Larry Bastian dead: Songwriter behind Garth Brooks hit Friends In Low Places dies

A legendary country music songwriter has died at the age of 90. Larry Bastian was best known for his work with the likes of . The duo worked together on huge tunes including Unanswered Prayers, The Dance and Friends In Low Places.

Larry died on Sunday April 6, his son, Nick, confirmed. Writing on , he said: "The Lord called Dad home last night. He went on to describe how he and his brother, Chris who has passed away, were given the chance to ride tote gotes, tractors, harvesters, horses and airboats by their dad, who also took them to work.

He taught us at a very young age gun safety, along with teaching us hunting and ,” Nick said. “He let us be boys which seems to be a dying thing these days."

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He added: "Thank you Dad for inspiring in how I raised my kids. I took them to work with me and raised them to be free range country kids and now they are raising their's the same way. I love you Dad, give Chris a big hug, tell him I love him and I'll see you all soon."

In 1995, Garth said of the songwriter: "If one looks down the list of music's greatest writers of all time, I couldn't imagine the list being complete without the name of Larry Bastian."

Larry had first began his songwriting career in the 1970s. He had previously been a biologist. He went on to connect with Bonnie Owens and other musicians to create the the Bakersfield Sound.

Other singers Larry had coached in his career included Janie Fricke, David Frizzell, Conway Twitty, Reba McEntire, George Jones, Neal McCoy and Rhett Akins.

Speaking of his talents in 2020, Larry said: "There was no doubt in my mind that I could write a song." Speaking in an interview with The Paul Leslie Hour, he added: "I think you have to be that driven to succeed, and then there’s a lot of luck. They have a saying, 'You can’t get out of the way of a hit song,' and that’s so right."

Fans were quick to pay tribute to Larry following the sad news. One user on /X wrote: "Remembering Larry Bastian, the songwriting legend behind Garth Brooks' hits like "Unanswered Prayers" & "Rodeo". His influence on country music is timeless #LarryBastian #CountryMusic."

Another added: "Farewell to a true legend," before a third penned: "Well as we all know sometimes the Lord calls on us. RIP, QEPD . Larry Bastian or as I used to call him "Lorenzo Sebastian" he will truly be missed. One of the best writers I have ever worked with. Check Out These Songs."

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