Tony Joe White, the songwriter behind such hits at âPolk Salad Annieâ and âRainy Night in Georgia,â died on Oct. 24 at his home in Leiperâs 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 (âPoke Salad Annieâ), Brook Benton (âRainy Night in Georgiaâ), Dusty Springfield (âWillie and Laura Mae Jonesâ), Eric Clapton (âDid Somebody Make a Fool Out of Youâ), Tina Tuner (âSteamy Windowsâ), Willie Nelson (âProblem Childâ), Kenny Chesney (âSteamy Windowsâ), Robert Cray (âDonât Steal My Loveâ) and more.
Tony Joe White scored a Top 10 hit in 1969 with his recording of âPolk Salad Annie.â
âHe wasnât ill at all,â said his son, Jody White via the Tennessean. âHe just had a heart attack . . . There was no pain or suffering.â
In recent years, Tony Joe White performed at Nashvilleâs AmericanaFest, including a BMI rooftop show at this yearâs 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