Joe Scaife, the man behind two of country music’s most ear-catching songs of all time, died last weekend at age 68.
Scaife produced Billy Ray Cyrus’ debut single and signature song, “Achy Breaky Heart,” in 1992 as well as Gretchen Wilson’s Grammy Award-winning debut single “Redneck Woman” in 2004.
In addition to these hits, Scaife was a part of popular songs for K.T. Oslin, Montgomery Gentry, Toby Keith, Shania Twain and more, according to Taste of Country.
Scaife’s wife, Danielle Godwin Scaife, confirmed the producer’s death on Facebook on Sunday, June 16.
“Our hearts are broken,” she wrote. “We love you so much Joe Scaife.”
Scaife graduated from Belmont University before settling in Nashville to focus on music, Taste of Country reported. He first saw success with the 1987 single “80′s Ladies,” which was a top 10 hit for Oslin.
Scaife’s daughter Jaela shared a tender Father’s Day post to the late producer on Facebook Sunday.
“You were the coolest hang there ever was. Anyone who knows me knows that there is no one in the world I love more than Joe Scaife. Words will never do him justice. He was the absolute coolest, most down-to-earth, incredible dad I could have ever asked for. I don’t know how I am going to make it without him, but I know he is going wide open on his boat in heaven. I love you so much daddy and I can’t wait to see you again. Happy first Father’s Day in Heaven,” Jaela Scaife wrote.
Joe Scaife also had a son named Tristan, according to Taste of Country. His cause of death was not revealed.
