Charlie Monk, “The Mayor Of Music Row,” Dies At Age 84

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Charlie Monk / Instagram

The country music community is mourning the death of Charlie Monk, who was known by his nickname “The Mayor of Music Row.” The Tennessean reports that Monk passed away at home on Monday (December 19). He was 84 years old.

Monk was a popular radio broadcaster, songwriter, and publisher with a career that stretched back for decades. Many of those who tuned in to SiriusXM’s country channels are likely familiar with him and his voice. He hosted programs on the Prime Country and Willie’s Roadhouse channels from 2004 through 2022.

Monk’s broadcasting career was recognized when he was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2019.

Before he joined the SiriusXM shows, Monk was more well-known for working in the music publishing side of things. He worked with many artists over the years, including Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and Garth Brooks:

Seriously, man, every time I talk to you, when I leave you, I’m ready to go out and kick the world’s a–,” Brooks said in a tribute to Monk when he was honored by the Nashville Association of Talent Directors. “And that is a gift you have. Thank you for sharing it with me.”

Monk was also known for co-founding the Country Radio Seminar over 50 years ago. The Seminar remains a popular event in the country music industry.

Following the news of Monk’s death, several artists, broadcasters, and organizations took to social media to pay tribute to him. You can read some of those tributes below.

Storme Warren

TG Sheppard

The CMA

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Oak Ridge Boys

The ACM

Katie Cook

Rhonda Vincent

Dolly Parton

According to The Tennessean, funeral arrangements for Monk are still pending. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this sad time.

May Monk rest in peace…

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About the Author

Miranda Raye

Hello, I'm Miranda, a lifelong country music fan! There are old home videos of me in my baby swing, swinging along to Dolly Parton and Ricky Van Sheltonโ€™s โ€œRockinโ€™ Years.โ€ Being able to unite my passions for storytelling, researching, and music into my work has been a dream come true.

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