who are struggling with the disease.
Watch the Austin City Limits performance where Powers performs with Willie Nelson below.
https://youtu.be/vjNPNIeRbi8
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If you are interested in reading more of Lauren Gribble’s news posts, you can head to her website Listen Here Reviews.
