John Anderson, the country music singer renowned for his distinctive gravelly voice and hits such as "Swingin’" and "Seminole Wind," died Wednesday at the age of 71. His publicist, Don Murry Grubbs, confirmed that Anderson passed away in his sleep, with the singer’s family posting on social media early Thursday to honor him as “a gifted country music singer whose voice and songs touched countless lives.”

A native of South Florida born in 1954, Anderson began playing guitar as a child. Though initially drawn to rock ’n’ roll, his musical direction shifted after his mother introduced him to a country album by Ray Charles. However, it was the work of Merle Haggard, who would later become a friend, that ultimately inspired Anderson’s lifelong dedication to country music. “I heard ol’ Merle Haggard and got turned on to his ‘greatest hits’ album,” Anderson told Pollstar in 2024. “That’s when I fell in love.”

He moved to Nashville in the 1970s, seeking success in the music industry, but experienced only limited recognition until 1982. That year, his album "Wild & Blue" brought him widespread attention, featuring the song “Swingin’,” which became a country music anthem and remained a staple in his performances throughout his career. Reflecting on the song decades later, Anderson said he could never imagine leaving it out of his setlist.

Anderson's career was marked by resilience, with periods of quiet followed by notable comebacks. After a lull in the late 1980s, he returned with the critically praised album "Seminole Wind," a tribute to his home state of Florida, celebrated for showcasing some of his strongest vocal work. His final album, "Years," was released in 2020.

In 2024, Anderson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a milestone he described with gratitude. “I’m just glad I’m alive to see it,” he told Rolling Stone at the time.

Until his passing, Anderson remained active in the country music community, regularly touring and performing, including appearances at the Grand Ole Opry and collaborations with contemporary stars like Blake Shelton. Just days before his death, Anderson attended the Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where Tim McGraw was among the honorees.

McGraw expressed his sorrow on social media, writing, “We talked, we laughed, we sang his songs that I loved so much together, just goofing off. I am completely heartbroken by his passing. There will never be a stylist in music, any music, that was so defining as his.” Shelton also shared his grief, calling Anderson “my hero” and reflecting on their close friendship.

John Anderson’s influence and distinctive sound left an enduring mark on country music, shaping the genre over nearly five decades.