Bee Spears
Photo Credit: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Bee Spears,
Willie Nelson's bassist for more than four decades, died of accidental exposure
at his Nashville-area home after he slipped and fell late Thursday (Dec. 8) outside his motor home. He was 62. Temperatures
in Middle Tennessee dropped to 25 degrees Thursday. Born Dan Edward Spears, he was a native of Helotes, Texas, and joined
Nelson's band in 1968 after being recommended by veteran steel guitarist Jimmy Day. In addition to his work as a touring musician,
he recorded with Nelson on numerous albums, including classics such as
Red Headed Stranger,
Stardust and
Always
on My Mind. He also played on recordings with
Waylon Jennings,
Jerry
Jeff Walker,
Guy Clark and the
Highwaymen,
the supergroup that featured Nelson, Jennnings,
Johnny Cash and
Kris
Kristofferson. His involvement in Nelson's band led to acting roles in films such as
Honeysuckle Rose,
Songwriter
and
Red Headed Stranger and the
Monk TV series. A message posted Friday on Nelson's website stated, "We are
deeply saddened by the death of family member Dan "Bee" Spears, longtime friend and bassist for Willie Nelson & Family.
We are still in shock and gathering details as the day continues." Nelson completed a series of tour dates on Nov. 19. His
next concerts are scheduled for Dec. 30-31 in Austin, Texas.
