“Dylan’s producer Bob Johnston called Mac Gayden ‘the best guitar player I ever heard’ and a ‘genius genius genius.’ And who could argue? Gayden’s innovative wah-wah slide guitar playing crystalized J.J. Cale’s ‘Crazy Mama,’ and his bluesy touch deepened records by Kris Kristofferson, Charley Pride, and Linda Ronstadt. As a founding member of Area Code 615, Mac’s fingerprint was recognized at a time the world was becoming acutely aware of the blinding array, and virtuosity, of Nashville’s first-call Cats. His soulful songwriting eschewed genre, revealing a depth that reflected the whole city, and gave life to R&B classics such as the indelible ‘Everlasting Love’ and ‘She Shot a Hole in My Soul.’ His sheer musicality was a dazzling force, and his spirit a gift to us all.”

—Kyle Young, CEO
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

About Mac Gayden

As a musician and songwriter, Mac Gayden’s work often bridged the distances between Nashville’s country, R&B, and rock music communities. Gayden, who died April 16 at eighty-three, made lasting contributions to all three that demonstrated his unique musical perspective.

Born McGavock Dickinson Gayden and raised in a prominent Nashville family, Gayden pursued music as a career despite his family’s wish that he become a doctor. His guitar skills landed him a role with Charlie McCoy & the Escorts, who played at local events and in recording sessions.

While taking a break from a band gig at a Vanderbilt University party, Gayden heard R&B singer Robert Knight singing at a nearby party and felt compelled to introduce himself. Gayden and Buzz Cason later wrote a handful of songs for Knight to record, including the joyful “Everlasting Love,” a hit that inspired cover versions by artists including the Love Affair, Gloria Estefan, and U2. Gayden also scored cuts with Bobby Bare (“It’s Alright”), Clifford Curry (“She Shot a Hole in My Soul”), and Porter Wagoner (“I Want to Walk You Home”).

As a guitarist, Gayden brought a distinctive sound with his combination of slide guitar and wah-wah pedal. He played on J.J. Cale’s “Crazy Mama,” as well as on recordings by Bob Dylan—on whose “Blonde on Blonde” album Gayden appears uncredited—Kris Kristofferson, Tammy Wynette, and Steve Young. Gayden released his solo debut, “McGavock Gayden,” in 1972 and was also a member of the influential Nashville bands Area Code 615 and Barefoot Jerry.

Gayden chronicled his life, music, and search for inner harmony in a 2013 memoir, “Missing String Theory: A Musician’s Uncommon Spiritual Journey.” That same year, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featured him in its “Nashville Cats” interview series. Gayden was also a key figure in two of the Museum’s major exhibitions, “Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues 1945–1970” and “Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City.”

Watch Gayden’s “Nashville Cats” interview