When you talk about Joe Diffie there are a number of things that come to mind.  We all know that sadly he died early in the pandemic, as he was one of the first celebrities to pass away from the disease.  But when I think of Joe Diffie, I am thankful we have his great music to remember him by, as he was a terrific country singer.  It also turns out he would end up being exceedingly influential to many of today’s biggest stars. 

His First Single #1

His run on the country charts was very successful, and even though it was not as long as others he became a legend.  He entered during country’s biggest decade where the competition was fierce, but Diffie was a contender that held his own.  More than likely in a different era, he would have been even bigger. He was among the first “mullet men” with his look and style, he was just a dude.  I feel a whole lot of Diffie’s appeal was his image and the way presented himself, he reminded listeners of – themselves  – or at least someone they knew. 

Also From His First Album  #1

JD was well known for fun songs but it all began with a little song called, Home.  It was a heartfelt song that was his first release and big hit, going #1 in 1990.  He would make it to number one 5 total times, and being fair, there should have been more, as he was consistently an artist in the top ten for the next number of years.  But JD’s rise to the top of the charts was not an easy one as he was a poster dude for paying your dues.

One Of My All-Time Favorite Country Songs

Diffie was a demo singer in the 80’s, while trying to be a song writer as well.  Then he got his own record deal and things changed. As good as his recording career was, his career as a composer was on par with his singing.  He wrote or co-wrote songs for some of the biggest names in country at the time including a big hit for the late Holly Dunn, JoDee Messina, Tim McGraw, and others.  He also was part of other honored collaborative projects that were very well received.

Big Song Here

Not too bad for a great high school athlete who later worked in the oil fields of his native Oklahoma. He was a truck driver, and word is he had the grades to go to medical school, but in the end it was country music.  Those experiences were the ones that shaped the “every guy” image that served him well.  Diffie was as real as they came – married multiple times with multiple children.  One of them, a son born with special needs that inspired Diffie to seek out some exceptionally powerful songs during his career.

Big Number 1

That was the Diffie magic.  Yes, he could sing the fun, sometimes silly party songs, but the poignant songs is where Diffie really shined.  His versatility was enviable with his song range being as wide as anyone. Listeners loved his music, and they loved who he was.  As much as any artist of his time, his outward persona and image drove his popularity, and by singing songs from the underdog perspective and living musically in the same world as the people who bought his albums and concert tickets.

Huge Hit

Joe Diffie  – A very different kind of star during Country’s biggest decade – that in itself  – was a very different time.  He was right on time.  I loved hearing Joe Diffie sing a country song.  

Joe Diffie  – 1958-2020