Joel "Taz" DiGregorio
Joel "Taz" DiGregorio, a longtime member of the
Charlie Daniels Band, died Wednesday
(Oct. 12) of injuries sustained in a single-car accident near Nashville. He was driving on I-40 to meet the band's tour bus
for concerts in Georgia and Connecticut. The keyboardist and vocalist was a founding member of the CDB and played in the group
for more than 40 years. He co-wrote the band's biggest hit, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," and others, including "The Legend
of Wooley Swamp" and "Simple Man." DiGregorio also released two solo albums,
Midnight in Savannah and
Shake Rag.
"I am in shock now," Daniels said. "Taz was one of my best friends. The CDB family has lost a great friend and musician. We
traveled many miles together and shared so many nights on the road. We're going to miss you, buddy. You were one of a kind
and will never be forgotten. We send our deepest condolences to the family." The CDB canceled its concerts scheduled for
Thursday in Cumming, Ga., and Saturday in Waterbury, Conn.
