Country star Walt Aldridge dies at 70 after mystery | Music News

Country music star Walt Aldridge has died at the age of 70 following a long battle with an unspecified sickness.

The iconic songwriter, who racked up more than 20 gold and platinum data during his profession, handed away on November 19.

His death was announced by Alabama‘s FAME Recording Studios & Publishing Co, his longtime publishing company.

They wrote on Facebook, “We are deeply saddened to say that our dear friend and colleague Walt Aldridge has passed away.

“We can not probably put into phrases how a lot Walt meant to the the FAME household! There was a time in the 80’s when Walt’s songwriting along with Robert Byrne, Tommy Brasfield and Mac McAnally carried the most of the weight of the Muscle Shoals Music industry through a troublesome time in our historical past.

“Walt spent 17 years as staff songwriter, musician and engineer at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals. He worked on some 200 records in that length of time.”

During his profession, Walt labored with major artists including Billy Ray Cyrus, Lou Reed, Clarence Carter, Marie Osmond and Billy Oceans.

His hit songs embody I Loved Her First by Heartland, There’s No Getting Over Me by Ronnie Milsap and Some Things (*70*) Change by Tim McGraw.

Walt wrote or co-wrote 56 Top 40 songs on the Billboard nation charts, FAME added, and he was named one of their top 10 writers of the 12 months twice.

He was awarded seven primary recor CMA certificates and over 30 efficiency awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

The nation music star was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017 and into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 2018.

The trigger of his death hasn’t been confirmed. Walt is survived by his spouse Stephanie, his daughters Rachael and Hannah, and 9 grandchildren. 

His obituary reads, “James Walton Aldridge, Jr. was born November 12, 1955, in Florence, Alabama. He was a loving son, an amazing husband, a devoted brother, a kind father and a faithful friend.

“After a long and brave battle with sickness, Walt safely entered the arms of Jesus on November 19, 2025. His religion stored him strong amid the toughest battles.

“He was assured of Heaven and knew that his complete healing was waiting for him just on the other side of the veil.

“Walt spent most of his life in the Muscle Shoals space. He was an award-winning musician, singer, songwriter, engineer and file producer. He started his profession at Fame Studios working carefully with Rick Hall and many other wonderful musicians.

“He has had many songs recorded by various artists and achieved the great honor of being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

“Walt’s other pursuits included looking, fishing, touring, and woodworking. But his most liked pastime was his garden. He proudly grew his greens and flowers every 12 months. He often said it made him really feel linked to his own Dad.

“More than anything else, though, he loved his family! His greatest joy came from time spent with them.”