Remembering Joe Diffie

• In a chilling sign of the times we are currently existing in, Variety reports that Country star Joe Diffie, who had a string of No. 1 hits in the ’90s, died Sunday afternoon from complications related to the coronavirus. He was 61.

A statement on Diffie’s Facebook page reads, simply, “Grammy-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29, from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19). His family respects their privacy at this time.”

It was just last Friday when Diffie became the first Country music star to go public with a coronavirus diagnosis, issuing a statement that read, “I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment. My family and I are asking for privacy at this time. We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic.”

Diffie, a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 25 years, had more than 20 top 10 country hits, five of which went to No. 1 — “Home,” “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets),” “Third Rock from the Sun,” “Pickup Man” and “Bigger Than the Beatles.” Two of his 13 albums went platinum and another two were certified gold. Variety reports Diffie was reportedly planning to release his first new album in seven years, titled I Got This.

Compass Media Networks is offering a 24-minute, six-song salute to Joe Diffie — Rowdy Yates Remembers is inventory-free, completely turnkey and ready now. Contact Doug Ingold at dingold@compassmedianetworks.com.

> Benztown has made available an Audio Tribute to Joe Diffie, written and voiced by Bill Royal and produced by Tom Green.

> The Mix Group has also created a nice audio tribute to Joe Diffie that you are invited to use. The password is “pickupman.”